UNCOVERING HISTORICAL GEMS

History isn't a subject that resonates with many. Perhaps this is due to the way it is taught, since facts can never fully come alive in classrooms or through textbooks. Sixty years ago, Japan invaded Singapore. While it may have been a long time ago, proof of that dark period remain in places like Labrador Park, Mount Faber, Alexandra Hospital and Kranji Memorial Park. These places, and the stories they tell, may gradually be forgotten as Singapore becomes an increasingly sanitised urban landscape, so perhaps parents might find visiting places significant in Singapore's past, especially during World War II (WWII), to be an insightful experience to share with their children. I embarked on the Battlefield Tour organised by Singapore Walks and attempted to unearth the secrets lying right in the heart of our island. And boy, did history come alive.

Ms Helena Poon, Battlefield Tour Guide, believes that, by learning captivating stories of bravery, visiting historical sites and seeing the weapons used for war, young people can "see for themselves that these are not just things they talk about or read in books, but actual proof that the events actually took place."

If only...

Ever heard stories of the powerful guns the British planned to defend Singapore with but which never worked? These guns were, indeed, located in the south of Singapore, at Mount Faber and Labrador Park, but you might have been misled about their apparent uselessness.

A panoramic view of the southern coast of Singapore can be enjoyed atop Mount Faber. This place used to be the Faber Fire Command, a high-point defence position adopted by British soldiers, and was armed with 15- and 16-inch guns which could fire up to 34km and 40km respectively.

The Japanese, fully aware that the British had stationed their guns there, chose to attack Singapore from the north. Thus, the guns did play a part in protecting the southern part of our island.

At the Labrador Battery, situated at Labrador Park, stood special six- and nine-inch guns that could fire shells over eight miles towards the sea or inland. They were meant to aid the Malay Regiment fighting the Japanese inland.

The guns failed in their task. Why were they ineffective? Blame not the machines but humans.

What actually happened was that the soldiers did not prepare enough turning cable for the six-inch guns to rotate and fire inland.

As for the nine-inch guns, it was most unfortunate that the shells made available for use then were planned for sea defence. The shells had caps that made them specifically suitable for hitting enemy ships at sea. Designed to explode upon impact, these shells were practically useless for land defence. They could, at most, drill big holes in the ground upon impact.

A journey of discovery

As we circled the grounds of Alexandra Hospital in our tour bus, its history was told to us through an unnerving story. This former British military hospital was brutally overrun by Japanese soldiers, who bayoneted innocent medical workers and patients.

One might think that such stories of war and cruelty might be unsuitable for children. However, Ms Poon revealed that the youngest group she had ever led was a group of Primary three students. They visited Changi Beach, the site where Sook Ching, the massacre of the Chinese by the Japanese, took place. She believed that the lessons learnt during the visit would "help them realise that they should not take life for granted, and to appreciate relationships more".

Students who initially displayed nonchalance empathised better when brought to the actual sites, Ms Poon recalled. When she brought students to the Kranji Memorial Park, those who were uninterested and boisterous soon started to quieten down and listen attentively.

"They realised that the names on the walls were not just of faceless people. Those who died were flesh and blood, like all of us. After hearing the stories, some would even cry," she added.

Others who embarked on the tour were fuelled by their interest in Singapore's history and WWII.

Ms Shalina Mohd Ismail, 28, who holds a managerial position in the transport sector, took time off work that day to uncover more about the history of Singapore. "I wanted to take a break from work and was inspired to learn more about Singapore's history after my family and I visited the Changi Chapel recently," she said.

Mr Tom James Hard, a tourist from Canada, said that he had an interest in the military as he had been in the Canadian military for 18 years. He believed that people should listen to lessons of the past and learn from them.

"If we do not pay attention to history, we are bound to make mistakes," he remarked.

Ms Charmaine Goh, another visitor, said that more should be done to interest the young in Singapore's history.

"It is sad that history teachers do not bring history to life," she said. She added that embarking on this journey allowed Singaporeans to see the old, forgotten places of Singapore, which were very different from the modern buildings we usually saw.

Certainly, it was a walk to remember. As the world commemorated the 60th anniversary of WWII, the historical gems hidden in our Lion City - significant places, touching stories and useful lessons-- will be etched in my mind for a long time. They remind me that I have a lot to be thankful for.

The Battlefield Tour is one of the few guided trails offered by The Original Singapore Walks. Learn about Singapore's rich heritage and colourful history from their experienced guides as you embark on the various trails open to locals and tourists. Log on to www.singaporewalks.com or call 63251631 for more information.