Causes for British defeat Flashcards

1
Q

What are the causes for defeat?

A
  1. Britains pride and arrogance (complacent attitude)
  2. Japanese determination and resilience
  3. Japanese sound military strategies
  4. Strong Japanese Leadership
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2
Q

Britain’s pride and arrogance

A

*Assumption is Singapore was protected from the North. The military preparation and the natural protection was deemed to make Singapore a strong fortress. However, it fell within 8 days after the Japanese landed on the Johor Straits.
*Attitude: Underestimated the Japanese and believed them to be inferior. Therefore, did not provide naval base with warships or fighter planes.

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3
Q

Japanese Determination and resilience

A
  • Japanese troops were very motivated and were very loyal and committed to their Emperor and country and would fight to their death in honour of their nations.
  • “Kamikaze” planes -> suicide planes
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4
Q

Japanese sound military strategies (AIR)

A

*Attacks on Singapore airfields began simultaneously with the attack on Pearl Harbour

  • RAF lost nearly all its frontline planes
  • Lost all hopes of aerial defence
  • RAF Buffalo planes against the mightier Japanese Zeroes

*The Japanese had the support of modern air force and war fleet.
*The Japanese ‘zero fighters’ destroyed about half of the British old and outdated planes.

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5
Q

Japanese sound military strategies (NAVAL)

A

*At sea, the British battleship, HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse were sunk easily by the Japanese planes.

*They had 300 tanks as compared to the British who thought that tanks were not suitable for jungle warfare.

*They trained their soldiers in jungle warfare while the British soldiers were not.

*Sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse

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6
Q

Strong Japanese leadership

A

General Arthur Percival:
90,000 men
Never seen in combat
Indecisive

General Tomoyuki Yamashita:
65,000 men
Fought in Manchuria
Skilful leader

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