Episode Details

Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. Hear LTC (Retd) Mejar Singh Gill recount the neglected history of 1 and 2 SIR. The first especially was formed by David Marshall in 1957 before Singapore became independent. When 1965 arrived, the government launched a crash programme to build new military facilities and recruit Israeli ('Mexican') advisers. There was an unexpected windfall - the British were closing down their bases and there were excellent facilities and camps to take over.

Part 1 | https://youtu.be/XcXl6KVlekc

Part 2 | https://youtu.be/gW4QIH0UU6I

Part 3 | https://youtu.be/oapXReFCjfA

00:00 Changes in Training & Officer Training

05:40 Books on SAF History

08:35 Role of David Marshall

14:39 Contributions of 1 & 2 SIR

18:56 Crash Military Programme

21:33 Taking over the British Camps

28:29 From Internal Security to National Army

31:06 Israeli Advisers

35:31 My Military Appointments

Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I am Dr Loh Kah Seng, the people’s historian, and I document people’s memories of Singapore before it became a global city.

Do like the video and subscribe for future episodes. This will help the channel a lot.

Write to lkshis@gmail.com if you have any of these stories:

• Old places or kampongs.

• Communities – their way of life & culture.

• Childhood & schools.

• Work or business.

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ChroniclesOldSG

Spotify | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loh-ks

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/61551786759344

Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/ChroniclesofOldSingapore