The Civic District I

Lim Bo Seng - The Man

Major-General Lim Bo Seng was a prominent Hokkien businessman who under the alias Tan Choon Lim took part in anti-Japanese activities in Singapore in the 1930s. As part of these activities, he was a major supporter of the China Relief Fund. He also formed the Chinese Liason Committee for the Governor Sir Shenton Thomas needed assistance in civil defence.

Wartime Activities

Labour Services of the Overseas Chinese Mobilization Council

In 1942, he was the head of this council were he organised more than 10 000 men for the British Government to man essential services and constructed defences around the island. These men also helped dynamite the Causeway.

Force 136

He was joined by members of the British Resistance Group, Force 136 in India and was trained for intelligence work. He went on a recruitment drive in China in 1943. The main purpose of this group was to help the allied forces from behind enemy lines and to conduct guerilla warfare.

Capture

Upon a betrayal by the Malayan Communist Party leader, Lai Teck, Lim Bo Seng was captured at a checkpoint in 27 March 1944. This World War II hero died in Batu Gajah jail in June that year.



MacRitchie Reservoir Burial

Lim Bo Seng was awarded the rank of Major-General posthumously by the Chinese Nationalist Government. His remains were reburied at the MacRitchie Reservoir.

At the Moment...

As we walked into the War Memorial Park, its serenity caused us to be aware of the significance of this place. In 1954, the marble pagoda of the Lim Bo Seng Memorial was unveiled. This was to commemorate the 10th death anniversary of the war hero. It is dedicated to a man whose heroism and selfless sacrifice is an example to all Singaporeans. But many Singaporeans do not know that his remains are still with is at MacRitchie Reservoir.




Trivia

Did you know that Lim Bo Seng was honored in front of City Hall in a funeral ceremony, which was held in 1946?

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