Reflections at Bukit Chandu

In this age of social media, people are more susceptible to misinformation. It could mislead, eventually becoming detrimental to society. Misinformation or mental deception is also prevalent in wars– labelled as propaganda.

During World War 2, bombs were not the only weapons dropped by Japanese planes on Allied forces.

The Japanese also waged psychological warfare by dropping propaganda leaflets behind Allied lines, urging the defending troops to give up the fight by playing on both their hopes and fears.

This is one of the propaganda posters currently on display at Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

Note and warning: the leaflets contain language that is racist and violent.
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Planning a visit? Head over to go.gov.sg/visit-rbc for more information!

Does this spot look familiar?

This was a photo of the lounge located on the second floor of Reflections at Bukit Chandu, back in 1980s.

The former occupants of the bungalow could gaze at the strait and Pasir Panjang landmarks from this lounge while savoring the sea breeze.

Bukit Chandu commanded a beautiful view of the strait. The four bungalows that were constructed on this hill in the early 1930s likely served as housing for the European employees of the nearby O***m Packing Plant. But they were not the only residents – there was also a village called Kampong Tengah. In the 1980s, Kampong Tengah was destroyed, along with three of the other bungalows.

This bungalow, however, still stands today and was preserved in 2003. What remains notable about it is its Art Deco features, such as segmental archways.

Originally, a surface layer of finely ground granules called Shanghai plaster was used to cover the building's façade.

Photo:
31G Pepys Road, c.1986, Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.

the Malay Regiment resumed their service on September 1945– a month after the British regained control over Malaya?

The regiment grew over time and by 1955, the Malay Regiment had seven battalions. The expansion also demanded more resources to sustain.

Here’s a column from Singapore Standard in 1951, advertising a tender notice for the Malay Regiment’s white canvas shoes.

Credit:
Advertisements Column 2 Singapore Standard, 6 September 1951, Page 4, courtesy of National Library Board.

🎨 Dive into history with our exclusive museum merchandise! From exclusive Reflections at Bukit Chandu tote to a boonie hat, we've got a piece of history for everyone. 🏛️ Don't just learn about history, wear it! Explore our collection today and take home a piece of culture!

Planning a visit? Head over to go.gov.sg/visit-rbc for more information!

After World War 2 ended, the Malay Regiment continue to inspire the nation with their unwavering fighting spirit– participating in crucial events such as the 12-year long conflict between Malaysian Communist Party and British colonial administration of Malaya.

Here’s an excerpt from The Straits Budget, acknowledging the accomplishment of one of the pioneer soldiers of the Malay Regiment.

“MAJOR MOHD. TAIB, 40, who was promoted recently is the fifth Malay Major in the Malay Regiment. He joined the Regiment when it was formed in March 1933.– Malay Regiment P.R. picture.”

Photo:
Article from The Straits Budget, 7 August 1952, Page 18.

– British Entrenching Set

Slit trenches were constructed in defensive positions to shield soldiers from enemy fire and shrapnel. All non-commissioned infantry soldiers received this set of entrenching tools. It is made up of a webbing cover with loops and buckles for securing the handle, a cast-iron head with a shovel end and a pick end, and a handle that slots into the head's hole. It was employed not only for digging but also as a weapon.

See the artefact up close at Reflections at Bukit Chandu! For more information, head over to go.gov.sg/visit-rbc

Photo:
WWII British Army entrenching tool set, c.1942-1945, Collection of National Museum of Singapore

Decades after the intense battle of Pasir Panjang, the public expressed their interest to have a monument built in honour of the men of the Malay Regiment. This public outcry came in the form of letters and articles.

Check out this Straits Times article that was published on 25th February 1992– highlighting the importance of the Malay Regiment’s role during WWII.

Credits:
1. Article ‘Honour WWII defenders of Pasir Panjang Ridge’ from The Straits Times, 25 February 1992, Page 28.

2. Set of 21 photographs taken around Pasir Panjang in the 1970s, c. 1970s, Gift of the Harmer family, Collection of National Museum of Singapore.

3. Defence on Malaya, Malays on guard, c.1942, courtesy of Imperial War Museum.

The Malay Regiment was revived on September 5, 1945, one month after the British took back control of Malaya. Its initial members were all veterans of the military operation of 1941–1942, but the regiment grew especially with the subsequent Malayan Emergency's struggle against the communists. By 1955, the Malay Regiment had seven battalions.

It changed its name to the Royal Malay Regiment on April 9, 1958. The present-day Malaysian Army has two infantry regiments, one of which is the Royal Malay Regiment.

Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum.

Step aside durians; here comes Singapore’s OG King of Fruits 🍍

Back in the 19th century, Singapore was an important centre for the global pineapple canning industry – where pineapples from our island took the crown for being the best in quality. In 1907 alone, 846,000 cases of preserved pineapples were exported from Singapore. 🌴

While Telok Blangah is now a charming housing estate, the area along Pasir Panjang Road was once home to this sweet, tangy, tropical delight.

Uncover more fun facts about the history of our museum when you visit our gallery today!📍

From brick workers to o***m workers, Singapore’s labour force has come a long way. ⚒️

Back in the 1930s, the packaging of chandu (o***m) was done at the O***m Packing Plant at Pasir Panjang, where chandu was filled into small metal tubes. This was to combat contraband chandu and
regulate o***m consumption. ❌

A highly mechanical process, the factory used large drums fitted to hydraulic o***m-filling machines and sealing machines to prevent the tube from being refilled with contraband material. The sealed tubes were then weighed to ensure they contained the right amount – nothing more and nothing less.

Head down to Reflections at Bukit Chandu to see the machinery up close and learn more about Singapore’s economic diversity in the 1800s 🏭

Turning clay into bricks may look simple in Minecraft, but did you know it involves a rather complicated process IRL? 🧱

Alexandra Brickworks was the first brickyard in Singapore to do so using modern machinery on a large scale. Clay, in its hard and dry form, required heavy crushing machinery to disintegrate the lumps and high explosives were also used to dislodge the rock from its natural bed.

Several laborious ⚒️ processes later, the wet mixture is filled into moulds and pressed, ready to be dried at the kiln. The firing of the bricks is the most crucial stage of all, where an underfired brick will, in time, crumble away, while one done ideally will last for centuries

Visit Reflections at Bukit Chandu to uncover other unique jobs of the past, including the OG fishermen of Singapore – the Orang Laut (Sea People) 🌊

What is a Hokobukuro?

It was a form of canvas drawstring bag for the Japanese soldiers to store their most prized personal items, such as their sake (rice wine) cups. The soldiers drank from these cups to celebrate the victories and to honour their fallen comrades.

Hokobukuro was one out of the three types of bags kept by the Japanese soldiers during the war – kichohin–bukuro and imon–bukuro were the other two bags.
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Want to see the artefact up close?

Head to go.gov.sg/visit-rbc to find out more about our museum!

The HMS Sussex was a British Royal Navy heavy cruiser of the London class that primarily served in the South Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. In 1940, while docked at Glasgow, Scotland, it was bombed during a German air raid. Following repairs, the ship was redeployed to Southeast Asian waters in late August 1942, where it took on the role of Eastern Fleet flagship.

In 1945, it sailed to Singapore to aid in the city's liberation, where it became a firsthand witness to the Japanese surrender. On the ship, General Seish*to Itagaki signed the instruments of surrender on September 4, 1945.
The ship was decommissioned in 1949 and broken up at the Dalmuir naval yard in 1950.

Photo:
HMS Sussex c.1945, Collection of National Museum of Singapore

, 4 September 1945, 2 days after the instruments of surrender was signed on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, General Seish*to Itagaki signed the instruments of surrender on board HMS Sussex at Keppel Harbour– one of the other locations where the document was signed.

After which an official surrender ceremony was held at the Municipal Building (now called City Hall) eight days later on 12 September.

The agreement effectively marked the end of the Occupation. Within 24 hours of the signing, Allied troops had reoccupied Singapore and clocks were set once again to Malayan time.

Photo:
Japanese officers arriving on board the HMS Sussex, c.1945, Collection of National Museum of Singapore.

Major Ismail Babu, who was born in Batu Gajah, Perak, in 1916, enlisted in the Malay Regiment in August 1933 and rose to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. At Point 270, which is close to the Gap, Ismail took part in an intense combat during the Battle of Pasir Panjang.

He went back to Perak following the capitulation, where he later joined the anti-Japanese guerrilla network– Force 136.
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Who were the Force 136?

The British Special Operations Executive (SOE), a secret service agency active during World War II, included Force 136 in Malaya. Members of Force 136 were tasked with enlisting and educating local guerillas to help the British invasion of Japanese-occupied Malaya. They were also tasked with gathering intelligence and setting up an underground spy network.

Photo:
1. Postcard of Batu Gajah Government Offices, c.Early-mid 20th century, Collection of National Museum of Singapore.

