Singapore in 1919 combined a colonial centenary and celebrations of peace with rice shortages, workplace organisation and political violence. Schools and associations pursued their own programmes, while the harbour connected local life to changing shipping markets and the return of wartime travellers. This annual account follows those events through dated reports and institutional records.
A colonial centenary in a changing port
Singapore marked a century as a British colonial port-settlement on 6 February 1919. The day was a public holiday with official celebrations. The anniversary counted from the establishment of the British settlement in 1819; it did not mark the beginning of human settlement or maritime life on the island. National Library, Singapore centenary exhibition
The Malaya Tribune’s report the following day welcomed the centenary in the language of a new international age of liberty and justice. That was the newspaper’s celebratory interpretation of British rule. The Eurasian Literary Association also announced a gathering at its rooms for 8 February, with an evening address followed by an impromptu concert. Malaya Tribune, 7 February 1919
Organisations had prepared their own part in the anniversary. Orders published by Scout commissioner Frank C. Sands instructed Singapore troops to parade at the YMCA grounds on 6 February. The same weekly programme scheduled an ambulance class at the YMCA the next day. Malaya Tribune, 31 January 1919
The centenary fund also supported assistance for people in poverty. A report on 10 February credited E. Tessensohn with securing an allocation from the organising committee for equal distribution between the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Saint Anthony de Padua Association. Singapore Free Press, 10 February 1919
Celebrations continued after the public holiday. A centenary dance took place at Victoria Memorial Hall on 14 February. The next day’s report described a programme of sixteen dances, with additional numbers, beginning at nine in the evening and continuing until daybreak. Malaya Tribune, 15 February 1919
A Japanese-language publishing venture also commemorated the anniversary. Kobunkan issued a Singapore street map in January 1919 with a decorative title design and advertisements for local Japanese businesses on its reverse. The National Library’s surviving undated copy is thought to be a later printing from about 1920, lacking those features. National Library, Japanese map study
Kobunkan was a bookstore and publishing business on Middle Road. The map carried its name in both Japanese and English, and combined a town plan with an inset of the island. National Library, Japanese map study
The year had opened with land and sea sports on New Year’s Day. The Tribune reported that both programmes went ahead in fine weather, with the sea events held in the morning. Malaya Tribune, 2 January 1919
Making peace visible in the city
News that Germany had signed the peace terms reached Singapore on the morning of Sunday, 29 June. The Straits Times reported that the news became generally known between nine and ten o’clock and described its reception as quietly thankful. The end of fighting in November 1918 and the signing of peace terms were therefore separate moments in the city’s postwar calendar. Straits Times, 1 July 1919
Preparations for public celebration had begun well before that announcement. A programme published in May proposed a morning garrison parade and an afternoon procession of motor lorries and cars. Schoolchildren on the lorries were to represent Britain, parts of the British Empire and Allied countries. Malaya Tribune, 16 May 1919
By mid-July, the review was fixed for the Esplanade on 19 July. Men who had served in the war and since been discharged were invited to participate. The Singapore Volunteer Corps separately ordered its units to practise the ceremonial arrangements and attend the peace review, with attendance described as compulsory in the published orders. Straits Times, 15 July 1919
The Tribune’s 21 July report looked back on Saturday’s celebrations in Singapore, describing excitement in the city and its suburbs. Malaya Tribune, 21 July 1919
The Straits Times likewise reported the completed Singapore festivities, paying particular attention to the display in the streets after dark. The land-sports committee published a subscription list with contributions collected by several organisers, including Lim Kee Cheok. Straits Times, 21 July 1919
Rice prices and the machinery of food control
Food prices did not follow a simple, uninterrupted upward course throughout 1919. In January, the Tribune reported that Siam rice had become cheaper, with a gantang previously costing one dollar selling for about eighty-five cents. The paper credited food control for the reduction. Malaya Tribune, 15 January 1919
By the end of April, enforcement was reaching the police courts. On 30 April, Senior Magistrate Langham Carter heard three cases involving alleged breaches of the food regulations. In one, two dealers were charged with selling bags of Rangoon rice above the permitted price. The surviving opening of the report records the charges, without establishing the outcome of those proceedings. Malaya Tribune, 1 May 1919
