tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post242374061730726385..comments2024-03-28T15:13:45.925+08:00Comments on Good Morning Yesterday: World War Two at Upper East Coast Road – Peter ChanUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-48531937877442013422015-10-04T15:12:12.372+08:002015-10-04T15:12:12.372+08:00Nice blog. I hoped this is maintained.
I moved in...Nice blog. I hoped this is maintained.<br /><br />I moved into 14 Kew Drive a few years ago, and was just checking the history of this area. 1 & 11 Kew Drive are still around but of course they are new buildings. All the houses in this area have been rebuilt. Possibly the only old building still standing is the single storey 18 Kew Drive. Electricity is still supplied to the house via overhead cables. There is a old Malay bungalow along Jalan Haji Salam visible from East Coast Road. Maybe that is in the photo but I am not sure.<br /><br />In terms of elevation, it seems that the highest point should be my neighbour's house at my back i.e. 26 Kew Drive, facing inland. Mine should be second highest, facing the sea.<br /><br />Presently, there is initial clearing and construction work at the forested area South of Upper East Road. This should be for the upcoming Thomson East Coast MRT Line.<br /><br />I hope to learn more about this area.tkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05217472579639658745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-50140869107739069382013-11-01T16:30:05.909+08:002013-11-01T16:30:05.909+08:00Hi Peter,
I've left a message for you on FB a...Hi Peter,<br /><br />I've left a message for you on FB and I do hope you received it. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08761896645053478127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-69361517121873283622013-03-01T23:12:08.508+08:002013-03-01T23:12:08.508+08:00Where is the part two? And where were those trench...Where is the part two? And where were those trenches? Please answer. Thanks PeterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-62011398536379554802012-06-18T14:44:00.726+08:002012-06-18T14:44:00.726+08:00Hello Chun See
I am planning a play - never writte...Hello Chun See<br />I am planning a play - never written one before, so it's a new challenge - on the trial of Dr Charles Paglar, 1946.<br />Briefly, he was arrested with 90 others after the British returned, and while most were released he was the test case. All the history books say the case was adjourned sine die, but in fact he was acquitted - but the stain of being accused as a collaborator remains.<br />Would be grateful for anyone's input on this.<br />Also, whether anyone can refer me to a report where it is stated that the Allies were planning to carpet bomb Singapore and Malays prior to the dropping of the atom bomb - they had not other plan to stop the war otherwise.<br />thank you everyone<br />Denyse TessensohnDenyse Tessensohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-64320936894335755742010-08-26T23:07:54.915+08:002010-08-26T23:07:54.915+08:00Nice blog, very informative. I always follow this ...Nice blog, very informative. I always follow this topic about the war because I'm doing a reporter about it. Thank the info.Generic Viagrahttp://www.xlpharmacy.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-68056116190029762482010-06-16T11:26:42.302+08:002010-06-16T11:26:42.302+08:00Sorry that should be Mustapha HussainSorry that should be Mustapha HussainPaul Ananthnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-22631766768149604232010-06-16T11:25:56.668+08:002010-06-16T11:25:56.668+08:00I found your account of the Bedok Hill massacre qu...I found your account of the Bedok Hill massacre quite intriguing.<br /><br />Was just reading the memoirs of Mustapha Hassan which have recently been translated into English. He gives an account of how the KMM (pre war Nationalist organisation) became a fifth column for the Japanese and how he claims he tried to protect the officers of the 1st Malay regiment and the SSVF. Among those saved from the massacre were Yusof Ishak, editor of Utusan and later President of Singapore - the man in all our wallets!Paul Ananthnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-28849168740012148792010-06-10T12:07:37.426+08:002010-06-10T12:07:37.426+08:00Yes, I realised that I got Mr Lam and Peter confus...Yes, I realised that I got Mr Lam and Peter confused! Sorry once again abt that! :P<br /><br />And no, I don't believe I've ever done NS at Dempsey! Unless there was a time when ladies had to do NS? haha....but I used to live next to Dempsey for a few years before moving to the east. <br /><br />My husband's too lazy to walk my pooches (sigh) and has to go to work earlier than I do...so I walk my dogs with my fantastic dog nanny almost every morning. <br /><br />Sometimes we go mountain biking with our dogs at certain parts of Singapore...off leash. They would either be in front of our bikes or behind...I think they were born to be trail dogs - just like the old days when dogs could roam free in kampongs - I can only imagine!<br /><br />Anyway, I think one day I'm gonna bring my camera along one of our walks and take photos of some of the old houses that dot the Upper East Coast / Bedok stretch! Who knows how long before they get turned into yet another character-less 3 storey-ed modern house.<br /><br />Thks for the info and stories! Lurve reading them!LingtheMercilesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05087786979041996355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-17876565452208635552010-06-10T09:05:23.073+08:002010-06-10T09:05:23.073+08:00The poor maid!
