Monday, August 23, 2010

Battle on Opium Hill or Bukit Chandu in malay. :D

Leftenan Adnan Bin Saidi led a 42-strong platoon from the Malay Regiment in the defense ofSingapore against the invading Japanese. The soldiers fought at the Battle Of Pasir Panjang, at Pasir Panjang Ridge in the Bukit Chandu or Opium Hill area on 12-14 February 1942. Adnan refused to surrender and urged his men to fight until the end eventhough they were storngly outnumbered. Adnan carried on fighting despite being shot. After they battle was lost, they wounded Adnan but then he was taken as a prisoner by Japanese soldiers. The Japanese soldiers tied him to a cherry tree and tortured him to death. Adnan is currently considered by Malaysians and Singaporeans today as a hero because of his actions. Later on when Singapore surrendered, the Japanese Soldiers or Kempeitai attempted to find and murder Adnan's family in revenge but failed to do so. Kent Ridge Park which is close to the site of the battle, now bears a plaque in commemoration of Leftenan Adnan Bin Saidi. A museum at Bukit Chandu stands in memory of the bravery Malay Regiment soldiers.

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