A letter published on 19 June drew attention to an ambiguity in price regulation. Its writer said the rules set prices for Siam and Saigon white rice without specifying the quality to which those prices applied. Malaya Tribune, 19 June 1919
Substituting another food could bring its own price problem. On 20 June, the Tribune reported a sharp rise in sweet-potato prices during the preceding few days, from roughly three cents to about ten cents per catty. The report presented sweet potatoes as an alternative to rice; its broad assumptions about Chinese food preferences were the newspaper’s own. Malaya Tribune, 20 June 1919
An extraordinary government notice issued on 24 June announced a more direct intervention. Under the Food Control Regulations, the Controller intended to take over rice stocks on 1 July. The Tribune printed the notice the next day. Malaya Tribune, 25 June 1919
An official explanation published on 26 June warned that Malaya could not obtain its normal supply of rice. It identified failure of the Indian crops as one cause of the difficulty. Malaya Tribune, 26 June 1919
Rice controls crossed administrative borders. In July, Johore adopted arrangements similar to those of the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States, appointing rice agents in several districts, including Johore Bahru, Muar and Batu Pahat. The notice tied the retail ceiling to Singapore’s maximum price. These were Johore measures reported to Singapore readers, not additional Singapore district offices. Malaya Tribune, 15 July 1919
Control extended to flour. An order gazetted on 14 October fixed Singapore prices for Australian wheat flour at $5.75 per forty-nine-pound bag when sold by importers and $5.85 by other sellers. Smaller quantities were priced at eighteen cents a kati. Malaya Tribune, 15 October 1919
The Tribune’s editorial of 5 December returned to the rice shortage in a distinctly anxious mood. It said the worsening position near the end of the year had long been anticipated and that rice remained expensive. Malaya Tribune, 5 December 1919
The supply system also attracted complaints about administration. A business correspondent reported a rice dealer’s view that the Food Controller’s office had too few clerks to handle its work. Straits Times, 15 December 1919
The same month brought news of incoming food supplies. On 15 December, the Tribune reported that rice had reached Singapore during the preceding days. Malaya Tribune, 15 December 1919
At Bukit Panjang, enforcement continued to the year’s final day. A trader appeared before J. D. Hall in the second police court on a charge of refusing to sell rice. The Tribune reported a conviction and a ten-dollar fine. Malaya Tribune, 31 December 1919
A letter that day praised Lim Kee Cheok for selling rice at the controlled price and using profits to assist poor people. Malaya Tribune, 31 December 1919
Boycott, violence and the colonial response
Political conflict over Japan’s claims in China reached Singapore’s newspapers before the street violence. On 19 June, the Tribune discussed resentment of Japanese demands for former German possessions in China. It said it could not determine how far the boycott was spontaneous and how far it had been organised. Malaya Tribune, 19 June 1919
Violence broke out in Singapore on the night of 19 June. The Straits Times reported attacks on Japanese shops, looting, destruction and the burning of goods, with armed forces called out. Its headline placed the disorder in Chinatown. These were attacks on people’s businesses and property; they should not be assigned as collective responsibility to Singapore’s Chinese population. Straits Times, 20 June 1919
The Tribune distinguished a boycott from a breach of the peace, stating that a simple refusal to buy Japanese goods was not itself illegal. At the same time, its account used disparaging language about participants in the disturbances. Malaya Tribune, 20 June 1919
On 21 June, the Tribune reported a quieter night after the earlier disturbances. It also said that crowds had attacked police and that police had fired. The report’s claim that officers had been compelled to shoot was the newspaper’s explanation of the use of force. The available extract does not permit a reliable final casualty count. Malaya Tribune, 21 June 1919
The Straits Times reported quiet over the following weekend, while substantial military forces remained visible in the town. Its account also referred to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s advice and to the remains of the earlier destruction being cleared from the streets. Straits Times, 23 June 1919
By 25 June, the paper described continuing precautions even though the immediate situation had calmed. Guards protected the Japanese Commercial Museum and the consulate at Raffles Chambers. The report also noted the departure of the Sydney for Penang. Straits Times, 25 June 1919
