We re-visit old military camps and iconic buildings with a fascinating past, and discover stories and memories from our history
By Pamela Chow
Our country may be a relatively young nation, but it has numerous sites scattered around with hidden stories detailing our eventful history.
Set off on your own journey of rediscovery with Weekender’s short guide on some of the most intriguing World War II sites and secrets of our island, and find out why we were once feted as an “impregnable fortress”.
The current YMCA building at Stamford Road. It was used as the Kempeitai East District Branch during the Japanese Occupation. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
YMCA: Former Kempeitai East District Branch
The Kempeitai (Japanese military police) in Singapore had its headquarters in the former YMCA building, where many atrocities were committed. Among the tortured prisoners were couple Elizabeth Choy and Choy Khun Heng, who were arrested in 1943.
Elizabeth was imprisoned for 193 days, and her husband was released only after the Japanese surrendered. After the war, the British wanted to demolish the building to create a memorial site. However, in 1946, the YMCA resumed operations there, and in the 1980s, they reconstructed a new building in its place.
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