What happens if the 4 dogs rush on...The poor maid!<br /><br />What happens if the 4 dogs rush on their separate ways - one to the east, the others to the west, north and south, respt. ?<br /><br />For that matter, what if there are dogs 'in heat'?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-28983602137362551922010-06-09T18:38:14.825+08:002010-06-09T18:38:14.825+08:00Have u seen man rides bicycle and dog runs?
Have ...Have u seen man rides bicycle and dog runs?<br /><br />Have you seen maid holding on to 3 to 4 dogs of all breeds?<br /><br />Clarification - The "Malay" who owns the land and sub-divide was not Philip Hoalim. Philip bought a sub-plot from that "Malay". There is a nice sweet tale about a special name given to that kampung house but some other time I tell the story.......The family is linked to some one very very big in Singapore. You never can guess it.<br /><br />I also konfused - Ms Ling also do NS at Dempsey Road?peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-42004876032149429442010-06-09T17:56:25.578+08:002010-06-09T17:56:25.578+08:00Ling. I think you might have confused me with Pete...Ling. I think you might have confused me with Peter. I am the host of this blog. My friend Peter Chan regularly guest-blogs by contributing articles here. <br /><br />I don't think it's only ladies who walk their dogs. Sometimes, I see guys do that in neighbourhood. But mostly it's the maids who do it .. haha.<br /><br />Occasionally I see men jogging with their dogs. The poor creatures would be panting like mad. Sometime, my son's classmate who lives at Namly Place jogs with his dog to our place at Lily Ave.Lam Chun Seehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01762020157703342970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-58826429710515051822010-06-09T16:27:39.876+08:002010-06-09T16:27:39.876+08:00Sorry...thought I read that in this blog...perhaps...Sorry...thought I read that in this blog...perhaps a comment from someone at the end....but thks for the clarification.<br /><br />Did a search on Philip Hoalim and this is what I got :<br /><br />http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/in_memoriam/obituary_philip_hoalim_junior_1916_2007.htmlLingtheMercilesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05087786979041996355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-72495157414693819672010-06-09T15:39:10.087+08:002010-06-09T15:39:10.087+08:00That kampung houses at jalan haji Salm built aroun...That kampung houses at jalan haji Salm built around 1923 or 1928 by the owner's decendents who still lives around the place. You will be surprise that owner is not a malay but bought several acres of land from Upper East Coast all the way to the end of Jalan Bilal near the mosque. That he sub-divided the land into smaller plots but still big enough for individual big bungalows with 10,000sq ft of land each. A well-knwon Singapore lawyer (now resident in Penang I think) was Philip Hoalim.peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-10321753990659863352010-06-09T15:34:05.670+08:002010-06-09T15:34:05.670+08:00Did I say the government acquired the land so the ...Did I say the government acquired the land so the seafood restaurant smoved out? Dont think I said that. The sea as in mnay countirs is State-owned, so the seafront bungalows lost their view. My grandmother's bungalow (became Temasek Sec School) and a few were acquired, so you see some of them are 99yr leasehold.<br /><br />The seafood restaurants had to move out bcos they rented from the private property owners. The govt did not renew the restaurant licence in the mid-80s. Hwa Yew Wee started in 1990s, so the rules once more "ok can do seafood business". That is why Spring Court was there - now the Verizon. Previously it was Tai Sun Restaurant before becoming Spring Court.peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-80027345764557877932010-06-09T13:00:03.543+08:002010-06-09T13:00:03.543+08:00Thanks Mr Lam for answering my questions! It's...Thanks Mr Lam for answering my questions! It's great that you have so much information to share! Got some comments on your replies below...<br /><br />1. The MRT fella said they will be doing "tunneling" which will not affect the surface of the soil. I hope that will not affect the foundation of the trees standing tall aboveground.<br /><br />2. I remember an ex-commando doctor telling us stories about the army camps at Dempsey when he was stationed there when we organised an impromptu ghost tour during lantern festival many years ago. Inevitably, unexplained phenomena experiences will come up!<br /><br />4. It's amazing that Hua Yu Wee Restaurant is the last seafood restaurant standing along Upper East Coast. I think you mentioned that the govt acquired the land, resulting in the seafood restaurants being relocated to ECP. How did Hua Yu Wee manage to stand their ground? It seems like the building has maintained its original condition. There are several Malay houses along Jalan Haji Salam and Bedok Ave which give me a glimpse of kampong days gone past in this area! Truly amazing!<br /><br />5. Nope, not related to the Yeos, although I know some of the family members! :)<br /><br />Ling (Ms)<br />(you are right that ladies walk their doggies, although the men prefer to play rough with them) :)LingtheMercilesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05087786979041996355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-84094307294465899542010-06-08T15:19:46.719+08:002010-06-08T15:19:46.719+08:00To Lingthe merciless