Court proceedings extended into September. On 30 September, the Tribune reported a case against four men accused of addressing public meetings at People’s Park. The opening identified defendants from Sago Lane, Kampong Bahru Road and Temple Street. It supplies evidence of prosecution over public meetings, but not a verified verdict or a complete account of their speeches. Malaya Tribune, 30 September 1919
Relations involving Japanese visitors also included official hospitality later that year. On 30 August, the Japanese flagship Iwate hosted colonial officials, Legislative Council members and their wives at a tea gathering organised by the admiral and his officers. Malaya Tribune, 1 September 1919
Schools, examinations and a college fund
Tan Kah Kee founded the Singapore Nanyang Overseas Middle School on 21 March 1919, offering four-year secondary education in a rented bungalow off Niven Road. Its later name, The Chinese High School, and its Bukit Timah campus belong to a subsequent stage. MOE Heritage Centre, Chinese High history
Girls’ schooling appeared in the press through fundraising as well as examination results. An early-January report described a sale of work at Nanyang Girls’ School in Dhoby Ghaat. Pupils had made embroidery, crochet and other needlework for sale in aid of the school’s funds. Malaya Tribune, 2 January 1919
Medical education was already operating through successive examinations. The spring results published on 1 April listed students who had completed the first professional examination, including Foo Hee Seng, J. S. Goonting and G. A. Lopez. The notice also separated passes in individual subjects from completion of the examination as a whole. Malaya Tribune, 1 April 1919
Another notice in June listed candidates admitted to King Edward VII Medical School after passing the preliminary examination in all subjects. Its named entrants included Goh Eok Kee, S. N. Evans and Chia Teck Yam. Malaya Tribune, 2 June 1919
In September, the school announced a medal presentation covering the years 1917, 1918 and 1919. The ceremony was scheduled for 8 October at the Federated Malay States Medical Hostel at Sepoy Lines, with the officer administering the government to present the awards. Malaya Tribune, 15 September 1919
The proposed Raffles College attracted substantial support from Johore. A September notice recorded a personal gift of $50,000 from the Sultan’s privy purse to the endowment fund. It separately described the Johore government’s commitment of $12,000 annually to maintain a professorship. A personal donation and a government’s recurring educational contribution were distinct forms of support. Malaya Tribune, 15 September 1919
Fundraising for Raffles College also involved plantation interests. By December, European planters in Johore were seeking authority for estate subscriptions calculated by acreage, while Japanese planters had agreed to contribute on the basis of planted acreage. These notices belong to the preparation and financing of a future college, not to the commencement of teaching in 1919. Straits Times, 1 December 1919
St Andrew’s School used a commercial entertainment venue for its annual prize distribution. The ceremony took place at the Alhambra Theatre on 4 December, with students and visitors filling the building. Lady Ridout attended, and a pupil presented her with flowers. Malaya Tribune, 6 December 1919
St Anthony’s Convent marked its silver jubilee in December. Pupils performed a four-act play about Saint Philomena in the school hall on 13 December. Malaya Tribune, 15 December 1919
Workers organise and representation is debated
In April, the Tribune argued that Singapore’s municipal affairs would command more public attention if councillors were elected to represent the population. It did not report the introduction of municipal elections or claim that such a change had already been approved. Malaya Tribune, 16 April 1919
Commercial representation followed another route. On 15 April, the Singapore Chamber of Commerce met in the Exchange Rooms to select someone to recommend to the Governor for nomination to the Legislative Council in place of C. W. Darbishire. The Chamber’s selection and the Governor’s nomination were separate steps, rather than a general election by Singapore residents. Malaya Tribune, 16 April 1919
Municipal labourers took industrial action in June. The Tribune reported on 20 June that some workers had submitted a petition one week and stopped work the next. Its editorial contrasted their procedure with a formal ultimatum. Malaya Tribune, 20 June 1919
In late October, a strike involved Chinese tailors working in shops that made European clothing. The Straits Times reported that the stoppage followed a resolution at a meeting of the tailors’ association in Tanjong Pagar Road and identified higher wages as the demand. Straits Times, 31 October 1919
The tailors’ dispute also reached a criminal court. The Tribune reported that the Protector of Chinese had charged two men with helping to manage an unlawful society associated with the trade. The report placed the charge before Senior Magistrate Langham Carter on 30 October. Its surviving opening states an allegation, not a finding that either defendant was guilty. Malaya Tribune, 31 October 1919
