Once a mangrove swamp. That’s where the story of Changi Air Base begins. This eastern part of Singapore holds significant history. Many people fly into Changi Airport. They may not realize the area’s rich past. So let’s take a moment to explore Changi Air Base.
In the early 1900s, Changi was mainly low-lying swampland. Three main hills punctuated the area. They became known as Battery Hill, Fairy Point Hill, and Temple/Changi Hill. Thick undergrowth and virgin forest surrounded these hills. Some trees reached up to 150 feet. The name Changi comes from the native word for the Balanocarpus tree. These were some of the tallest trees in Singapore.
By 1927, a small native village was the main habitation. There was also a police station. A couple of bungalows existed including one government-owned. A small Japanese Hotel with a dubious clientele was there too. Early military protection focused only on the harbor area.
Sir Stamford Raffles realized Singapore’s strategic importance. But fixed defenses around the entire island weren’t initially seen as necessary. As Japan grew into a powerful nation, Stanley Baldwin decided to build a large Naval Base on the north coast. It was wrongly assumed that any attack would come from the sea. A land attack from the north was ruled out.
Changi was chosen as the base for Royal Artillery batteries. These batteries would cover the eastern approaches to the Johore Straits. In 1927, a commission led by Major General Webb Gillman prepared a detailed defense scheme. The area was virgin swampland and jungle. The task was formidable. Still, the scheme moved forward. This included rough plans for the Changi cantonment prepared the previous year.
Blueprints were created for two main barrack areas. They later became Kitchener and Roberts Barracks. Work soon began on clearing the ground. Draining the mangrove swamps was crucial. It was essential to eliminate malarial mosquitoes. Snakes were also a constant danger.
Two supervisors and eighteen laborers started the initial clearing. As land was cleared, more workers were brought in. By December 1927, the first four officers married quarters on Fairy Hill Point were nearly done. Similar quarters followed on Battery Hill.
The first three years saw Changi rise from the swamps. The foundations for future development were laid. Thought was given to horticultural enthusiasts. Many large stately trees were left standing. Other flowering trees and shrubs were established. Changi was first a military base. It also became an area of great beauty.
Unfortunately, work on Changi stopped abruptly in mid-1930. Singapore’s defense was becoming more urgent. Japan’s growing power was a concern. But political and economic issues in England led to cuts in Singapore defense spending. However, with a change in Government and Japan’s intentions growing stronger, the work on Changi continued again in 1933.
Between 1934 and 1941 work continued. By 1936 most barracks married quarters and the officers’ mess were complete. The Royal Engineers took over Kitchener Barracks. The Royal Artillery Coast Artillery Regiment occupied Roberts Barracks. More barracks and quarters continued to be built.
In 1936, a new site was selected for an infantry battalion at Selarang. This was about a mile from Roberts Barracks. Selarang Barracks became the home of the Gordon Highlanders. Also in 1936, a new civilian jail was built in Changi village. It could house up to 800 prisoners. This jail would later play a dramatic role. Further new barrack blocks and a NAAFI were built as late as 1941.
A week before the capitulation on February 15, 1942, the Japanese occupied Palau Ubin. Heavy bombardment was exchanged. But defeat was inevitable. The Japanese decided that the Changi area and all the barracks would become one huge prisoner of war camp. Changi Air Base has been a Royal Air Force station. It was renamed RAF Changi in 1946. Later it was handed over to the Singapore Air Defence Command. It was then renamed Changi Air Base.
Today Changi Air Base stands as a testament to Singapore’s strategic importance. It also represents resilience and transformation.