My apologies if I am address...To Lingthe merciless<br /><br />My apologies if I am addressing the wrong gender. I usually assume that people who take their dogs out for a walk are ladies. Welcome neighbour!!!<br /><br />OK some answers to your questions.<br /><br />1. Proposed MRT stations site opposite Temasek Secondary School and one under Bayshore Road. The others down Bedok South Avenue 1/Marine Parade Road.<br /><br />I say proposed bcos things can change. This is why there are "repeat" soil investigation still going now.<br /><br />2. Demspey Road formerly a british Army Camp until SAF took over to become CMPB. On the oposite side to Dempsey Road nearer to Rideout Road was a British Army Camp (built from wood, 1-storey). It was called Tyersall Park Camp - I last saw in the late 1970s. Before that it was the camp for Indians who came under the British Army in WW2.<br /><br />3. Palm trees (not coconut trees planted along ECP. Not sure where Palm Beach Restaurant got its name but the original palm trees along this stretch of Upper East Coast (from my time in the 60s) is in front of this condo facing Bedok South Ave 3 (traffic lights).<br /><br />4. Your Calypso previously was a big bungalow converted to a motel called Dragon Inn. Then became RED HOUSE Seafood Restaurant.<br /><br />5. So you related to the YEO family of #494?peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-86490464000765996762010-06-08T01:22:32.081+08:002010-06-08T01:22:32.081+08:00BTW, I know there are coconut trees dotting the gr...BTW, I know there are coconut trees dotting the green space between Upper East Coast Rd and the ECP (more visible along the ECP). Not sure if that could have contributed to the "palm beach" name? <br /><br />I walk my dogs in that area and have come across an equatorial spitting cobra (http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/equatorial_spitting_cobra.htm) once. I know a family of predatory birds (what appears to be Brahminy Kites) has made that area their home, along with other bird, insect and reptile species. A monkey and giant iguanas has been sighted. I do hope they preserve that area.LingtheMercilesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05087786979041996355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-55006220814257021892010-06-08T01:09:41.001+08:002010-06-08T01:09:41.001+08:00Hi Peter,
I read your blog with delight! I've...Hi Peter,<br /><br />I read your blog with delight! I've also read Icemoon's account re the plane crash outside my now current humble abode at the Calypso. Thanks for sharing info!<br /><br />I've always lived in the west and have only recently moved to the east, hence my lack of knowledge of this area. Am still discovering this place. <br /><br />My sister-in-law's grandma used to stay around these parts. My friend's grandparents still live in #494 Upper East Coast. My mom remembers the land opposite ours bringing the place where "jipun tai see lang" ie Japanese killed people. My friends living in the east have also told me stories of "hauntings" that occur around the Lucky Heights, Summit and Kew residence area. Wonder if there was any truth in that?<br /><br />I walk my dogs along the backside of our estate along the greenlung and end up right next to the bus depot. Opposite the temple, the trees are laced with triangle prayer flags and items of workshops are left beneath trees. Wonder if you know the significance of that?<br /><br />I also know that the soil and foundation folks have been testing the soil along that path and have given their thumbs up for the MRT station, although they said the info was still confidential. I was devastated when I saw them testing the soil as I thought they were gonna build more condos! The ura website's designation of this area was "subject to detailed planning". I guess MRT is the next project, and I hear Marina South will be linked to the new Bayshore station. Not sure how long this will take.