Click on image for a larger map Q: How long did it take for Japanese troops to get to Singapore? A: 70 days after landing in Kota Bahru in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, the Japanese planted their country's flag on Singapore soil on February 15, 1942. Q: How did they swoop down? A: Bicycles made it possible for the Japanese to advance quickly through the peninsula into Singapore. Q: Were the British forces ready for them? A: The British government failed to provide adequate defences, with good air support against a seaward attack as well as a landward attack down the peninsula. That led to the fall of Singapore. Moses' start page Previous Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.