Changes

On 5 February 1942, down to 18 tanks and lacking ammunition and food, a small force commanded by Lieutenant General [[Tomoyuki Yamashita]] attacked the island of Pulau Ubin off Singapore’s northeast coast. This diversion deceived General Percival, commander of the forces in Singapore, who moved his major ammunitions stores to the east. The main Japanese attack came later from the northwest.

On 5 February 1942, down to 18 tanks and lacking ammunition and food, a small force commanded by Lieutenant General [[Tomoyuki Yamashita]] attacked the island of Pulau Ubin off Singapore’s northeast coast. This diversion deceived General Percival, commander of the forces in Singapore, who moved his major ammunitions stores to the east. The main Japanese attack came later from the northwest.

On 8 February, the actual attack on Singapore started with the landing of troops on the northwest coast. Australian troops fought well initially, inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese. However, the Australian defenders retreated unnecessarily amidst the confusion of battle, allowing the Japanese to establish a beachhead. Subsequent landings by the Japanese were unopposed. The military situation for the British and Indian defenders under Lieutenant-General [[Arthur Percival]] worsened.

On 8 February, the actual attack on Singapore started with the landing of troops on the northwest coast. Australian troops fought well initially, inflicting heavy casualties on the invaders. However, the Australian defenders retreated unnecessarily amidst the confusion of battle, allowing the Japanese to establish a beachhead.<ref>"During the night of 8 February after a fifteen-hour artillery bombardment the Japanese landed on the western shores of Singapore island. The sector was guarded by Australian troops, but most deserted their posts and refused orders to stand firm." The Second World War: Ambitions to Nemesis, Bradley Lightbody, p. 132, Psychology Press, 2004</ref>Subsequent landings by the Japanese were unopposed. The military situation for the British and Indian defenders under Lieutenant-General [[Arthur Percival]] worsened.

==Civilian evacuations==

==Civilian evacuations==