<br /><br />I used to live along Holland Road opposite where "Istana Woodneuk" is situated next to the Botanic Gardens. Apparently, that was another site of a planecrash pre-WW2. And the whole Dempsey area is rich in military history. Did some research on the internet and found it rather fascinating. Snuck in a few years ago and managed to take some photos : http://lingthemerciless.blogspot.com/2006/11/of-railways-and-forgotten-mansions.html<br /><br />Wonder if you've got any info on that area?LingtheMercilesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05087786979041996355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-80071151491162379042009-12-24T13:19:11.022+08:002009-12-24T13:19:11.022+08:00Peter,not much into atrocities-but I come across l...Peter,not much into atrocities-but I come across lots of it in my research on 4 SSVF(MVC).Disturbing but absolutely necessary for me to know their story.<br /><br />My email is danielkassim@gmail.com<br /><br /><br />Tom,<br /> Good of you to mention 'Moon over Malaya'.Jonathan and Audrey did a wonderful job on that.The story of the 'Asiatic' combatant(as they used to be called) has not been told.Daniel Kassimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00738170851613782150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-53609619815339129072009-12-24T10:44:13.979+08:002009-12-24T10:44:13.979+08:00There's a good program on Starhub cable TV on ...There's a good program on Starhub cable TV on the History Channel. The program is "Asia At War". The recent one talks about the massacre and sufferings inflicted on the Canadians, Chinese cultural elites (movie-makers) and British POWS in Hong Kong during 3.5 years of occupation. There's also mention about the guerilla warfare waged at Kai Tak Airport, Victoria Prison and the secret pact between the Communists and the British (M19) in Shenzen.<br /><br />Worth watching if you are into atrocities of the war.peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-67784241290921457902009-12-24T10:39:39.607+08:002009-12-24T10:39:39.607+08:00what's your email DanielKassim?what's your email DanielKassim?peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-50168495054028589152009-12-24T09:33:58.934+08:002009-12-24T09:33:58.934+08:00Peter,thank you so much for all the info.I was get...Peter,thank you so much for all the info.I was getting a bit confused about the Caltex station until you mentioned Dover and Buona Vista.The Rimau survivors were interred at Outram Gaol so it was easier bringing them over to that side of Singapore.There was a another massacre,this time of a group of Malay regiment soldiers and one woman around the same vicinity.<br /><br />I would love to share more with you-pls email me.Daniel Kassimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00738170851613782150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-10072197103675628552009-12-23T02:37:48.882+08:002009-12-23T02:37:48.882+08:00I Remember the pill box's and the location Pet...I Remember the pill box's and the location Peter had mentioned, I was told by some one why the the British had built the pill box's around Singpore in the first place they thought if any one was going to Invade Singapore they would come in from the sea, and when the Japanese army came down through Malaya and in to Singapore the guns in the pill box's could not be used because some of the guns were not mobile I wonder if that is true?. when I was stationed in Selarang Barracks Changi in 1961, I remember bodies being dug up behind the Dental hut I dont know how many or thier nationality. some one mentioned books about the war I recommend a book called Moon Over Malaya, its about men from the arglls and the marines telling what really happend in Singapore and Malaya during the dark days of December 1941to February 1942, its a good book.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00283468129139631266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-79392178156396349592009-12-21T05:10:02.972+08:002009-12-21T05:10:02.972+08:00Hi DanielKassim
I forgot to mention the CALTEX St...Hi DanielKassim<br /><br />I forgot to mention the CALTEX Station is at the junction of Dover Road and North Buona Vista Road.<br /><br />The Chinese cemetery you mentioned was behind the SHELL Station @Simpang Bedok before it was cleared for landed properties. I think it was bounded by Upper Changi Road and Tanah Merah Kechil Avenue - there's a Buddhist temple in that place today.peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16760936.post-58618175856599715172009-12-21T05:01:28.133+08:002009-12-21T05:01:28.133+08:00Hi DanielKassim,
Photo 4A is 1941.
The remiander...Hi DanielKassim,<br /><br />Photo 4A is 1941.<br /><br />The remiander of Operation Rimau soldiers who were captured faced the firing squard in Singapore. I am not sure what is on this spot today (perhaps a school) but it's behind the CALTEX Station today. 10 or 12 were shot there. <br /><br />Hi Denise,<br /><br />Ahmah's Night market was around Bedok Corner. So that fast-flowing drain is Sungei Bedok or Bedok Canal today. There was a Malay cemetery at Jalan Greja area in the 1960s. The lake you mention is the one at Koh Sek Lim Road across the monsoon drain. It is now NeWater Plant.peternoreply@blogger.com