Singapore

During the time of World War 2, Singapore was part of the British Empire. Therefore, there was a British base in Singapore. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan was expanding throughout the Pacific region. It made sense that they attack Singapore, an obvious target in the Pacific. Singapore included the Strait of Malacca, which is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. Also, capturing Singapore would also deny the allies its port facilities and using it as a base to attack the Japanese in the Western Pacific.

"I do hope we are not getting too strong in Malaya because, if so, the Japanese may never attempt a landing." - British Army Officer

The British were told that the Japanese were poor fighters, and large machine guns were set up around the beaches to defend Singapore. This made the British overly confident going into battle.
The Japanese were actually very determined fighters. It was an important part of their culture to be loyal to the country during war. Coming back home after defeat in battle would bring shame upon your family for generations. Before going to Singapore, Japanese soldiers were given a pamphlet saying, "When you encounter the enemy after landing, think of yourself as an avenger coming face to face at last with your father's murderer. He is a man whose death will enlighten your heart."
The guns pointed out to sea could have been very useful if the Japanese had come by sea, like the British expected. On February 15, 1942, the Japanese, led by Tomoyuki Yamashita, came in planes and attacked fields in Singapore and sunk many ships. The Japanese were outnumbered 1 to 2, but still came out with a victory.


The fall of Singapore is considered Britain's worst defeat by the Japanese. It caused great humiliation for Britain. Prior to Singapore, the Japanese were thought of as useless soldiers only capable of defeating the inferior Chinese military. It showed the rest of the world just how powerful and scary the Japanese had become. Japan's victory also showed Japan how to fight the rest of World War 2; with speed and savagery. Be willing to die at any cost, and spare no enemies. The Japanese could not be stopped until August of 1945, with the use of the atomic bomb at Hiroshima.