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Perspective Journeys
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World War Two from the Chinese Perspective
World War Two is a broad term covering a series of conflicts with different beginning and ending dates.
To the Chinese in Singapore, World War Two began with the Marco Polo Bridge incident that signaled the beginning of the Sino Japanese War. These different conflicts converged and became known as World War Two after 8 December 1942.
However, as the Japanese march down from Malaya, the distinctions breakdown as a common threat approached. During the Sook Ching Massacre, many accounts emerged to illustrate the complex human relationships that emerged.
While ethnic Chinese were massacred, British, Australian POWs risked their lives to save innocent civilians. Some Japanese officers raised concern over the massacre while a known Japanese officer distribute passes to saveas many civilians as possible.
During the tour, we will visit various sites related to the above events and see who they unfold in the lives of individuals. The tour follows a chronological order:
This tour is interesting for anyone interested in WW2. If you have background knowledge on WW2 history from British, Australian perspective, the tour adds gives another dimension to locate your information. If you are interested in WW2, this tour is a window to understand how an event unfolded in lives of individuals.
The tour is conducted in an easy to related to manner and no background knowledge is required.
1937 to 1941 In 1937, the Marco Polo incident occurred outside of Beijing. It marked the beginning of official Chinese resistance, the start of Sino Japanese War.
Overseas Chinese in South East Asia organized themselves and send resources to China to support war victims and the war.
Left: Chiang Kai Shek, War time Nationalist leader of China announcing the start of Chinese resistance. Centre and right: pictures of war in China.
1942 Major policy changes on the Japanese side resulted in the decision to attack Malaya. On 7th February 1942, the Japanese forces began the invasion of Singapore. 15 February 1942, 8 days after the invasion and on the Chinese New Year, British surrendered at the Ford Factory. Singapore became Syonan, Light of the South. About 80 000 Indian, British and Australian soldiers became Prisoner of War (POW).
On 21 February, the Japanese launched the Sook Ching Massacre (purification by extermination). The Massacre lasted from 21 to 4th March 1942 resulting in the massacre of about 50 000 civilians. During the Sook Ching, the Allied POW and Japanese tried to save as many civilians as possible.
Left to right: Cause way blown up to delay Japanese advanced, British surrender, Japanese troops marching into Singapore.
1967 On 15 February 1967, the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew unveiled a Civilian War Memorial to commemorate the civilian victims of Japanese Occupation. The memorial was initiated by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and in memory of all civilians (all races).
The officially opening (15 February 1967) happen on the day of Japanese invasion 25 year later, 2 years after independence of Singapore, This memorial symbolizes the collective healing for the victim's loved ones and for them to move on.
Left to right: Civilian War Memorial
Important note: WW2 is still a sensitive subject. Perspective Journeys believe this tour can be presented in an objective, responsible and engaging manner without sensationalizing or exaggeration.
The tour demonstrates how war, violence and conflict affect everyone and how we as individuals can aspire towards a future without war, violence of conflict.
Key words: World War Two, WW2, War in Singapore, Japanese invasion, Sook Ching Massacre, Overseas Chinese resistance, British surrender, POW, Syonan, Light of the South, alies
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