Reflections & Memories of War Vol. 2: Syonan Years (1942 – 1945)

Published by: National Archives of Singapore (NAS)

The Japanese Occupation forms an important chapter in the history of modern Singapore, as locals found themselves subject to the brutalities of war and the powers of a new military administration. Today, the memories and reflections of those who lived through these dark war years have been captured at exhibition galleries in Memories at Old Ford Factory, the site of the former Ford Motor Factory where the British surrendered to the Japanese on 15 February 1942.

NAS is producing Reflections & Memories of War in 2 volumes. Together they serve as a catalogue and resource guide that complements and supplements the galleries with intriguing oral history accounts and a fascinating array of documents and images extracted from Japanese magazines and newspapers published in Singapore during the Occupation years.

We are pleased to launch Volume 2 first which begins with the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 and which focuses on daily life during the 44 months of Japanese rule. The realism of the stories and accompanying visuals will open your eyes to life under the Japanese rule and convey valuable lessons of resilience, hope, creativity and adaptability.

Look out for Volume 1, which traces Japan’s rise to power in the 1930s, defence of Singapore during the Malayan Campaign, resistance efforts by the locals before and during the Occupation to recover Singapore, as well as the subsequent surrender of Japan and the aftermath of war. Together, these two volumes offer a detailed and compelling documentation of WWII archival records while providing a rich resource for teachers and students and an engaging reference for history enthusiasts.

Visitors to Memories at Old Ford Factory can enjoy a special promotional price of $38.50 including GST (U.P. $62.50 inclusive GST).

To order, please contact Eileen Ng at eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg / DID: 63327973

Online Syonan Race Game

Syonan Race is now available online! Students can now enjoy our popular WWII Snakes and Ladders boardgame in the comfort of the classroom. Similar to our life-sized version at Memories at Old Ford Factory, Syonan Race Online brings players into the lives of the residents of Syonan-to and explore different facets of life during the Japanese Occupation as they navigate through the perils and uncertainties of the board! Syonan Race is also available in a portable format. For purchasing details, click here.

Memories of Prince of Wales and Repulse (30 mins)

The sinking of the battleship H.M.S. Prince of Wales and battle cruiser H.M.S. Repulse, the most sophisticated engines of war of the era, was the Royal Navy’s greatest loss in a single engagement when they were attacked by Japanese planes off the Malayan coast in December 1941.

Find out the events that led to the loss of the two capital ships of the British navy through griping stories from survivors, photographs and footages. Today, the wrecks attracted many divers from the international diving community. View rare footages taken by these deep sea divers and reflect upon the gallantry and devotion to duty of the men of the Royal Navy.

Memories Unfolded: A Guide to Memories at Old Ford Factory

Published by: The National Archives of Singapore

Through this colourful pictorial guide, learn about behind-the-scenes stories of the old Ford Factory’s beginnings, its role leading to the Japanese Occupation of Singapore and its transformation from a car assembly plant to the present day exhibition gallery and archives repositories. Along the way, see how important lessons from history on resource management, adaptability and innovativeness were incorporated in the building’s design and daily operations.

Look out for key Japanese Occupation artefacts displayed in the gallery and learn the significance of various features incorporated into the landscaping at Memories. Also make use of our recommended itinerary to explore Memories thoroughly for a unique, comprehensive and interactive approach to understanding the darkest years of Singapore’s history.

Now selling at a special promotional price of S$22.45 each (including GST) at the information counters of Memories at Old Ford Factory, Reflections at Bukit Chandu and the National Archives Building at 1 Canning Rise.

Syonan Race Board Game

The Syonan Race board game is based on the 44 months of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore and features the Occupation period in an innovative and educational way. Step into the shoes of the residents of Syonan-to (Singapore) and overcome all odds while playing the game. History can be an enjoyable learning journey!

Now selling at $21.40 per set (including GST) at the information counters of Memories at Old Ford Factory, Reflections at Bukit Chandu and the National Archives Building at 1 Canning Rise.