The Japanese bombarded Fort Canning and Serangoon Road area. Lots of superficial damage. Then the shelling of the Cathay Building commenced.
Many shells landed on and in the building. One on the 6th floor in back of our quarters. We were in the front at the time. One landed one yard behind our W.D. car and blew the back and top off, smashed windows and dash. However, the car was still in running order.
The noise was terrific and the smoke intense. Eleven killed, some in the Australian General Hospital on high ground level floor.
Pollock and Richardson went to Fort Canning about 14.30hrs, then out to Chamier’s house with him. Very little resistance after 1600hrs. Arms and ammo in guns spiked and destroyed before 1600hrs due to the usual and complete “balls up”.
Richardson describes: “Our people went out to parley with the Japanese, white flag and all.” Allied Command suggested ceasefire at 1600hrs. Japanese decided on ‘cease-fire’ at 2030hrs and let us have two bad bombing raids between 1700 and 1800hrs. Lots of damage below Fort Canning and around Collyer Quay.”
Richardson goes on: “Weird and eerie to see the smoke and blaze of fires all over Singapore and then the deathly silence and ominous quiet after 2030hrs. A dreadful capitulation!”
Richardson reflects: “I wonder what London and the remainder of the world think now of Fortress Singapore. Impregnable.”
“Would have preferred to hear the crash of guns. The stillness was almost stupefying. The thoughts that come into one’s mind are gloomy in the extreme. I never expected to become POW of the Japanese. May prove an interesting experience, but prefer to forego it.”
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