The Fall of Singapore.

I’ve been reading about the Fall of Singapore. British, Australian and Indian troops put up a spirited defense but the Japanese swept down through Malaysia in a few weeks. 

The causeway from Johore to Singapore Island was blown up but it didn’t stop the Japanese. They had bombers and artillery. They landed on the island and after about a week the British surrendered. Lt. General Arthur Percival signed the surrender documents on Feb. 15th. 1942.

On 12th. Sep 1945 it was the turn of the Japanese to surrender.

For more information on the subject you can’t do better than ‘Singapore Grip’ by J.G. Farrell. It follows the fortunes of a leading Singapore family and it’s full of interesting facts about the rubber business and the ups and downs of colonialism. Farrell has a nice take on the human condition. 

And for those who are more interested in contemporary culture Kourtney Kardashian has been good enough to share a picture of her breast pump.