L6

Question 1

how did Japan’s actions contribute to capture of Singapore

Answer 1

• launching 2 offensives = NE diversionary attack and NW main offensive

Question 2

how did Britain’s actions contribute to the loss of Singapore

Answer 2

• moved most of the forces into NE locations + scattered weaker forces t/f x defend J’s main offensive
• didn’t use advantage of high number of troops
• retreated rather than use advantage

Question 3

why did Japan target Singapore

Answer 3

• Singapore strategy = building of huge naval base on the island as a mean of protecting its interests in region
• J wanted to take Singapore as it would remove a potentially sig Brit naval threat and it would provide them with a good position to launch their offensive to take the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia)

Question 4

why were the J able to take control of Malaya

Answer 4

• experienced + better trained troops
• flexible (took bicycles etc)
• commonwealth force = poorly led by stubborn generals
• J equipment = more modern
• commonwealth = rely on planes from 1920s + early 1930s
• 31st Jan 1942, Brit withdrew to singapore

Question 5

what impact did the fall of Singapore have on Britain

Answer 5

• 5000 soldiers, 80000 wounded or captured
• humiliation/ reputation = damaged seriously as got defeated easily by Asian nation
• breakdown of r/ship b/w Brit + Aus (Brit placed unfair blame on Aus + incapable of protecting aus/ Aus align closely with USA)