Clerks were discussing a different organisational initiative. An October editorial considered the proposed Clerical Union and cautioned that it would not be able to carry out all its intended activities immediately. The paper expected a gradual programme after inauguration. Malaya Tribune, 15 October 1919
That meeting was held at Victoria Theatre on 31 October. According to the Tribune, both the hall and gallery were so full that only standing room remained. Clerks had assembled specifically to form a union. Malaya Tribune, 1 November 1919
The Straits Times also reported the inaugural meeting and recorded a change of name during the proceedings. The proposed clerical union became the Clerks’ Union. Straits Times, 1 November 1919
Discussion continued through correspondence. On 3 November, a writer asked the Tribune to bring an employee’s letter to the attention of the newly formed union. The correspondent described the employee as someone who had joined his staff in a junior position. Malaya Tribune, 3 November 1919
Associations, lectures and community institutions
The Methodist conference opened in Wesley Church in February despite a delay affecting two visiting bishops. Bishops Stuntz and Robinson sent a radiogram through Sabang after their steamer’s departure from Madras was postponed by a week. The conference followed its contingency arrangements and began before the bishops could reach Singapore. Malaya Tribune, 7 February 1919
Raffles Library announced books ready for issue on 7 February, including J. M. Barrie’s Echoes of the War. Malaya Tribune, 7 February 1919
The Eurasian Association dates its formation to 1919. Its first constitution expressed a concern for the political, economic, social, physical and intellectual advancement of Eurasian British subjects, and encouraged members to take an active interest in Malayan affairs. Eurasian Association, institutional history
The Association’s own history treats its relationship with the earlier Eurasian Literary Association cautiously. It identifies the literary body as a likely predecessor and notes overlapping participants, while acknowledging the shortage of surviving early records. Eurasian Association, institutional history
The literary association’s January programme combined practical instruction and public speaking. It announced an evening bookkeeping class, a session of impromptu speaking and contributions by six members on labour-saving methods. A later debate would consider whether cinema was educational. Malaya Tribune, 15 January 1919
On 27 February, R. St J. Braddell gave a lecture on Malaya’s place in world history under the Eurasian Literary Association’s auspices. The meeting took place in the YMCA hall, with C. W. Darbishire present. The following day’s report described a crowded audience. Malaya Tribune, 28 February 1919
The Eurasian Literary Association also held a social evening in September at which prizes for general efficiency were presented. The named recipients included Angela and Augusta de Souza, N. Leicester and M. Beins. Malaya Tribune, 15 September 1919
The Eurasian Association’s first general meeting took place at St Andrew’s School Hall on Thursday, 27 November. E. Tessensohn read the notice calling the meeting and its agenda, then proposed adoption of the report and accounts. Malaya Tribune, 1 December 1919
Other associations used school and meeting halls for their annual business. The Indian Christian Association met at Short Street Girls’ School on 20 January, chaired by Dr J. M. Handy, with Indian and Ceylonese participants. Later that month, the Chinese Christian Association re-elected Song Ong Siang as president at a meeting in its own hall. Malaya Tribune, 31 January 1919
At the Moslem Institute on 29 August, T. A. Chunchie lectured on the Malays of Ceylon, with N. Mamat presiding. The report says he discussed how that community came to live in Ceylon. Malaya Tribune, 1 September 1919
The Institute’s sporting programme included billiards, tennis and table tennis. Its prize distribution was held on 28 September at Mint Cottage, 74 Teluk Kurau, with members and friends attending. A group photograph was taken during the gathering. Malaya Tribune, 1 October 1919
A special general meeting announced for 2 November at the Institute’s Race Course Road premises was to consider a building fund and a cooperative society. Malaya Tribune, 31 October 1919
Housing, municipal work and medical assistance
War charities continued to receive gifts after the armistice. In January, a house at 23 Killiney Road was sold at auction on their behalf through its owner’s donation. The proceeds were handed to Lady Evelyn Young for distribution. Malaya Tribune, 15 January 1919
Regulations published at the beginning of March provided for loans to public-utility societies or individuals erecting buildings in Singapore for use wholly or partly as dwellings. Malaya Tribune, 1 March 1919
Rent disputes also had an established administrative forum. The Rent Assessment Board met at the Municipal Buildings on 29 April under C. J. Saunders. Members named in the report included Koh San Hin, Gaw Khek Kiam and A. M. S. Angullia. Malaya Tribune, 30 April 1919