After the Japanese had surrendered in 1945, leaflet such as this was dropped by Allied planes throughout Singapore, to inform the surrender of the Japanese and, the news of the Allied victory– written in Jawi, Chinese, Tamil and Japanese.

The leaflets were addressed to the citizens of Malaya and the Japanese soldiers, highlighting the naval battle in Okinawa including the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It also revealed the explosive power of the atomic bomb– 2,000 times stronger than a regular bomb—created by the Allied forces.

Photo:
1. Allied leaflet on Japanese surrender (in Jawi), c.1945, Collection of National Museum of Singapore.

, August 15, 1945, the "Jewel Voice Broadcast," or "Gyokuon-hoso," informed the populace of Japan's capitulation. The speech was delivered by Hirohito in formal, florid Japanese; it was the first time an emperor had ever spoken to the nation via radio. The emperor advocated for "prosperity and happiness" for all people, but he never mentioned "surrender." He continued to support Japan's earlier aggression instead. He also referred to "a new and most cruel bomb," which was used to justify the capitulation.

This is the official English translation as reported by The New York Times and recorded by the Federal Communications Commission.

Photo:
The Emperor, Hirohito, c.1945, courtesy of Australian War Memorial.

As part of Singapore’s National Day month, we will be launching a series of interactive IG story trivias– remembering the fallen heroes who were part of Singapore’s milestone towards independence.

Jump right into the action and see whether you have what it takes to be part of the Malay Regiment!

Check out our stories on these following dates to be part of the action!

14 Aug: Training Grounds
21 Aug: Pasir Panjang Ridge
28 Aug: Point 226

, we’re commemorating Singapore’s 58th year of independence and to celebrate it, we’re opening our doors to everyone!

Enjoy free admission today when you visit us at Reflections at Bukit Chandu!

For more information head to go.gov.sg/visit-ccm

“I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.”
- J. Robert Oppenheimer

The end of World War Two was imminent as the Japanese forces were stretched thin and their resources diminished heavily after the US embargoed Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbour.

Air attacks by the US over the South Pacific prompted the Japanese forces to pivot their focus seawards, whilst defending their occupied territories.

In 1945, as the Allies inched closer to the final development of The Manhattan Project– a nuclear weapon program led by the US with the support of Britain and Canada– and with the joint-attack by Russia and China on land, the Japanese began to withdraw.

, 6 August 1945, US dropped their newly crafted atomic bombs on Hiroshima, Japan and another on 9 August 1945. The devastation was unprecedented. Japan halted their resistance and surrendered– ending the Second-Sino Japanese War and World War Two.

Photo:
1. The atom bomb attack on Hiroshima, Japan, c.1945, courtesy of Australian War Memorial.

2. The atom bomb attack on Nagasaki, Japan, c.1945, courtesy of Australian War Memorial.

Before the Imperial Japanese Army faced off with European colonial powers in Southeast Asia, Japan had already begun its conquest as early as 1895– in the First Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War.

The success of colonising Taiwan and making majority parts of Korea its protectorate emboldened Japan to further implement their Southern Expansion Doctrine– starting with China.

Here’s a brief timeline of the rise and fall of the Japan’s imperialism in the Asia-Pacific.

Photo:
1. Photo of Mukden Incident from Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus.

2. Para rubber plantation near Medan, c.1910, Collection of National Museum of Singapore.

3. Attack on Pearl Harbor, c.1941, courtesy of Australian War Memorial.

4. Fine types of young Americans (negatives by Cranstone), c.1942, courtesy of Australian War Memorial.

5. A model of the atomic bomb ‘Fat Man’ dropped on Nagasaki, c.1945, Australian War Memorial.

The Malay Regiment might have been based in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaya in March 1933, however, the troops were formed by men from all over Malaya such as Taiping, Perak where Lieutenant Ibrahim Sidek was from.

As the situation in Europe intensified in 1939, the British Government was pressured to expand the Malay Regiment.

One additional company known as ‘W’ Company was recruited in February 1940, stationed at Normanton Oil Depot in Singapore.

A main mode of transport to ferry the troops during that period was via the railway directly connecting Malaya to Singapore.
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Journey through time with travel-themed exhibition and discover Singapore’s transformation into a global hub. Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore through Travel, 1800s–2000s, is happening now till 19 November 2023.

Photo:
'See Malaya by Railway' poster (Taiping, Perak), c.1930, Collection of National Museum of Singapore.

