British High Commissioner Nik Mehta's Remembrance Sunday Speech

Your Royal Highness, esteemed guests, distinguished members of the armed forces from various countries, ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the British High Commission and the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans’ League to you all at the Kranji War Cemetery for our yearly Remembrance Sunday celebration.

It brings me great joy to extend a warm welcome to Your Royal Highness and to recognize your impressive military career, along with your position as Honorary Rear Admiral of the Royal Navy Reserve.

I am truly grateful to be with all of you today for my first Remembrance Sunday in Singapore as the British High Commissioner.

As I made my way up the hill towards the memorial, I was deeply touched by the countless gravestones lining the path, each representing a narrative of dedication, bravery, and sacrifice.

Today, we come together at this sacred place in Kranji to honor and reflect. We pay tribute to those laid to rest and acknowledged here who made the greatest sacrifice. We also think of everyone who fought in the two World Wars, especially those from Southeast Asia and those who contributed in that region. Furthermore, we remember all who have participated in conflicts since then, as well as those who are serving right now.

Kranji is recognized as one of the most varied Commonwealth War Grave cemeteries globally. The graves here are a resting place for individuals from numerous countries, representing a wide array of cultures and beliefs. The memorial behind me bears the names of 24,000 servicemen and women who were part of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces and lost their lives during the Second World War, yet their final resting places remain unknown.

As a British Asian, it deeply resonates with me that more than half of the names on this memorial belong to young Indian men who fought for the British Indian Army in Southeast Asia.

The location we are at today was the scene of intense combat during the invasion of Singapore. It was close to this spot that the Japanese Imperial Army entered after crossing the Straits of Johor. During the period when Singapore was occupied, a prisoner of war camp was set up here. The prisoners created a small graveyard to lay to rest their deceased comrades, which eventually evolved into the beautiful cemetery we are now visiting. What was once a site of confinement, cruelty, and despair has transformed into a serene place of reflection and honor.

This year, we honor the bravery and dedication of those who fought in the two World Wars and other conflicts since then. I was deeply touched by the ceremonies held at Normandy this year to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which played a crucial role in Europe's liberation.

The connection we still have to that generation won't last for long. We are deeply grateful for their sacrifices and the service they provided. They were everyday individuals performing remarkable acts of dedication.

Earlier this year, I was profoundly reminded of how everyday individuals can accomplish remarkable feats when my son went to the Commonwealth War Graves in northern France. There, he discovered the resting place of his great-great-great uncle, who had fought with the Australian forces and tragically lost his life at the Somme in 1917.

Before his journey, we went through a collection of letters sent from the front lines, along with correspondence from family members in Australia. These letters vividly illustrate the profound effects of war on soldiers, their loved ones, and families. It’s a privilege and a responsibility for me to share some excerpts from these heartfelt messages.

The letters from France are penned in a jittery pencil, using tiny handwriting to maximize space on the thin sheets. He maintains a cheerful tone, likely attempting to ease his family’s concerns.

On February 4, 1917, he remarks: "Time flies by. It's incredibly cold here, with everything blanketed in thick snow, and every shell hole has turned into a small skating rink. The typical temperature hovers around 20 degrees below zero, but I find it quite comfortable."

Naturally, it wasn’t right for anyone involved. Just a few weeks later, a letter from his mother to his sister expressed her deep sorrow, stating, "He is gone. My precious, cherished one… I can’t fathom how to handle this. I must, and I will, embody the strength of a soldier in my heart, just like he did in every aspect of his life."

My son had the honor of honoring heroes like his great-great-great-uncle. He took care of their memorials and ensured that their stories remained alive and their sacrifices were always recognized.

On this 80th anniversary of D-Day, we take a moment to remember Wing Commander Tan Kay Hai from Singapore. He served as a pilot during D-Day and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery. After the war, Wing Commander Tan returned to Singapore, where he was instrumental in establishing and training what would become The Singapore Wing, the forerunner of the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

We also honor Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi, who displayed courage and valor during the battle at Pasir Panjang in a bid to stop the Japanese forces. He is remembered alongside Wing Commander Tan in this cemetery.

Wing Commander Tan and Lieutenant Saidi, along with everyone honored in this cemetery, shared many similarities. However, one of the most touching was their commitment to prioritizing the service of their country and their fellow citizens above their own needs.

They faced the toughest challenges that push human limits and resilience. They risked their safety to stand up for their beliefs and to protect our liberties. We are eternally grateful to them in ways that mere words can’t truly capture.

Since then, those who were once our opponents have become our trusted partners and friends.

This year marks a decade since UK troops concluded significant combat actions in Afghanistan. Around 150,000 British military members operated in Afghanistan with their coalition partners. Additionally, over 350 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces took part in NATO-led peacekeeping and rebuilding initiatives in the country. We are dedicated to remembering all who served and honoring the 3,621 brave men and women from the coalition who gave their lives.

In a year filled with global turmoil, it's important to think of all the brave individuals who are currently serving in our military. We honor the soldiers in Ukraine who are courageously defending their country against Russian invasion. We also reflect on the lives lost, the injured, and the displaced individuals in Israel, the Palestinian territories, and across the Middle East over the past year. Our hopes are for an end to the violence and for lasting peace for those in these regions who have endured so much hardship.

The current global situation is more unstable than it has been in many years, especially throughout my time as a diplomat. While it's important to reflect on the past, we must also commit ourselves to striving for a more peaceful future. I'm confident that my colleagues in leadership positions feel the same way about this crucial objective.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Singapore Armed Forces and their Veterans' League for their support in making today possible. I would especially like to acknowledge Mr. Ben Lim and his gardening team at Kranji for their efforts in keeping this area so beautiful and peaceful. I also want to thank our readers and everyone involved in today’s remembrance event.

I would like to express my gratitude to the amazing Defence Section at the High Commission for coordinating this event, as well as to all the volunteers who helped make today’s activities happen.

As you stroll through the graves and memorial today, take a little time to stop, think, and recognize the names etched in the stones nearby. With the sun shining down on this fresh morning in Singapore, let's reaffirm our pledge to remember and honor everyone who has served and continues to serve.