The 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II

Today, 75 years ago, on 12 September 1945, World War II came to an end in Singapore. The last major surrender ceremony of Japanese forces was signed at Singapore’s Municipal Building, later City Hall, now part of the National Gallery Singapore.

Because of COVID-19, a remembrance ceremony could not take place at the Kranji War Cemetery today. The ceremony was spearheaded by Singapore History Consultants, the company that I work for.

Instead, diplomats and representatives from seven former combatant nations - Australia, Britain, Canada, India, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore - honoured the date on their own, laying wreaths at the Cenotaph at varying times this morning.

Students of The Japanese School Singapore also made 2,000 tsuru (paper cranes symbolising peace and reconciliation), which staff members laid at the memorial.

Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Bruce Charles Gosper laying a wreath. He was escorted by Defence Adviser Captain Richard Caton (left) and Defence Administrative Assistant Warrant Officer Brendan Andrew Woodsell (right). Credit: Singapore History Consultants.

High Commissioner of Canada Her Excellency N. Lynn McDonald paying her respects after laying a wreath. She was escorted by Canadian Defence Adviser Colonel John Vincent Pumphrey. Credit: Singapore History Consultants.

Ambassador of Japan His Excellency Jun Yamazaki paying his respects after laying a wreath. He was escorted by First Secretary and Defense Attache Captain Yasushi Kurihara. Credit: Singapore History Consultants.

The Japanese School Singapore’s Secretary-General Yushin Takahashi (right) and teacher Chiharu Inomata (left) paying their respects after laying the tsuru. Credit: Singapore History Consultants.

Credit: Singapore History Consultants.

More on the observances here.

I also worked on a Commemorative Booklet to mark the historic date.

Lest We Forget

The world’s best fishball noodles

Courtesy of Tiak!

Back to court

Gave my first tour in two years this evening - with safe distancing measures in place of course. Among other sites, I covered Haw Par Villa’s 10 Courts of Hell - a personal favourite. It was great sharing about its rich culture and heritage again, especially to guests who were eager to listen and learn.

Here’s a great view of the sunset before the tour began.