Lynne Copping Remembers Pulau Brani
Posted by Lam Chun See under Reflections
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Hi,
I saw Lam Chun See’s (a Friend of Yesterday.sg) request for childhood memories on Memories of Singapore and have posted one comment about kampongs on his blog.
I have helped to set up a website for ex Singapore school pupils of British Forces schools, and we have so far had four terrific reunions. (only in England, maybe one day we will make it to Singapore). There are lots of photos of old Singapore on Alexandra Grammar.
My father was army, but in the water transport as a navigator on the landing crafts. I lived on the small island of Pulau Brani and went to the army primary school from 1958-1961 and then lived there again from 1963-1966, when I went to Alexandra Grammar School at Gillman Barracks and St Johns Comprehensive in Dover Road.
Pulau Brani Primary School
Any items on Pulau Brani on the internet do not mention the army school, , nor the fact that the British lived there for about 50 years - only the two local schools - as if we never existed.
Alexandra Grammar School and Alexandra Secondary Modern School were both at Gillman, and in 1964 the older pupils moved into the brand new buildings of St Johns Comprehensive School in Dover Road (now the United World College), with the first and second year secondary pupils staying behind in the old Alexandra Grammar building which was renamed Bourne School. At first only 1st and 2nd years stayed in the old buildings, but I believe that the following year it was changed to 1st, 2nd and 3rd years, but someone who went to Bourne would have to confirm that. All I remember is that my brother and I went into the 3rd and 4th years in the new school, by ferry and then bus from Jardine Steps.
School ferry leaving Pulau Brani
I have started collecting a lot of photographs of Pulau Brani, so if any of your readers have any, I would be most interested. It was a wonderful place to have a childhood, and I have many fond memories of it. By the way, some of my photos are on display in the Singapore Naval Museum.
1968 Photo of Pulau Brani
1968 Photo of Pulau Brani
My amah lived at Kampong Saga (I think it was called) in a house on stilts. I believe that they were relocated to Tanjong Belayer. Is there any way that I could perhaps find out where she moved to? We called her Taliap, but I have an old wedding photo of her, with a Chinese name on it. From memory, I think that it was Sim Geck Siam; but I would have to look for it and check.
I read your articles on kerosene lamps and elections. I remember that we had a visiting night market, (weekly/monthly ??) and the smell of a kerosene lamp takes me right back to those days. I can also remember the campaigning for the elections, with speakers and posters, but can’t remember when that was.
So many memories, I have lots more.
By the way, (like Chun See), one of my favourite authors is Neville Shute, and A Town like Alice my favourite story, (and film - the original black and white version). Requiem for a Wren (one of Chun See’s favourites) mentions my home town of Ellon (about page 18 or thereabouts) !!!!
Regards,
Lynne Wilson (now Mrs Copping)
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(16) Comments
Posted by: Roger Braga
Posted on: December 29th, 2009
Interesting site - I attended Alex.Sec.Mod. school from 1958 - 1960 (My father was in the Army). We, my parents, 1 brother and 2 sisters lived in Johore, Jalan Tarom. It appears that anyone who lived in Singapore/Malaya at that time treasure the times we spent there. It was all really like a wonderful dream that never ends. I worked for an airline 1969-1992 and visited S'pore many times as I was engaged to a lovely Chinese girl whom I met on holiday in London. Sadly it didn't work out but I took a great number of photographs of S'pore between 1980-82. I hope to sort them out one day and write about my life growing up in the forces. It was a unique and priviledged experience being surrounded by all the difference races, their customs and way of life, and even the awful drain smells, all combined to create indelible memories. Long may they last. I do remember being friends with Mark Hinchcliffe (AGS), and David & Alan Fuller, John & Gary Haynes, Lorraine Shaw, the Smales sisters - all in Johore living near us. Where are they now I wonder. If anyone has any photos of ASC, I would appreciate a photo of the building as I never managed to get any myself. Many thanks.... Roger Braga (Essex)
Posted by: Seow Kong Song
Posted on: January 10th, 2010
I recognised all the photos posted as I was born and grew up in the island until the Gov resettled us to the Mainland in the'70. I had a wonderful and exciting time growing up in the island. Last year, my island friends organised a first Pulau Brani gathering held at the multi purpose hall at Holand Close after leaving the island 40 years ago. A good 150 of the island friends turn up at the gathering, please view photos at: http:/pulaubrani.blogspot.com.
Posted by: Mark Jackman
Posted on: March 12th, 2010
I lived in Medway Park off Dover Road. Our garen backed onto the Warren Golf Course and St Jphn's which is now United World College. My father was in the army. I wnr to Wessex Junior Scool in Portsdown Road. My childen now go to Tanglin Trust School on the same site. My mother taught at Bourne School and my older sister went there after leaving Wessex. This was all in 1970-71. My Dad's regiment was one of thelast to oleave Singapore. It wa sthe best years of my childhood! I have the last Wessex Junior School magazine. It's history.
Posted by: Peter Robinson
Posted on: March 17th, 2010
I was the second in command of 37 Maritime Squadron RCT, from Feb 66 to Aug 68. The Squadron operated, harbour launches, patrol boats and small landing craft, manned by a mixture of locally enlisted soldiers and War Department civilian crews. 74 and 75 Landing Craft Tank Squadrons, were also based there, together with a Maritime Workshop and Boat Stores. Larger RFA ships, LST's and LSL's moored nearby, whilst waiting to load/unload in the docks or the Tanjong Belayer hard. There were single and married quarters, officers and sergeants messes, and a school. Two malay kampongs and a small tin mine were there also. On the other side of the Selat Singkir Channel was Blackang Mati (now renamed Palau Sentosa), with 2/10 Gurkha Rifles. Both islands were dotted with old fortifications, and gun positions. Military ferries ran to Jardine Steps, and a vehicle ferry to Tanjong Belayer (10 Port Squadron RCT) A famous member of P Brani was Hadji Mansoor, the foreman waterman, responsible for the slipway. He had served from before WW2, and awarded the BEM, as well as visiting Mecca, twice. His curry puffs were mouth watering. Kim, our pigman (chinese, not malay!!) ran a farm, which made money for the soldiers welfare fund. We had several boats in Borneo during 'confrontation', and also provided inshore patrols round Singapore. A very happy unit where all races got on well together, and respected each others culture. I left in Sep 68, to join 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade in Hong Kong. I still have some contact with Hussein bin Armad, who was a Captain, commanding a vessel troop.
