Cenotaph
Connaught Drive, Esplanade Park
Civic District Trail 1, Marker 8

The Cenotaph became tribute to the lives that were sacrificed in the Second World War. During this war, people united and stood their ground defending Singapore, regardless of their race, language or religion. They endured the sufferings of the cruel Japanese Occupation and this monument educates and helps others remember these unsung heroes.

The Cenotaph was erected in memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the First World War (1914-18). It was designed by Denis Santry. The foundation stone was laid on 15 November 1920 by Sir Laurence Guillemard, the Governor of the Straits Settlements. It was officially unveiled on 31 March 1922 by the Prince of Wales, later Duke of Windsor, when he stopped in Singapore during his tour of India, Malaya, Australia and New Zealand. The French Premier George Clemenceau, who was the French Minister of War, attended the laying of the foundation stone.

"We are met here to do honour to the men, who, in common with many others from all parts of our great Empire, died that we as an Empire might live. Those who passed during the five years of war to victory, which are symbolised by the five steps that lead up to this monument, we shall never forget." - The Duke of Windsor, Prince of Wales (1922)

After the Second World War, it was decided that the memorial should also remember those who sacrificed their lives in that conflict. Thus, the face of the Cenotaph towards the Padang commemorates the fallen of the First World War, while the other side facing the sea keeps the memory of those who perished in the Second World War.