The Fall of Singapore | Structured Question | Sec 1 History

Describe two ways the British tried to defend Singapore before the Japanese invasion. (7m)

Topic: Fall of Singapore structured question

Sample Answer

Point 1:The British created the Singapore Strategy to defend Singapore.

Elaboration: As part of this strategy, they built a large naval base in Singapore. If Singapore was attacked, the British planned to send their main naval fleet from Britain to this naval base to protect Singapore and Malaya. While waiting for the fleet to arrive, Singapore had to depend on its own defences.

Point 2:The British also strengthened Singapore’s coastal and military defences.

Elaboration: They built airfields and installed large guns along the coast to protect Singapore from sea attacks. They also built underground bunkers at Fort Canning, where the British could coordinate the defence of Singapore during an attack.