King & Country
Captain
- Joined
- May 23, 2005
- Messages
- 5,101
Hi Guys,
A few days ago there was some discussion about the above sets that we produced back in 2012 to mark the 70th, Anniversary of that defeat...Perhaps I can add to the dialogue with some words on my thinking behind the release...
In 2011 K&C had been discussing with our dealer in Singapore a proposal to produce something different primarily for that market but also for sale elsewhere. We discussed several options but in the end decided on that final image of the British surrender based on the series of famous photographs taken by the Japanese as General Percival (the Singapore & Malaya C in C) accompanied by senior British officers carrying the Union Jack and a flag of truce approached the temporary Japanese headquarters of General Yamashita at the Ford Motor Works on Singapore Island.
Some have questioned “how could we have portrayed in miniature such a humiliating moment in British Imperial History?” Well, for me Britain’s long and glorious history has included many great moments of victory but also a fair number of major defeats and setbacks. I am interested in all of it...the good, the bad...and the sometimes ugly.
Living the Far East for almost 40 years, I arrived in 1977, I have read much and explored many of the scenes and places connected to Britain’s war in South East Asia between 1941 and 1945. That’s why the defeat of British and Empire forces in Malaya and Singapore has long fascinated me...We outnumbered the Japanese 2 to 1 but they had almost complete control of the air and, after the sinking of “HMS Repulse” and the “Prince of Wales” total control of the sea. But still, through a mixture of inept leadership, over-confidence and a sadly-misplaced superiority complex about the fighting qualities and abilities of the Japanese we suffered a huge and ignominious defeat that in reality signaled the end of the British Empire.
As a history buff it’s always, interesting to read about those times when the proverbial poop hits the fan and speculate...”Now, how would I have reacted in those circumstances...?”
Although that surrender marked perhaps the lowest point for Britain during WW2 it was also the point when we began that long, long road back which would eventually lead to the defeat of Germany, Italy and finally...Japan.
Our soldiers became better armed, better trained and, very importantly, better led after that humungous and humiliating defeat at Singapore.
The Australians and New Zealanders who battled their way to victory in New Guinea and elsewhere in the Pacific were joined by the British and Empire troops of Bill Slim’s 14th Army in Burma who fought their way back from the frontiers of India all the way to Rangoon and all points in between.
One day I believe K&C will portray those blokes as well...But that long fight back began on the day we surrendered at Singapore...Tragic lessons were learned and bitter tears were shed but sometimes it’s important to remember our defeats to fully understand and appreciate our victories.
Historically Dunkirk and the Fall of France was an almighty blow where “luck” or if you, prefer “providence” were on Britain’s side.
Alas at Singapore we had neither but I believe both should be remembered and portrayed in miniature. Which is why collectors see “Fields of Battle” as well as “Normandy ‘44”… and the Fall of Singapore.
One final point...Late last year we produced several models depicting the attack on Pearl Harbor...The figures and aircraft have been extraordinarily popular...especially in the U.S. and...Singapore. Now, don’t ask me why but it just goes to show that even a defeat cannot stop a collector purchasing a figure or a model if they find it interesting.
Thanks for reading...Best wishes and happy collecting!
A few days ago there was some discussion about the above sets that we produced back in 2012 to mark the 70th, Anniversary of that defeat...Perhaps I can add to the dialogue with some words on my thinking behind the release...
In 2011 K&C had been discussing with our dealer in Singapore a proposal to produce something different primarily for that market but also for sale elsewhere. We discussed several options but in the end decided on that final image of the British surrender based on the series of famous photographs taken by the Japanese as General Percival (the Singapore & Malaya C in C) accompanied by senior British officers carrying the Union Jack and a flag of truce approached the temporary Japanese headquarters of General Yamashita at the Ford Motor Works on Singapore Island.
Some have questioned “how could we have portrayed in miniature such a humiliating moment in British Imperial History?” Well, for me Britain’s long and glorious history has included many great moments of victory but also a fair number of major defeats and setbacks. I am interested in all of it...the good, the bad...and the sometimes ugly.
Living the Far East for almost 40 years, I arrived in 1977, I have read much and explored many of the scenes and places connected to Britain’s war in South East Asia between 1941 and 1945. That’s why the defeat of British and Empire forces in Malaya and Singapore has long fascinated me...We outnumbered the Japanese 2 to 1 but they had almost complete control of the air and, after the sinking of “HMS Repulse” and the “Prince of Wales” total control of the sea. But still, through a mixture of inept leadership, over-confidence and a sadly-misplaced superiority complex about the fighting qualities and abilities of the Japanese we suffered a huge and ignominious defeat that in reality signaled the end of the British Empire.
As a history buff it’s always, interesting to read about those times when the proverbial poop hits the fan and speculate...”Now, how would I have reacted in those circumstances...?”
Although that surrender marked perhaps the lowest point for Britain during WW2 it was also the point when we began that long, long road back which would eventually lead to the defeat of Germany, Italy and finally...Japan.
Our soldiers became better armed, better trained and, very importantly, better led after that humungous and humiliating defeat at Singapore.
The Australians and New Zealanders who battled their way to victory in New Guinea and elsewhere in the Pacific were joined by the British and Empire troops of Bill Slim’s 14th Army in Burma who fought their way back from the frontiers of India all the way to Rangoon and all points in between.
One day I believe K&C will portray those blokes as well...But that long fight back began on the day we surrendered at Singapore...Tragic lessons were learned and bitter tears were shed but sometimes it’s important to remember our defeats to fully understand and appreciate our victories.
Historically Dunkirk and the Fall of France was an almighty blow where “luck” or if you, prefer “providence” were on Britain’s side.
Alas at Singapore we had neither but I believe both should be remembered and portrayed in miniature. Which is why collectors see “Fields of Battle” as well as “Normandy ‘44”… and the Fall of Singapore.
One final point...Late last year we produced several models depicting the attack on Pearl Harbor...The figures and aircraft have been extraordinarily popular...especially in the U.S. and...Singapore. Now, don’t ask me why but it just goes to show that even a defeat cannot stop a collector purchasing a figure or a model if they find it interesting.
Thanks for reading...Best wishes and happy collecting!
Andy C.
