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CIVIL DEFENCE.
Lt. Gen. Percival.
Раме 42
Para. 241
"It had become apparent very soon after the outbreak of hostilities that the pre-war civil defence arrangements were in many respects inadequate for the situation which was developing."
Air Vice Marshal Sir P. Maltby.
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"Singapore had its first air-raid shortly after 04.00 hours on the 8th December. Radar detected
the approaching raid at a distance of 130-140 miles from Singapore (giving more than 30 minutes warning). Its approach was promulgated from the Fighter Control Operation Room. Unfortunately the staff of this room was unable to obtain any response from the H. Qs. of the Civil A.R.P. Organisation, with the result that the civil population received no effective warning, nor was the Civil Air Defence Scheme put into effect until it was too late. #
"Despite these difficulties (dispersion of effort between providing maximum supplies of tin, rubber etc. for European war effort and providing for own defence) much was done on the civil side towards preparing for war. Yet much remained to be done when war came.
Shortages
of equipment and, still more important, lack of thorough training resulted in voluntary organisations not being ready, some more some less, when war broke out. Credit is due to those who volunteered to play their part and who, when war overtook them, played it despite many a handicap. But it is unfortunate to have to state that there were appreciable sections of the community, particularly amongst its Asiatic element, which might have been more interested and might have done more towards putting Malaya's defences on a sound footing."
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