Battle of Singapore facts for kids

The Battle of Singapore was a battle of World War II from 8 to 15 February, 1942. Japan captured the British naval base in Singapore, built as a protectionary agent for dominions in the Pacific. Japan defeated the inadequate forces at Singapore, allowing the Imperial Japanese forces to move further south in its war against the Allied powers. The defeat of the "Singapore Strategy" meant that thousands of British and Australian POW's were taken.

Images for kids

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  The Pacific theatre in 1942, showing Singapore on the Malay peninsula

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  View of the blown up causeway with the gap visible in the middle, which delayed the Japanese conquest for over a week to 8 February

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  Singapore in early February 1942; the disposition of Commonwealth ground forces is in red. The main north–south transport corridor, formed by Woodlands Road and the railway, connecting the city centre (in the south-east) and the Causeway (central north), is the black line running through the centre of the island. Sarimbun is at the north-west corner of the island; Bukit Timah is located close to the centre on the transport corridor; Pasir Panjang is between the city centre and the southwest corner of the island and the "Jurong Line" is the bracket-like shape in red, just west of Woodlands Road.

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  Troops of the ill-fated 8th Australian Division disembark at Singapore Harbour

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  One of Singapore's 15-inch coastal defence guns elevated for firing

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  The Japanese landings on Singapore Island in red, the scattered Australian defensive positions in blue

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  Brewster Buffalo fighters based at Sembawang Airfield

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  Inscription at Kranji War Memorial

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  A column of smoke from burning oil tanks at Singapore Naval Base

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  Main entrance to the Alexandra Hospital in Singapore

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  Yamashita (seated, centre) thumps the table with his fist to emphasise his terms – unconditional surrender. Percival sits between his officers, his clenched hand to his mouth.

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  Surrendering troops of the Suffolk Regiment are held at gunpoint by Japanese infantry.

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  Japanese soldiers shooting blindfolded Sikh prisoners

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  Victorious Japanese troops march through Fullerton Square.

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  British and Australian POWs in Singapore's Changi Prison

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  A memorial service is held annually at the War Memorial Park

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Singapur para niños