Japanese soldiers parading through the streets of Singapore.
The fall of Singapore to the Japanese Army on February 15th, 1942 is considered one of the greatest defeats in the history of the British Army and probably Britain’s worst defeat in World War Two. The fall of Singapore in 1942 clearly illustrated the way Japan was to fight in the Far East – a combination of speed and savagery 

Singapore 1942

Japanese troops crossing the Chindwin river in Burma during the monsoon season. The use of  bicycles allowed fast movement along the narrow jungle tracks and could be carried, if necessary. By advancing directly through the jungle instead of along the heavily defended main roads, these troops caught the British and Commonwealth troops by surprise. 

Crossing the Chindwin river

 Lt. Gen. Yamashita (seated, centre) thumps the table with his fist to emphasise his terms – unconditional surrender. Lt Gen. Percival sits between his officers, his clenched hand to his mouth.