Kranji War Memorial

The Kranji War Memorial in Singapore stands as a solemn tribute to the men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty during World War II. This hallowed ground is a cemetery and a monument that honors the fallen Allied soldiers who perished in Southeast Asia during the conflict.

Nestled in the northern region of Singapore, the memorial's tranquil setting contrasts with the somber history it represents. It is composed of three distinct sections: the War Graves, the State Cemetery, and the Memorial Walls. The War Graves are the final resting place for over 4,000 servicemen, with headstones aligned in neat rows, bearing the names of soldiers from Britain, Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, India, Malaya, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

The State Cemetery holds the remains of Singapore’s first and second presidents, encapsulating a national reverence for their leadership. Meanwhile, the Memorial Walls list the names of more than 24,000 casualties whose bodies were never recovered, their inscriptions a poignant reminder of the cost of war.

Designed by architect Colin St Clair Oakes, the Kranji War Memorial was unveiled in 1957 and has since become a site of pilgrimage for veterans and visitors alike. Its central feature, the Singapore Memorial, stands tall with its towering columns, representing the shared sacrifice of those from diverse backgrounds.