Surrender and detainment did not mark the end of the struggle for some soldiers of the Malay Regiment. Lieutenant Ibrahim Sidek, Lieutenant Ariffin Haji Sulaiman, Lieutenant Abdul Wahid Judin, Lieutenant Abdullah Sa’ad and Lieutenant Abbas Mohd Saaid were five officers detained at Farrer Park and chose death before dishonour.

Here’s a quote by Sharifah Khadijah Hamid, widow of Lieutenant Ibrahim Sidek, sharing about the honourable death of her late husband.

Image courtesy of National Library Board.

Check out the weapons that the Malay Regiment were equipped with during World War 2 at Reflections at Bukit Chandu. Discover stories such as Private Yaacob Bidin’s battle at Reformatory Road and the significance of the weapons displayed.

Experience the mayhem of war when you step into the Into Battle section of the museum.

Planning a visit? Visit go.gov.sg/visit-rbc for more information.

The Imperial Japanese Army was equipped with rugged and reliable weapons and equipment. These included the bolt-action 0.25 calibre Arisaka Type 38 rifle. Introduced in 1905 and named after its inventor Lieutenant-General Arisaka Nariakira, this was the standard rifle used by Japanese soldiers in Malaya and Singapore.

This rifle has a long barrel that made it unwieldy but kept recoil low. Every soldier was also issued a bayonet, which was fixed onto the rifle for use during bayonet charges.

Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial.

How important was the Bren gun during World War 2?

The Bren’s portability proved an effective weapon in jungle warfare. Its heavy calibre rounds were able to pe*****te the thick vegetation with little resistance.

Eventually, combat tactics were built around these guns, including in anti-tank warfare. Despite carrying small arms ammunition, the Bren was useful to obstruct the vision of enemy tanks, in turn creating an opening for main anti-tank artillery to come through.

Initially a Czech firearm, the Bren fulfilled the British Army’s goal to replace both the Vickers and Lewis guns in the 1930s. Assembly lines were set at the Royal Small Arms Factory in 1935, with the first finished product appearing in September 1937.

Photos:
Informal portrait of 6/973 Private Barry Scott of Irishtown, Tas, of A Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), c.1956, courtesy of Australian War Memorial

Before the Bren-gun became one of the most important weapons of WW2, the Malay regiment also utilised weapons from WW1 such as the British Army’s Vickers and Lewis gun.

The Vickers was considered to be the best medium machine gun, while the Lewis – American-designed but refined by the English – was the most effective light machine gun. However, their impressive performances were not without issues.

The extremely heavy Vickers machine gun struggled with mobility and required a significant amount of water to cool down. These factors meant it worked best only in a static defensive role.

Meanwhile, the Lewis guns – although lighter – were still bulky, and its barrels tendency to overheat meant it was unable to maintain sustained rates of fire.

How did the Bren-gun compare to them? Find out more on the next post!

Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial.

Almost 180 years ago, Telok Blangah Hill–about 5km away from Reflections of Bukit Chandu– was renamed “Mount Faber” after Captain Charles Edward Faber, who constructed the road and signal station there.

Did you know that the tranquil hill’s high vantage point made it an ideal location to detect enemy vessels back in the days? Today, it’s a go-to for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Photo:
View from Mount Faber, 1920s – 1950s, collection of National Museum of Singapore

The Japanese Occupation in Singapore officially ended with the formal surrender ceremony held in 1945 in the Municipal Building (present-day City Hall).

A grand victory parade was held after to celebrate the occasion. The war had ended, but the stories of the soldiers and civilians’ courage and resilience live on.

Learn about the bravery and fighting spirit of the soldiers during the Battle of Pasir Panjang at the Reflections of Bukit Chandu.

Photo: Allied Victory Parade at the Padang, 12 September 1945, Gift of Mr. E. Nunn, collection of National Museum of Singapore

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Here’s a sneak peek of last Sunday’s special tour where our visitors dived deeper into the stories of soldiers during the Battle of Pasir Panjang with our friendly docent. Thank you everyone for coming!

It’s your last chance to join us for our exclusive docent guided tour and enjoy our special thematic snack pack inspired by wartime recipes, available only this Sunday, 11 Sep. 🥥🍞

Each ticket also includes a round-trip shuttle bus from the National Museum. Register now at https://go.gov.sg/rbc-guidedtour. Terms & conditions apply.

What drives the passion of a long-time war and military memorabilia collector? Learn more about the experiences of Alvin Lee of Alvin’s Bunker, as he shares his experiences, challenges and opportunities over the years as a collector on 10 September, 11am to 12pm.

