Today marks the 67th anniversary of the surrender of Singapore to Japan during World War II.

Much has been written about those dark days of conflict, the horror of the war and the sufferings of POWs interned in Changi.

But for many of us way to young to remember, these are just stories, things that happened a generation ago, glimpses of life back then retold only in movies complete with a Hollywood spin.

When we think of local war resistance heroes, names like Lim Bo Seng and Elizabeth Choy may spring to mind. But there were many others, just common folk, each of whom played a small part despite the mortal danger involved, never losing faith that one day soon, freedom will return to our tiny island and the process of healing can begin.

I was fortunate enough to meet one of these unsung heroes many years ago while writing for The Straits Times which was doing a special series to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Singapore fall to the Japanese in 1942.

Halford Boudewyn was in his early 20s when war arrived in Singapore.

Life, as expected, was tough.

Food was in short supply, civilians especially young males, were being systematically executed and you would never know which day would be your last.

So Hal did what he needed to do to survive, growing his own vegetables, swiping a loaf of bread when the opportunity arose, making sure he bowed down low at the mere sight of a Japanese soldier walking’ by.

But when asked to risk his life smuggling documents from under the nose of the enemy, he jumped at the chance to help. You can read more about his story here.

Hal like many others from that era, has since passed away but their sacrifices shouldn’t be forgotten – especially not today …