The Civilian War Memorial was built to honour the civilians killed during the Japanese Occupation, which took place from 15 February 1942 to 12 September 1945. During those turbulent years, many innocent lives were lost. Was it even fair, justifiable that residents, who had no direct link to the war, were killed!? The people did not have any animosity with the Japanese, yet their lives were pawned in the territorial clash between the British and the Japanese.

Among the civilians who lost their lives, numerous were Chinese targeted under the Sook Ching (literally means “to purge” or “to eliminate”) operations. Under the Sook Ching Operations all Chinese who were suspected to be anti-Japanese were killed. Many were unjustly accused of involvement in anti-Japanese activities and put to death. The Sook Ching Operation depicts a scene where large numbers of Chinese were driven from their homes and assembled at designated mass screening centres. No one will ever know how many were taken away and massacred. However, unofficial figures put the number of dead at about 50,000.

The exhumation of war graves, Killing fields and burial sites resulted in 600 funeral urns filled with remains of 20 000 unknown victims.

Although the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce did conduct a reburial of the deceased, it was not sufficient to commemorate those who died. More had to be done to honour the deceased as well as to remind Singaporeans of the sufferings of war. Therefore, in 1963, the decision to erect a war memorial for the civilian victims of World War II was finalised. The site of the memorial flanked east of the Padang, was given by the Singapore Government. The cost of the construction of the 4 pillars which resemble 2 pairs of Chopsticks was funded jointly by the people of Singapore, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Singapore. The memorial site was unveiled on 15^th February 1967, by then Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. It was also the 25^th Anniversary of the fall of Singapore to the Japanese. It is rather shocking that the date chosen is also the date that Singapore was defeated and handed over to Japanese. Why don’t we commemorate the day the Japanese surrendered instead?

15^th February was chosen as it is hoped to serve as a reminder that Singapore needs to defend itself. It also reminds Singaporeans the shared experiences and struggles of the major races of Singapore during World War Two. Hence, through this memorial site, nation building is emphasised. Every year, in conjunction with Total Defence Day, people gather at this memorial site to remember the deceased.

Apart from bearing various historical significance, such as being the only CIVILIAN war memorial in Singapore, the design of the memorial itself is also significant to the country. The four vertical pillars which soar to over 70 metres symbolise the shared war experiences of the Chinese, Malay, Indians and Eurasians/other races. Although each pillar represents a certain race, the pillars are merged at the base to signify the unity of the different racial groups in Singapore. This reinforces racial unity and emphasises the need for Singaporeans to always remain rooted together.




In conclusion, the Civilian War Memorial does not only commemorate the deceased but it also serves as a symbol of the shared experiences of the different races, highlights national unity, the fact that war sufferings are not isolated to a certain race and reminds Singaporeans to join forces to defend their country.

Labels: civilian war memorial

posted by Jaishree

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