Memories at Old Ford Factory
Memories at Old Ford Factory |
Why house an exhibition gallery in Bukit Timah? Well, the Old Ford Factory was the place where the British surrendered to the Japanese on 15 February, the first day of Chinese New Year in 1942.
I'm not sure what it was but the exhibition moved me deeply. Over the years, I've read accounts of the war years; I always read them with an air of detachment. Somehow, the exhibits at Old Ford Factory brought the Occupation to life.
The driveway leading to Memories at the Old Ford Factory. There are information boards along the driveway which describes the Fall of Singapore. It sets the scene for what's to come in the gallery.
This comic is among the first things visitors see. It's interesting because we usually speak of the Occupation from the Singapore perspective. The drawings speak volumes about what the Japanese thought of the British. Nevertheless, I wish I knew what was written.
Percival and Yamashita. If they could speak, what would they say?
A young Singaporean finds out about life as a Prisoner of War in Singapore.
Lim Bo Seng's diary: "We then took leave of each other. The children were too stupefied to realise what was happening. Each of them kissed me goodbye. I shall never forget their tear-stained faces as long as I live."
Life went on during the war. People got married and had children. This wedding dress bears testament to that.
The wartime garden (behind the building) shows the types of plants that were important to the people during the war. Not many people seem to be aware of the existence of the garden.
Visitor information
More photos
Video of the surrender from Singapore Paranormal Investigators. I don't subscribe to their views, but their page has interesting historical photos and information.
Interesting post.... Didn't know abt this "attraction". Makes me feel like going. =)
I love war stories. But I am such an emotional person when I see/read the kind of sufferings they went through. I remember donating my precious tears for Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, Black Hawk Down, Pearl Harbour, shows and stories relating to WWII.
Yes. But I won't apologize for being Ms Softie. :P
Posted by
Elvina aka LaoNiang |
01 March, 2006 11:16
Yes, do go when you can. It's really worth the time. I spent the whole morning there.
Posted by
pinto |
01 March, 2006 21:22
Interesting post. I am hoping to visit it soon. Thanks for your nice photos.
Posted by
oceanskies79 |
01 March, 2006 21:53
Thanks for the compliment! My pleasure sharing the photos... Hope to hear about your visit some time.
Posted by
pinto |
02 March, 2006 23:08
Percival would've said, "Sorry old chap, but I screwed up big time. I gave up because I was just too tired to fight,"
Yamashita would have heaved a mighty sigh of relief and whispered to his aide, "Wah heng ah they never call my bluff,"
:D
Elvina - Whoa. You're the only girl other than my sis I know so far who has cried at Band of Brothers and Black Hawk Down. Always thought that us boys would be the ones crying at scenes of fallen comrades in war movies like that. Can I interest you in a visit to the Old Ford Factory with me sometime soon? I promise I won't bite. :)
Posted by
Anonymous |
04 March, 2006 11:39
Thanks for the article. Frankly, I had been marketing the neighbouring condo units at Hume Ave. and never realised about the Old Ford Factory.
The Oriental Express will stop its tracks at the Old Ford Factory one day.
Posted by
The Oriental Express |
26 May, 2006 00:40