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| Battle of Sarimbun Beach Blue arrows indicate Allied defensive positions, while read arrows show Japanese advances |
As Johor Bahru was invaded on 31 Jan 1942, everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before the Japanese attempted a landing on Singapore. Lieutenant-General Percival, who was charged with with Singapore defences, tasked Australian Brigadier Harold Taylor to defend the Northwest of Singapore.
Led by General Yamashita, the Japanese artillery pounded the Changi area (located in the east of Singapore). This led Percival to believe the Japanese would land from the Northeast. However on the night of 8 Feb, a 10000-strong Japanese forces landed on Sarimbun beach. Despite fierce defence by the 22nd Australian Brigade, Jind (Indian) infantry and Dalforce (Chinese militia), the 3000-strong men defence was overrun.
Not only were they thinly stretched, they were ill-equipped to deal with Japanese armour. Still believing that the Japanese would attack from the Northeast, Percival withheld reinforcements until Tengah Airbase was threatened.
With the loss of the beach and eventually Tengah airbase, the British had lost the first battle on Singapore soil.
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| Ministry of Education Adventure Camp 2018, near the landing site of Sarimbun Beach. |
For reference
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