The board was still handling a substantial docket in September. At its meeting on 30 September, approximately twenty-three cases were considered. Saunders again presided, and H. Carpmael attended as assessor. Malaya Tribune, 1 October 1919
At the board’s meeting on 30 December, twenty-four cases were considered. The published account named Saunders as chairman and Carpmael as assessor. Malaya Tribune, 31 December 1919
Property valuation raised further questions at municipal assessment appeals in December. One case reported on 6 December concerned a Japanese bank that had paid $10,000 to obtain a lease of premises at 26 Kling Street. Malaya Tribune, 6 December 1919
Municipal discussions in August included a bridge across the Kallang River and a proposed new railway terminus. These subjects appeared in the report of the Commissioners’ meeting on 29 August. Discussion of a railway terminus did not mean a new terminus had opened. Straits Times, 30 August 1919
A later report, following the meeting of 31 October, dealt with a contract for Kallang Bridge construction. It was a construction-stage report, not an announcement that the bridge had opened. R. J. Farrer chaired the Commissioners’ meeting at which it was reported. Straits Times, 1 November 1919
The Singapore Rowing Club was seeking new accommodation near Anderson Bridge. Reporting in November said the Commissioners were willing to consider plans for a proposed boathouse. Straits Times, 29 November 1919
Medical provision for women and children drew support through a separate subscription fund. A June notice for St Andrew’s Hospital for Women and Children listed a promised donation of $5,000 from Tan Kah Kee, together with contributions from A. W. Bean and the Bishop of Singapore. The notice sought support for a new hospital, rather than announcing its opening. Malaya Tribune, 2 June 1919
Weekly mortality reporting continued to make illness visible in the local press. The return published on 15 November recorded 246 deaths for the week ending 8 November, divided into 182 males and sixty-four females. Its listed causes included convulsions and phthisis, the contemporary term for pulmonary tuberculosis. Malaya Tribune, 15 November 1919
Markets, ships and the postwar economy
The movement of people after the war included officers being repatriated from Britain. A June list named Singapore-bound men aboard the Pembrokeshire and the Tydens, alongside separate destinations in Malaya, Siam and British North Borneo. The list records departures from Britain, not the date each passenger eventually reached Singapore. Malaya Tribune, 2 June 1919
Returning Chinese labourers also passed through the shipping network. On 1 December, a notice said that a Blue Funnel steamer was arriving from Europe with 3,200 members of the Chinese Labour Corps returning to China. They were through travellers on their homeward journey, not a new body of labourers recruited to work in Singapore. Straits Times, 1 December 1919
Singapore rubber dealers entered the year with uneven demand. Lewis and Peat’s January report described sellers maintaining firm quotations while buyers held back, followed by lower prices at the weekly auction. Malaya Tribune, 20 January 1919
Guthrie’s report in February described a different week, with active demand across rubber grades and improved prices at the auction. It distinguished pale crepe from ribbed smoked sheet, the standard product categories in which business was conducted. Malaya Tribune, 15 February 1919
At the end of February, the firms were describing different parts of the market. Fraser reported very limited share trading, while Lewis and Peat linked lively rubber demand to freight space available for America. Malaya Tribune, 28 February 1919
Fraser’s report dated 31 October described steady business and demand for better-known stocks. The firm interpreted this as evidence of money available for investment. Malaya Tribune, 3 November 1919
The final share report of the year was explicitly shaped by the Christmas holiday. Fraser noted that only two business days fell within its reporting period, yet described keen demand when trading reopened. Straits Times, 31 December 1919
The port also received vessels redistributed after the war. The former German steamer Scharnhorst arrived in Singapore on 19 July after being handed to France and placed with the Messageries Maritimes company. Straits Times, 21 July 1919
Maritime accidents were subject to inquiry. On 29 August, the Marine Court concluded its investigation into the Kepong’s stranding off Raffles Lighthouse on 17 June. Langham Carter presided with maritime assessors. The report’s opening identifies the accident and the completion of the inquiry, but does not supply enough of the finding to assign negligence to a named officer. Malaya Tribune, 30 August 1919
Singapore appeared in a British parliamentary dispute over shipping labour on 3 November. Rear-Admiral Adair cited Japanese lines trading through Hong Kong and Singapore when warning that requiring British ships to pay higher crew wages could weaken their competitiveness. Hansard, 3 November 1919
