Located in the heart of Singapore, St Andrew's Cathedral was declared a national monument of Singapore in 1973. Serving an Anglican congregation, few people know that this church has a storied history during World War 2.
During World War 2
As bombs reached Singapore shores in December 1941, the church turned into a temporary hospital by the Australian Field Ambulances. Despite the continued Japanese bombing of Singapore, the church remained largely intact.
As Singapore fell to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, the Bishop of Singapore John Leonard Wilson proceeded with holding a service at the cathedral. They fully expected that this would be the last service held in Japanese-occupied Singapore.
Bishop Wilson, like many Caucasians prisoners-of-war were rounded up and interned in Changi camp. However, he and some clergy were released within the week.
Andrew Ogawa
In some fortunate twist, Andrew Ogawa, a Japanese appointed to be the Director of Education and Officer in Charge of Religion Affairs was an Anglican. He interceded on behalf of the church, and even allowed Bishop Wilson to preach to hospitals and prison camps during the war. St Andrew's Cathedral was given permission to continue church services throughout the Japanese Occupation.
In addition, he also ensured that that St Andrew's Cathedral was not to be used by the Japanese military. This ensured that the church was not singled out by the Allies as a bombing target.
Eventually, the Japanese administration tired of his leniency and dispatched him to Indonesia in May 1943. Due to his efforts, the church remained relatively untouched by the war.
 |
| Andrew Ogawa (left) |
Post-war
Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, wrote a letter of appreciation to Andrew Ogawa, acknowledging his efforts to keep churches open during the Japanese Occupation.
Ogawa would return to Singapore (on his way back to Japan) and visited St Andrew's Cathedral in 1946. He reunited with the Anglican clergy (including Bishop Wilson) before finally returning to Japan.
References
Salt and Light
Comments