I have read much about Singapore and The Greatest Defeat ever suffered by Britain, which is was.
I understand that until jap invaded Malaya the was no mention of, Fortress Singapore, until some jurno came up with the name.
Britain built a First Class Naval Dockyard, to repair Line of Battle Ships, post a major engagement with Japan, which had been noted as the only enemy capable, of taking the Empire's Possessions as early as 1923.
The RN was tasked with the job of protecting the Far East.
Lord Trenchard was of the opinion that the RAF could do the job better and Cheaper.
W.S. Churchill the Chancellor liked the Cheaper idea and became a supporter.
The Army was tasked with, Protecting the Navy Yard, Internal Security and Defeating an enemy on the mainland of Malaya in that order.
Col Percival was sent out mid 30's to study and suggest a defence plan.
He recommended X number of first class divisions and a couple of tank regiments as minimum, this was never supplied out.
A minmum number of Modern Aircraft (Monoplanes) was suggested, about 350 and this also never happened.
The troops and equipment in country where the leftovers from Europe and Mid East, the army divisions having only 2 brigades instead of the normal 3.
You can find comments like
6 weeks in the ranks and 4 spent teaching how to wear boots and march.
10 days ago a civilian on the streets of Sydney.
Sir John Dill CIGS told his successor Alan Brooke
I have done very little about Singapore.
They knew it was coming.
Gen Percival was Army Commander never, Overall Commander, of who there is one comment by Churchill's special adviser
Gaga.
Arther Percival was old school and took the rap for Britain's Greatest Defeat.
john
Last edited by jonwilly; 25th May 2012 at 02:03.