In a report by British General Wavell to Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Australian soldiers were singled out for criticism of their actions in the Fall of Singapore. A criticism that led London Newspapers to write “Australian cowardice led to the fall of Singapore”. But a closer look reveals where the real responsibility for the Fall of Singapore lies.

British General Wavell’s report into the Fall of Singapore was declassified on the 1st January 1993, after a 50 year suppression under the UK Secrets Act. The report made scathing allegations against Australian soldiers on Singapore Island leading up to the Fall of Singapore. Allegations that included desertion, indiscipline and failure to send out required patrols. Was this true?

In April 1941, Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival was promoted to the position of General Officer Commanding, Malaya which oversaw the defence of Malaya (and Singapore). But just a little over two months after the Japanese invaded Malaya, Singapore would fall.

So how did Percival come to this position and to preside over the “worst disaster” and “greatest capitulation” in British military history?