Syonan Reflections was formed in 2002 by Alvin Lee Jun Ming along with several other fellow plastic modelers who wanted more than just making dioramas. The group modeled itself on the 5th Infantry Division of the Imperial Japanese Army. We chose this unit as this unit together with the 18th Infantry Division set its first troops on Singapore soil on 8th February 1942 when they attacked the beaches of Sarimbun.
The group’s objective is the authentic and accurate portrayal of soldiers of the Second World War, in particular German and Japanese. We also aim to further educate Singaporeans on the 3 years and 8 months endured by our grandparents when Singapore was renamed Syonan-To (Light of the south) during the Japanese occupation by bringing history to life!
The group also does a second impression; portray as infantry soldiers of the Waffen SS 1st Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler Division. As part of World War Two German living history and till the group obtains more membership, our main commitment will be on the Japanese army, although we have a lot of German uniforms and kit as well.
Slow beginnings
Till this very day, militaria collecting, unlike in the United Kingdom or United States, is very rare and have very few committed collectors here in Singapore. Reenactments are virtually unheard of. At present it is difficult to do even a small scale reenactment due to the lack of reenactors, a piece of land here is rarely available and the acquiring of edged weapons and deactivated guns are subjected to strict laws. WW2 clothing and equipment, on the whole, can only be purchased from overseas vendors.
The group founder, Alvin, with nine years of militaria collecting experience, took a big leap and started collecting German militaria with the intention doing reenactment. However, even militaria collecting are in its infancy so he thought of a more realistic ambition to do living history and static displays instead.
Alvin and the group embarked on collecting Japanese militaria in 2001 as it was related to Singapore’s war history and he had the vision of being able to give public education and doing living history for the public to get up close and personal towards viewing and having a hands on with uniforms and equipment. This move proved extremely fruitful and rewarding.
Uniforms and Equipment
The group had to start slow on obtaining these due to lack of funds as we had no sponsorship of any kind. The group benchmarked from other overseas reenactment societies to set standards on acquiring authentic and the best quality reproduction WW2 uniforms and equipment at a reasonable price. The group strives to be authentic as the pioneer living history group in Singapore.
Uniforms and equipment were acquired from reputable overseas dealers and vendors. The group does extensive book and photographic research on the many different types, varieties of Japanese uniforms and gear that saw usage before actual purchase. This ensures that only correct and authentic pieces have been acquired.
Even the smallest details are not overlooked. Unit members also carry items such as original soldiers’ identification books, original cigarette wrapping and military postcards etc as part of living history. We also observe the correct method of wear of both uniforms and equipment. The group also holds sessions to discuss Japanese combat tactics, study the components of field rations, gaining knowledge about Japanese army traditions and practices. Last but not least, to have fun learning the Japanese language to strengthen our impressions.
Events and displays
Unfortunately, we are far from creating a big scale event such as Beltring. We take events and displays to a whole new different approach. As our group is the first of its kind, we took part in smaller events such as Singapore’s Total Defence day to commemorate the Fall of Singapore 62 years ago. This event, which was also our group’s first, is held annually at the “Reflections of Bukit Chandu”, a WW2 interpretative centre on 15 February 2004.
We were well received as it was the first time the public were viewing and having a feel of a wide array of original and reproduction WW2 Japanese artifacts! Alvin even had the honour to appear on the local news to give a brief explanation of some of the Japanese kit. Members of the public commended on our efforts to bring living history to greater heights and to preserve WW2 history. Most of them were surprised to know that we are militaria collectors and learnt “Living history” as a new word too!
Presently, the group has secured several and is always continuously seeking opportunities to do public education and “show and tell” of equipment in local schools and providing historical, technical assistance for short films and plays.
New Recruits
Syonan Reflections is always on the lookout for new recruits living in Singapore who want to have a rewarding experience portraying infantry soldiers of the Waffen SS 1st Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler Division or the 5th Infantry Division of the Imperial Japanese Army and also would like to hear from any reenactment units who would like to contact us.
For more information, please write to us at: Syonan Reflections, Blk 52, Kent – Road, #03 – 24, Singapore 210052
By: Alvin Lee Jun Ming
Correct as at December 15, 2004
