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Veterans from the fall of Singapore have been commemorated in Wellington. - Source: ONE News -
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A ceremony has been held today at the National War Memorial in Wellington to mark 70 years since the fall of Singapore during World War II.
Thirty five New Zealand airmen lost their lives in the battle which was also a wake up call that the war was edging closer to our country, sparking fears we would be invaded by Japan.
Two veterans, now in their 90s, have relived the memories.
"It's a bit emotional, and it just get me now and again, but not very often. It's the personal side that stays with you and affects you forever," veteran Clem Randall said.
Singapore was meant to be the British Empire's impregnable fortress in Southeast Asia and New Zealand helped pay for its defence.
Veteran Hugh Nelson described terrible scenes to ONE News.
"I went down to have a look at the fire engines and that was terrible...no one was alive, bones with bits of meat hanging off them," he said.
The base fell to the Japanese after a week of fighting in a huge defeat for the British army which had been confident the Japanese would attack by sea. Instead the onslaught came from the jungle, catching the Allies by surprise.
"You do think of the cobbers you've lost, and you've had to bury," said Randall.
New Zealand deployed 155 men to Singapore, with 35 killed and many others becoming prisoners of war.
The Japanese bombed Darwin just days later and suddenly New Zealand felt vulnerable with most of its troops fighting in North Africa.
Rear Admiral Jack Steer, vice chief of Defence Force, said people in New Zealand thought the war was a long way away but with the fall of Singapore "it was really driven home to them that the war could come down to our homeland".
Just five New Zealand veterans of the campaign are still alive - all from 488 squadron who fought in the skies above Singapore against superior numbers.
Today's ceremony coincides with a bigger one in Singapore which will be attended by two kiwi veterans who fought in the battle.
Veteran's Affairs Minister Nathan Guy says the battle on February 15 1942 was a major event in World War II, impacting New Zealanders.
"Hundreds of our serviceman and civilians became prisoners of the Japanese," said Guy. "Over 80,000 British, Indian and Australian troops became prisoners of war and endured harsh treatment."
"We are pleased to be able to send two veterans to the ceremony, given there are very few survivors of this historic battle left alive."
Both men will pay tribute to those who did not return home.
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