Changi POW Camp; Myths, Facts, Fiction

"Changi became known as the most notorious camp in Asia, and in the minds of many people in England, Australia, and America, the Changi prisoner-of-war camp would invoke visions of atrocities, starvation, bad living conditions and emaciated men. It was the place where prisoners-of-war were reduced to a physical state more looking like living skeletons. As a prisoner-of-war, not only in the Changi Camp but in various camps in Singapore and Siam [Thailand], I cannot understand how Changi had earned such a reputation. My memories of Changi have never been unpleasant.

Prisoners-of-war in Changi did suffer deprivation and loss of self-esteem, but conditions were not appalling. Although food was rationed, it was provided every day. The camp was also provided with amenities, such as electric lights and piped water, which contributed to our cleanliness and good healthy conditions." Lionel De Rosario

When the island "fortress" of Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942 all the "captives" were sent to the area of Changi, which became a huge POW Camp.

It was never just a prison in the normal European sense of a group of concrete buildings surrounded by a high concrete fence with guard towers.

Sheer numbers would have made that impossible even if it had been the desire of the Japanese. When Singapore fell there were 50,000 British, Dutch and Australian troops sent to Changi in the first week.

Three days later General Percival accepted the Japanese surrender terms, and within a matter of hours the enemy decreed that Changi should become a gigantic prison camp, in which all the British captives would be concentrated. The order for all troops to move to Changi was given on 16th February, and from then until 18th February a procession of over 50,000 prisoners trudged wearily along the long winding road leading eastwards from the city Extract from Changi History by Sqn Ldr H A Probert

Most of the POWs were housed in former British Army barracks. The Australians were housed mostly in Selarang Barracks. It is made up of 8 major buildings, a dozen or more minor buildings and 400 acres of land. It had been home to the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders. In the 1970's it was home to the Australian Battalions that formed part of ANZUK, 1 RAR and 6 RAR.

The British and Dutch were housed at Roberts Barracks, Kitchener Barracks and the wooden barracks at India Lines. Part of Roberts Barracks was used as the hospital.

Over the years many myths have grown up, particularly in Australia, about the 'hell hole' of Changi Prison. This site seeks to present the facts. THE FACTS ARE BAD ENOUGH. To embellish them is counter-productive, and silly.

What is worse we now have South East Asian tourist operators providing "re-creations" of what we expect to see even though it may not be true. Details.