remembering 14 february

Allahyarham Adnan bin Saidi


Lieutenant Adnan Bin Saidi,
(? 1915 - February 14, 1942)
was a Malayan hero at the Battle of Singapore
in World War II.

He was born at Kajang, Selangor
and was a Muslim of Minangkabau descent.

Adnan led a 42-strong platoon from the Malay Regiment
in the defense of Singapore against the Japanese invaders.

The soldiers fought bravely
at the Battle of Pasir Panjang, at Pasir Panjang Ridge
in the Bukit Chandu (Opium Hill) area
on February 12-14,1942.

Although heavily outnumbered, Adnan refused to surrender
and urged his men to fight until the end.

They held off the Japanese for two days
amid heavy enemy shelling and shortages of food
and ammunition. Adnan was shot but carried on fighting.

After the battle was lost,
the wounded Adnan was taken prisoner
by Japanese soldiers, who tied him to a cherry tree
and bayoneted him to death.

Kent Ridge Park, close to the site of the battle
now bears a plaque in commemoration of Lt Adnan Bin Saidi.

A museum at Bukit Chandu stands in memory
of the bravery of Malay Regiment soldiers.

This regiment would later become
the Royal Malay Regiment of the Royal Malaysian Army.