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Thu 01 Feb 2007

Sun 11 Feb 2007: The Battle of Pasir Panjang Commemorative Walk

Category : heritage

The Battle of Pasir Panjang Commemorative Walk
Sun 11 Feb 2006: 7am - 12pm
With the Pasir Panjang Guides
of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, NUS

13th February 1942 - the Japanese troops that stormed through Malaya have now invaded Singapore. Approaching Singapore City from the west, a seasoned Japanese army is forced to engage the small force of the Malay Regiment on the high ground of Pasir Panjang Ridge. A fierce battle ensues amidst the confusion from the aerial bombardement, burning fuel, loss of communications and the early deaths of senior officers. The soldiers of the Malay Regiment battle on for nearly two days and a company is brutally wiped almost to the last man by the numerically superior Japanese. On the 15th of February, 1942, General Percival marches down Bukit Timah Road, eventually surrendering to the Japanese. The university is built on this old battle ground and still contains a WWII military outpost that strategically oversaw Jurong, Bukit Timah and Singapore City. In 1954, the ridge was renamed 'Kent Ridge,' and the old stone marker commemorating the naming is still standing!

The battle accounts left a strong impression on us, and we commemorated the Malay Regiment's defense of the ridge annually. We will share with you stories about the Battle of Pasir Panjang, the geography, history and the flora and fauna that first drew us to explore the ridge decades ago.

Registration
All are welcome but must register.
Interested individuals should be physically fit enough to walk 3km at a moderately quick pace. We will end at the World War II Interpretative Centre, Reflections at Bukit Chandu (RBC) via Kent Ridge Road, The Gap and Kent Ridge Park.

To register, please do the following:

1. Send an email to me at: pasirpanjang@rafflesmuseum.net
2. Please include your full name,
3. your handphone number,
4. and the number of friends accompanying you.

You will receive a reply confirming your registration and advise about what to bring. Registered participants will meet the Raffles Museum's Pasir Panjang Guides at the University Cultural Centre at 7am. Visit the Pasir Panjang/Kent Ridge Heritage Webpage for more information about the ridge.

Join us as a guide!
If you are interested to join a group of people interested in history and public education, join us for the commemorative walk and talk to us!

Posted at 1:08AM SGT by N. Sivasothi | permalink | , .