What led to the defeat of the British in Singapore?

• Control over the sea:

  • The British sent a fleet of warships to the naval base to protect Singapore
  • Force Z was sent to Singapore
  • Both warships were in the open sea in the east coast of Malaya
  • Both warships were bombed and sunk by Japanese planes on 10 December, 1941
  • This led to a negative outcome for the British
  • They were unable to send out sufficient ships to defend Singapore
  • Britain lost control of the sea
• Resources:

  • Bukit Timah held British supplies of food, water, ammunition, and spare parts
  • The Japanese put up a fierce fight to gain control over Bukit Timah
  • This led to a positive outcome for the Japanese
  • They took control of Bukit Timah and cut off the British's supply of resources
  • They also gained a source of water supply in the reservoir in Bukit Timah