Posted by: anhar
Posted on: April 1st, 2010
a former island boy,would more former islander
Posted by: Lynne Copping
Posted on: April 26th, 2010
I have at last found my old amah. My brother was on business in Singapore and mentioned to his hotel porter that he had spent his childhood on Pulau Brani. So had the porter, so my brother showed him some old photos on his laptop. Looking at one of our amah with my older brother, he said 'that's my mum' !!! My brother went to see her the next day and I went a couple of months later. It was wonderful.
Posted by: Lynne Copping
Posted on: June 26th, 2010
Message for Peter Robinson. Did you know my father on Pulau Brani, WO2 **** Wilson (Tug), he had been an army glider pilot during the war and as well as having an ocean watchkeeper's badge on his uniform he also had his wings.
Posted by: Lynne Copping
Posted on: June 26th, 2010
I see that the computer will not recognise my father's name, it was a diminutive of Richard, must not be PC these days !!!!
Posted by: g) Chan
Posted on: February 19th, 2011
I came across this web page (yesterday.sg while researching for information on Dover Road and the St John's Garrison Church. The church was handed to the Anglican church in Singapore in 1971. This year marks our 40th anniversary. If you had attended the church before it was handed over to us, please share some stories and photographs (if any). I would like to hear from you. If you should come to Singapore from now till end of the year, please let me know. We would be delighted to meet you and show you around. Thanks Best regards Ephraim Chan
Posted by: Lynne Copping (nee Wilson)
Posted on: April 11th, 2011
We have a very active Singapore Schools reunion group (for ex Forces children), and I will post your message on our site to see if anyone has any memories. I know that a few people had their confirmation there.
Posted by: Lynne Copping
Posted on: April 12th, 2011
Message for Chan:- Hello Chan I was in Singapore Naval Base from 1957 to 1960 and aged 14 was confirmed in this church in 1958. I cannot remember the name of the minister and his wife, they were quite unconventional and today would be called "whacky". Thanks for info on the website. Sandra Laine (nee Trundle)
Posted by: john gray
Posted on: July 16th, 2011
my father was wo2 on the landing craft and we lived in pulau brani from 1955 to 1958.great memories of swigging tiger beer when the officers mess closed i was 5 years old.went to the beach everday.
Posted by: Lynne Copping (nee Wilson)
Posted on: September 7th, 2011
Dear Sir, Do you have an email contact for Peter Robinson, who posted the following comment? If so could you please pass on my email to him, as he may have been in the army with my father. Thank you:- Posted by: Peter Robinson Posted on: March 17th, 2010 I was the second in command of 37 Maritime Squadron RCT, from Feb 66 to Aug 68. The Squadron operated, harbour launches, patrol boats and small landing craft, manned by a mixture of locally enlisted soldiers and War Department civilian crews. 74 and 75 Landing Craft Tank Squadrons, were also based there, together with a Maritime Workshop and Boat Stores. Larger RFA ships, LST's and LSL's moored nearby, whilst waiting to load/unload in the docks or the Tanjong Belayer hard. There were single and married quarters, officers and sergeants messes, and a school. Two malay kampongs and a small tin mine were there also. On the other side of the Selat Singkir Channel was Blackang Mati (now renamed Palau Sentosa), with 2/10 Gurkha Rifles. Both islands were dotted with old fortifications, and gun positions. Military ferries ran to Jardine Steps, and a vehicle ferry to Tanjong Belayer (10 Port Squadron RCT) A famous member of P Brani was Hadji Mansoor, the foreman waterman, responsible for the slipway. He had served from before WW2, and awarded the BEM, as well as visiting Mecca, twice. His curry puffs were mouth watering. Kim, our pigman (chinese, not malay!!) ran a farm, which made money for the soldiers welfare fund. We had several boats in Borneo during 'confrontation', and also provided inshore patrols round Singapore. A very happy unit where all races got on well together, and respected each others culture. I left in Sep 68, to join 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade in Hong Kong. I still have some contact with Hussein bin Armad, who was a Captain, commanding a vessel troop.
Posted by: Lynne Copping (nee Wilson)
Posted on: September 7th, 2011
Message for John Gray: We have an active ex Pulsu Brani group. Please email me at singaporeschool.reunion@gmail.com Thank you.
Posted by: Equaggoo
Posted on: November 15th, 2011
Lynne - I also served on landing craft in about 1958 - 1961 & remember your father ("Tug") very well. John Cockle
Posted by: Azman Abu Bakar
Posted on: November 29th, 2011
Hi everyone.. My name is Azman... I was a native of pulau Brani.. I was born in that house on stilts you mentioned in Telok Saga and I lived there till 1974. Sadly we had to make way for development and all the islanders had to vacate the island by the mid 70's. But the memory lived on with me.. Of the beautiful evening sunset over the ocean and the rustic charm of the island. I sometimes wish I can turn back the clock and be that child in the tranquil island... The calming wave and the patter of raindrops on my zinc roof...
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