The Alexandra Hospital Massacre
Japanese forces during World War II gave no reprieve to the hospital’s sick and injured patients
Much has been written about the horrors committed by the Japanese in Asia during World War II. Thousands died in the infamous Bataan Death March and even more in the Nanking Massacre.
However, many people forget that Singapore, once a British colony and military stronghold, was also the site of many atrocities of war. They may have been smaller in scale, but they were just as tragic.
The colony was seen as a threat by the Japanese army, and so it was made their next target by early February 1942. After being chased out of the Malayan Peninsula, the British were on the ropes, so many sought medical aid in Singapore. In their reprieve, the Japanese found the opportunity to commit another atrocity — what is remembered today as the Alexandra Hospital Massacre.
Atrocities committed
Then known as the British Military Hospital, the intended sanctuary had a normal capacity for up to 550 patients. Unfortunately, the frequent battles in the area had swelled its admitted patients almost to double its limit.
Conditions were bleak, and rations for food and water were limited. Torches and lights were saved…
