This Day in History February 15, 1942

On this date in 1942, it was a dismal day for Singapore.  Singapore had been under British rule, but it fell to Japan.  This has become the date that is known as the Total Defense Day when citizens of Singapore are encouraged to be self-reliant when defending their country.

It was a horrendous 2-month battle, and the British fought valiantly against the Japanese.  But in the end, they had no choice but to surrender.  And surrender they did!  And during the next three and a half years of Japanese occupation, civilians and combatants suffered at the hand of the Japanese.

There were prisoners of war that were sent to work on the Death Railway in Thailand, and civilians were forced to go without food and freedom.  September 12, 1945 was the date that Japan surrendered.

I had no idea that this ever happened, but then again, I have to admit that I know nothing about Singapore history until now. For more informaiton, please check out this site.