The Experiences of Australians in Singapore During World War II

Australians experienced many different things in Singapore during the Second World War (1939 – 1945). This was a new experience for them because it wasn’t what they were use to. Fighting in Singapore was more relaxed, and help was available until the Japanese bombed the fortress established by the British colony. This base was claimed to be indestructible which gave a relief feeling to the nurses and the soldiers. Like the First World War, Australia was fighting away from home for mother Britain, but was defending their own land. Singapore was considered as the “key of the pacific” and building a fortress would get Britain closer to Japan. When Singapore was captured by the Japanese, many soldiers were taken to POW camps or killed.

Britain established a fortress, which was claimed to be indestructible in Singapore, to get closer to the Japanese as their military were being strengthened. The fortress provided a relief to the soldiers and nurses because after fighting in other places, the fortress gave the soldiers a sense of security, comfort and calmness. (”They never will though, although I’m not speaking for myself because I’m nice & comfortable in bed just now.”  Cyril Bill-2/2/42) to them this was considered a holiday. When the Japanese bombed the fortress, panic and shock overcame the soldiers and most of them were killed including nurses. Those who survived were taken as prisoners by the Japanese and then tortured. Japanese even poured petro on prisoners and burnt them alive. These are examples of how Fighting in Singapore turned from “Sweet to Bitter”.

The First World War was the gateway which led to the Second World War. This war was similar to the First World War in many ways. This included leaving Australia to fight in another country and helping mother Britain fight but this time they are defending their own land. Singapore was colonised by the British at that time and therefore needed the help of soldiers and nurses to defend it from the Japanese. Singapore was the “Key of The Pacific” which meant whoever controlled Singapore, had the advantage in the Pacific Ocean.   

The fall of Singapore and its fortress caused many Australians to die and become prisoners of war to the Japanese. Many of the prisoners became sick and developed parasites in their bodies. (”produced a 13 inch worm. I think a number of us must have them. When Frank Hern was starved for his appendicitis operation one came out of his mouth.” Signaller Alexander William Bourne – date unknown.) The prisoners were treated poorly and were forced to work. (”savage beatings to persuade their half starved and exhausted POW work force to comply with their demands” A. J. Butch Gaudry) These are how the Japanese treated prisoners who were captured in Singapore during World War II.

The experiences the Australians faced in The Second World War were similar to the First World War but also very different. In Singapore the environment was very calm, relaxed and secure to the soldiers until the Japanese bombed the fortress unlike World War 1. What was similar was that Australia had to leave its country to help Mother Britain fight. The fall of Singapore caused many to enlist which lead to a greater Australian army. These are the experiences that Australians faced during The Second World War.