Civilian War Memorial
Beach Road, War Memorial Park
Civic District Trail 1, Marker 10

This memorial is a tribute to the shared experiences of the major races of Singapore, Chinese, Malay, Indian & other races during World War II. It was erected in remembrance of our struggle during the cruel Japanese Occupation. Every year on February 15, a memorial service is held here to remember the victims of the war, in conjunction with the annual educational programme - Total Defence Day. This educational programme helps people to understand the importance of being united in defending Singapore. To read more about Total Defence Day, click here.

The Civilian War Memorial, located in the east of the infamous Padang, is dedicated to all those who perished during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore between 15 February 1942 to 12 September 1945. Four identical vertical pillars rise to a pinnacle of 92.5 metres, symbolising the shared experiences of the four major races of Singapore: Chinese, Malay, Indian & other races. The remains of the unidentified war victims are buried beneath the monument.

The decision to erect a memorial in remembrance of the cruel occupation was made when the remains of those who fell victim to the Operation Sook Ching, which was carried out by the Japanese in 21 February 1942, were discovered in 1962. In this operation, Chinese Males between the age 18 to 50 were to report to Sook Ching centres to be screened. Many who were thought to be and "undesirable" threat to the Japanese were picked out and sent away to be mercilessly executed. The number of victims who were victims of the massacre was estimated to be between 25, 00 to 50, 000.

The site was given by the Government of Singapore, which also met half of the $750000 construction cost. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the people of Singapore made the remaining contributions. On the 15 February 1967, 25 years after the fall of Singapore to the Japanese, the memorial was unveiled by the then Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

It reads:

"This Memorial was erected by the people of Singapore through the effects of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the assistance of the Government from funds donated by the Government and the people of Singapore. It was unveiled on February 15, 1967, by the Prime Minister."