THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Monday, 15 February 2010
006/2010
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support attends
the remembrance service for the 68th anniversary of
the fall of Singapore
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today delivered
an address at the remembrance service for the 68th Anniversary of the Fall of
Singapore, at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney.
“Sixty-eight years ago today, Singapore surrendered. 130 000 troops, including 15,
000 Australians became prisoners of the Japanese,” said Dr Kelly.
“We are here to remember the more than 1700 soldiers of the 8th Australian Division
who were killed in battle in Malaya and Singapore, as well as all those who died in
captivity”.
The 8th Australian Division was formed in May-June 1940 and comprised of three
brigades, each consisting of three battalions with attached artillery, engineers,
signals and supporting services.
Japanese forces invaded Singapore and Malaya on 8 December 1941. The
Australian 8th Division went into action in mid-January. Out of a strength of 18 500
the 8th Division suffered 1789 killed and 1306 wounded after 31 days of continuous
combat. Singapore surrendered on 15 February 1942 and the garrison was passed
into captivity.
“I would like to pay tribute to the members of the 8th Division. Their heroic actions will
forever be remembered as an iconic part of our Nation’s history” said Dr Kelly.
Media contacts:
Elyse Gatt (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0437 502 246
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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