Year 2006, 16 May, 8.00 in the morning, we embarked on a
field trip to one of Singapore’s history sites of the Terrible World War
Two, when the cunning Japanese as invaded Singapore during their terrible
and gory conquest for South East Asia, -- Labrador Park.
                 Upon Arrival, we were given a short briefing by our teacher
and explored the park shortly after the briefing. Built on low hills
surrounding Singapore coast before the invasion of  the Japanese by the
Japanese, the 37-ton guns were located at strategic position across the
coast of Singapore facing the sea. Predicting that Singapore would only be
attacked from the sea, the British built the guns across the island. They
were armed with hull-piercing ammo with which could sink ships from 18 km
away. However they proved to be ineffective when the Japanese attacked by
land using tanks, a tactic not foreseen by the British who thought that
tanks were not suitable for jungle warfare. Though the guns were able to
turn 360 degrees, but they were stopped due to the concrete behind them that
restricted their movements, rendering them useless against the expert air
troops and the land troops of the Japanese. Left with no choice, the British
had no choice but to destroy the guns themselves, so as to prevent the
Japanese from taking them.
                 Most of the guns were destroyed during that time and few
remain and escaped the destruction of the guns. However, one gun is now
placed in Labrador Park. This site proved to be very interesting as it
allows the visitors to view the interior of the gun barrel, which had
contained spirals in them to allow the 42 kilograms ammo to pierce ships
more deeply upon impact. The ammo was stored in a small “hole” in the
wall to allow easy access and more space for the soldiers when the guns are
fired. Personally, I feel that the British should not have built a concrete
wall around the guns but should had dug trenches, with low bullet-proof
shelters, surrounding it. This way, it not have restricted the guns
movements and could still prevent the Japanese from taking over the guns and
would have prevented the Japanese from conquering Singapore.
                    Later we visited Bukit Chandu, another historical site
of Singapore. Being a  Malay-protected location during the Japanese
Occupation, the Malays fought valiantly to protect beloved village. Stubborn
to surrender to the Japanese soldiers, they protected with a united will to
protect Bukit Chandu. Armed with only knifes, rifles and other tools used
for removing jungles, them stubbornly held on to their position. They
managed to eliminate some Japanese troops, but were eventually defeated when
the Japanese charged up the hill with full force, furious at their
stubbornness. Few escaped to live to tell the tale. The strong wills of the
Malays were much to be admired by future generations and respected for their
unwavering loyalty and passion for Singapore.