Seamen’s representative H. Wilson challenged the argument. He said crews engaged at low wages in Chinese ports could remain aboard ships trading to Europe and Britain, and that the issue could not be confined to coastal trade in East Asia. Hansard, 3 November 1919
Theatre, sport and practical fundraising
Malay theatre was part of the commercial entertainment offered in North Bridge Road. A March review described the Theatre Royal as crowded for a Star Opera performance, praising the work of its actors. Malaya Tribune, 15 March 1919
The Star Opera also hosted charitable entertainment. On 17 September, a performance under the auspices of the Persenangan Stia Club raised support for the Kloet Relief Fund. R. J. Farrer and the Dutch consul’s private secretary attended. Malaya Tribune, 18 September 1919
The Indian Opera Company’s repertoire included the Ramayanam. Reporting on 1 October described the first part being staged the previous evening, with Miss P. K. Nagaratnam playing Rama and C. Thevara Shunmuga Mudaliar taking the part of Visvamitra. The newspaper reported a favourable reception and announced further instalments of the production. Malaya Tribune, 1 October 1919
English-language amateur performance also drew audiences. The second evening of the Amateur Dramatic Society’s musical entertainment was reviewed in early December, with particular praise for the dancing and staging. A matinee was advertised as a further performance. Malaya Tribune, 5 December 1919
Sport extended onto the harbour. A January boat race matched a Malay crew from the cable ship Recorder against sailors from HMS Marguerite. Each crew had five rowers and a coxswain, and the course ran from King’s Dock to the cattle wharf. Malaya Tribune, 31 January 1919
Football brought visitors from another settlement. A Singapore side played against representatives of the Penang Mohammedan Football Association during centenary week. The visitors were welcomed at a dinner in Victoria Street hosted by A. Rahimjan and his brothers. Malaya Tribune, 8 February 1919
On 27 February, the Straits Chinese Football Association met the Manchester Regiment on the Singapore Recreation Club ground. The soldiers won by a single goal scored in the second half. Malaya Tribune, 28 February 1919
School sport used shared grounds. The Indian Elementary Schools held their second annual sports meeting on 4 August at the Malay Volunteer Club’s ground off Bras Basah Road. Twenty-one events were arranged. The Tribune reported spectators as well as participants. Malaya Tribune, 5 August 1919
Medical students organised recreation as well as examinations. Their club’s annual tournament ended in July with a cross-country race and the finals of its tennis competitions. Straits Times, 15 July 1919
St Anthony’s Boys’ School held its annual athletics on the school grounds on 13 December. A committee assisted the organising priest, and a championship was awarded at the meeting. Malaya Tribune, 15 December 1919
Letters, steamship schedules and a flight through Singapore
Sending a parcel to Britain depended on the shipping timetable. In November, an official notice said a Blue Funnel steamer previously expected to leave Singapore on 25 November had been cancelled. Readers wanting parcels delivered before New Year were told to post them by the afternoon of 19 November, bringing the deadline forward. Straits Times, 15 November 1919
Long-distance aviation produced a very different arrival in December. Captain Ross Smith and his companions landed at Singapore’s racecourse on 4 December during their flight from England to Australia. The next day’s Straits Times report described an overhaul of the aircraft and an intended onward departure. Straits Times, 5 December 1919
The Tribune reported a crowd at the racecourse to welcome the aviators. That evening, local Australians and New Zealanders entertained Ross Smith and his brother at dinner in the Singapore Club. Malaya Tribune, 5 December 1919
Departure was confirmed separately. On the morning of 6 December, Ross Smith and his three companions left Singapore for Java. People had gathered at the racecourse soon after dawn to watch them take off. Malaya Tribune, 6 December 1919
Singapore’s possible role in aviation was also being debated in London. On 16 December, E. Kelly urged the Air Ministry to give greater attention to an air base at Singapore serving both military and civil flying. He placed it within an argument that Britain needed to look beyond the North Sea when considering future strategic positions. Hansard, 16 December 1919
Kelly also called for government research into air routes and atmospheric conditions, comparing it with the provision of naval charts and land surveys. He observed that the route to Australia offered successive landing places with comparatively short stretches over the sea. His speech was an argument for planning and public investment. It did not announce that Singapore already possessed the permanent air base he advocated. Hansard, 16 December 1919
Continue to Singapore in 1920. Explore the Singapore history Atlas.