While we’re on the topic of the BBC, here’s another site by them war history enthusiasts might be interested in. Some years ago, the BBC initiated the People’s War project to gather the memories and recollections of the war and post them online. (hey, sorta’ like yesterday.sg!) Some stories are accounts of surviving battle, other are poignant memories of loved ones going to war, while yet others are shoutouts – seeking lost friends and comrades. The BBC People’s War Project contains a section on The Fall of Singapore 1942 with over 50 such stories.

Here’s an excerpt from a civilian’s story during the time of war, entitled Syonanto 1941 to 1945.

Like gathering storm clouds preparations for war began early in 1940 in Singapore. I was ten years old and a boarder at St.Patrick’s boys school run by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. It was situated near Changi on the East Coast road with the domitories and living accomodation facing the sea. I had been here since the age of seven when I was unceremoniously transferred from the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in the town. Due to the divorce of my parents I was in the care of the nuns from the age of two. Life in the convent was very strict for the hand-full of boys there and we seemed to spend most of our time in prayer instead of play. I was a server at mass daily and we ate our meals in silence. It was such an improvement to be here in a proper boy’s school away from all the prudery and nonsense of the convent. Life was still tough and disciplined. The earliest signs of the impending war were the concrete pillboxes mushrooming on the coast with barbed wire defenses all along the beach. This ended our saturday morning swim in the sea which I loved. Then we enthusiastically responded to the propaganda call to help the war effort by collecting scrap metal from the countryside.

Romanus Miles’ story, and the story of many others during the war can be read here.

Tags: syonanto, singapore, singapore history, singapore heritage, romanus miles, BBC People’s War Project, WWII, World War II, The Fall of Singapore 1942