Al Taylor, who served in the Royal Air Force Far East in Singapore from 1955 to 1958 writes to the Jalan Kayu Trail to describe his memories of being stationed in Singapore.
From the very moment I landed on Singapore soil I was at home, the Gharri trip to RAF Seletar amazed me with sights, sounds and aromas that excited me. When I left England Meat, Food, Clothing was still on the ration (a War time Measure), most other produce was scarce… On my first visit to Jalan Kayu I was astounded at the selection of fruit etc that was just accepted locally, and only some ten years before this wonderful island had been under Japanese occupation. Bananas, Coconuts, Pineapples were all new to me so when I was introduced to a freshly made drink of crushed Pineapple and Ice as you waited just astounded me. The only time I had eaten Rice was made with milk as Rice Pudding so to find that Rice was the Staple diet and not Potatoes was another cultural experience.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have any photographs of his time in Seletar to offer; but you can read the rest of his memories at the Jalan Kayu Trail.
Tags: Al Taylor, Seletar Airbase, Royal Air Force Far East, Jalan Kayu
2 Responses
Could someone please get Daniel Lim Wan Seng to contact me!. Thank You. Al Taylor
Posted on October 11th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I read with interests Al’s story. My father used to operate the K Wah Tailor shop. I have fond memories of helping him and my uncle to run the shop. Will be pleased to contact Al Taylor to reminisce the old times
Posted on January 25th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
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