Slots are limited, so register now at https://rbc-collectingmilitaria.peatix.com.

In commemoration of the end of the Japanese Occupation in 🇸🇬, join us for a special guided tour of Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

Discover the lesser-known stories of the Malay Regiment soldiers🪖 who took the last stand in the Battle of Pasir Panjang before Singapore fell, and tuck into a thematic snack pack 🍞🍨 inspired by wartime recipes.

Each ticket includes a round-trip shuttle bus from the National Museum.

Sundays, 4 & 11 Sep | 10am – 5pm |
Meeting point: National Museum of Singapore Level 2 Bus Bay

$8 per adult (above 12 years old) and $5 per child (7 to 12 years old) (includes admission to galleries).

Limited spaces. Visit https://go.gov.sg/rbc-guidedtour for tickets.

Terms & conditions apply.

Celebrate National Day with us at the National Museum!

Written by the curators of Reflections at Bukit Chandu, this catalogue and compendium offers a closer look at the history and stories of Pasir Panjang. From the history of the Malay Regiment and the Battle of Pasir Panjang in February 1942 to how Bukit Chandu (Malay for “O***m Hill”) got its name, discover the rich past of the area from the early 14th century till today.

Don’t leave Reflections at Bukit Chandu without a copy of the catalogue, which can be purchased from the Visitor Services counter at $18 (including GST).

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Hari Raya Haji is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice which just concluded its celebrations on Tuesday. Come learn about the sacrifices of the Malay Regiment in the Battle of Pasir Panjang as we remember the soldiers’ courage at Reflections at Bukit Chandu Free admission for Citizens and Permanent Residents.

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How did Bukit Chandu or “O***m Hill” get its name?

This photograph, taken from Bukit Chandu, shows the exterior of the sprawling former O***m Packing Plant. The plant was opened in 1930 near the foot of this hill, which became known as Bukit Chandu.

The O***m Packing Plant was abandoned when the Japanese invaded Singapore in 1942. On 1 May 1942, the Japanese restarted the plant with the aid of two detained British engineers to supply o***m to its conquered territories.

Come learn more about the history of Bukit Chandu at Reflections at Bukit Chandu

📷: O***m Packing Plant, c1940s–1950s, Harrison Forman, Courtesy of the American Geographical Society Library, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries

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A Father, A Warrior

Bapak
Dikenang jasamu semasa berlalu
Perjuangan bumi ini bualan beribu
Budak gembala ditakdir soldadu
Peperangan kejatian lelaki menentu
Kau gigih cekal dan tabah
Telaga kasih – berbudi – bahasa mesra
Kupahat cermat sebuah memori bapak
Terserlah sentiasa di lubuk minda

Father
Your sacrifice honoured across time
Your defence of this land, the talk of thousands
The shepherd boy fated to be a soldier
Through war, a man was made
You were grit and determination
Abounding with love, care and warmth
I carve with care this memory of you
Forever deep in our remembrance.

Shaffour

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On father’s day, we remember the sacrifices by valiant Malay Regiment soldiers during the Battle of Pasir Panjang.

This poem was written as tribute by Siti Shaffour bin Ismail, the eldest daughter of Major Ismail Babu, on 15 January 2002.

Major Ismail Babu was born in 1916 in Batu Gajah, Perak. He joined the Malay Regiment in August 1933 and became a Regimental Sergeant Major. During the Battle of Pasir Panjang, Ismail was involved in fierce fighting at Point 270 near the Gap.

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School’s out! Spend a meaningful time with your young ones at Reflections at Bukit Chandu as you unveil the stories behind the Battle of Pasir Panjang and the men of the Malay Regiment who fought in it. Look out for the digital interactives too for a more immersive experience.

Longyamen or “Dragon’s Teeth Gate” was a rocky outcrop that flanked the maritime entrance to the Old Strait of Singapore between Telok Blangah and Pulau Blakang Mati.

This painting shows one of the pillar-like rocks that made up Longyamen, with Bukit Chermin in the background. Known to locals as Batu Berlayar or “Sailing Rock”, it was situated near present-day Labrador Park.

The rocks that made up Longyamen were blown up in 1848 to widen the entrance to New Harbour, later named Keppel Harbour.

Come learn more about the rich history of the Pasir Panjang area at Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

📷: Watercolour sketch of the western entrance to Keppel Harbour, c. 1845−1848, John Turnbull Thomson, Collection of National Museum of Singapore