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| Interior of the 1940s civilian Air raid shelter in Tiong Bahru |
Another physical landmark that strengthens place identity, and is protected by the government, is the Air raid shelter at Block 78 Guan Chuan Street. Also constructed by SIT, it was the only air-raid shelter to have been integrated into public housing at the time. The shelter protected about 100 people around the estate during the Japanese air raids between December 1941 and January 1942. Because it is so significant to Singapore’s history, National Heritage Board (NHB) has taken measures to preserve it and has even organised tours there to raise public awareness about Singapore’s war history. Besides that, the shelter also holds memories for Singaporeans like Mr Andrew Bosco Callistus Pereira, 75. He had hid in there at a tender age of 5 when the bombs fell on Singapore. He said: 'It was spacious down there, but dark, and if I recall correctly, we had just a few kerosene lamps.'
Refer to email sent to azahar.noor@rgs.edu.sg on 20th April 2012.
