The memorial is a moving reminder of the human cost of war and a testament to the bravery and sacrifices of the Australian and Allied defence forces that took part in the war effort in Southeast Asia at a critical time in world history.
Joe Szakacs MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Joe Szakacs has visited Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore today, laying a wreath and paying his respects to Australians who lost their lives defending Malaya and Singapore during World War II.
The Malayan Campaign ran between 1941 and 1942, with Australia joining Allied forces to resist the Japanese invasion of the Malay Peninsula, a strategically important region in the Pacific War during World War II.
The campaign culminated in the fall of Singapore and the capture of over 130,000 Allied troops. Among them were 15,000 Australian soldiers, airmen and sailors, with over 7,000 dying as prisoners of war (POWs).
The Singapore Memorial, located within the cemetery, is inscribed with the names of over 24,000 Allied personnel who were casualties of the Commonwealth land, air and sea forces during World War II.
More than 1,600 Australians who died in the region are commemorated at the site, many of whom were never found.
This includes personnel from the Australian Imperial Force, Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy who died in combat, POW camps, were lost at sea while being transported or died during forced labour projects like the Burma-Thailand Railway.
The Kranji War Cemetery is an enduring reminder of our nation’s role in the region’s history and the deep connection between our countries.
Minister Szakacs is currently in Singapore as part of a broader trade mission to garner investment in South Australian property developments, including new homes to be built under the Malinauskas Government’s Housing Roadmap.
Quotes attributable to Joe Szakacs
It was an honour to lay a wreath at Kranji War Memorial and pay my respects to the more than 24,000 Allied servicemen and servicewomen including the many Australians who are commemorated at the site.
Some of the bravest, and most courageous soldiers are laid to rest at Kranji War Cemetery, while the victims of some of the war’s most horrific atrocities are also interred there.
I am truly humbled to remember, to reflect, and to commit to rhetorical ongoing memorialisation of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The memorial is a moving reminder of the human cost of war and a testament to the bravery and sacrifices of the Australian and Allied defence forces that took part in the war effort in Southeast Asia at a critical time in world history.
It’s important that we continue to honour their legacy. Lest we forget.
