[Defending the Lion City] The Imperial Japanese Army invades Singapore (WW2)

On this day (8 Feb) in 1942 , Japanese troops crossed into Singapore from Johor, landing on Sarimbun beach. 
Pic: National Museum of Singapore via The Singapore Army FB page)

On 8 Feb 1942, after intensively bombing the northwestern coast of Singapore, the Imperial Japanese Army crossed over the Johore Straits from Malaya and landed in Singapore. The Australian Troops that were tasked to defending the area were quickly overran by the Japanese forces.

Australian positions in Singapore 8-15 February 1942

Pic: Australia's War 1939 - 1945

"... The Japanese had prepared for the invasion of Singapore with a heavy bombardment. They began their amphibious landings on the north-west of the island, where the Strait of Johore is narrowest. This area was held by the Australian 22nd Infantry Brigade but late on the night of 8 February the Japanese made their way through undefended sections. Twenty-four hours later a second Japanese landing force struck between the Causeway and the mouth of the Kranji River, an area held by the Australian 27th Infantry Brigade. By the morning of 10 February there were Japanese troops on most of north-west Singapore. ..." 

Australia's War 1939-1945

"... The 22nd Australian Brigade had to cover the northwestern coastline but were overwhelmed by the Japanese forces within two hours of the attack due to the latter's numerical superiority. The gaps in their defences were to prove fatal during the invasion. 

On the night of 8 February 1942 at around 10:30pm, the Japanese launched their invasion from concealed positions up the Skudai and Melayu Rivers of Johore. Under the cover of darkness and using assault boats and barges, the 5th Division crossed the Straits of Johore. They landed on the coastline between Lim Chu Kang Road and Sarimbun Beach. 

As the Australian artillery and searchlight units failed to react, only the first wave of the invasion was repelled. However the numerical superiority of the Japanese forces were either wiped out on the beaches or retreating to new defence lines. ..."

Roots.SG: Sarimbun Beach Landing

Battle for Singapore

This invasion would mark the beginning of the fall of Singapore to the Imperial Japanese Army, and the subsequent horrific Occupation of Singapore by the Japanese.

#NeverAgain #DefendingtheLionCity #SAF #NationalService #NS50 #WhyMustWeServe #LestWeForget

Read more here:

National Library Board - Battle of Singapore

NewspaperSG: 'WILL FIGHT TO LAST INCH IN MALAYA'—PREMIER'S PLEDGE The Straits Times, 28 January 1942, Page 4

HistorySG - Singapore Falls to the Japanese

Roots.SG - Sarimnum Beach Landing

Wikipedia - Japanese occupation of Singapore

Fall of Singapore