Malaysia's unsung hero: Leftenan Adnan Saidi

Hi guys just wanted share with you about what I learned in my Bahasa Melayu Novel last year.

It was world war 2.The Japanese army swept through Malaya.It took the British army by surprise and met with little resistance as it marched towards the south.The seasoned Japanese soldiers quickly overcame military positions in Singapore.

On 13 February 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army turned its attention to Pasir Panjang Ridge.The crack Chrysanthemum Division faced a small band of man led by Leftenan Adnan from the First Malay Regiment.Since the Japanese had bombered the ridge,they were stunned when they were unable to break through the Malayan defence.

The date 14 February 1942 is significant.The battle at Pasir Panjang Ridge has gone on for almost 48 hours.Finally, the Japanese launched an all-out attack.The Malay Regiment engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat using their bayonets.Leftenan Adnan was badly wounded,yet he refused to retreat.Inspired by their leader's willpower to fight back ,the entire Malay Regiment stood bravely to the end.

Adnan was born in 1915 in Kampung Sungai Ramal,Kajang, Selangor.He was a diligent and hardworking student.He also excelled in his studies.After his graduation Adnan taught for a year.However fate has bigger plans for him.

In 1993, at the age of 18,Adnan joined the Malay Regiment.A year later,he was named the best recruit and was soon promoted .In 1936, Adnan was made a Sergeant,In 1937,he was chosen ti represent his platoon in a parade in London to honour the crowning of King George 5.Soon after that, Adnan was promoted again to Company Sergeant-Major and went to Singapore for an officers' conversion course.After graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant,he became the leader of the 7th Platoon, 'C'
Company.

Adnan married a teacher,Sophia Pakih Muda.They had two sons and a daughter.Adnan was a family man.He loved his children abd always tried to find the time to spend with them.
In late 1941, he was posted to Singapore.When the rumblings of war grew nearer,Adnan sent his family back to his hometown.At that time neither Adnan nor his family knew that they will never see each other.

In the days before the battle if Pasir Panjang,the seasoned Japanese soldiers rapidly overhelmed strategic positions in Singapore.Pasir Panjang was the final defence position.The British army had its main ammunition and supply depots and its military hospital there. 'C' Company was entrusted with the task of defending the ridge.

In the early afternoon of 14 February, the Japanese attempted a sneak attack.Adnan observed a contigent of 'Sikh' soldiers from the British-Indian army approaching.His sharp eyes and quick-thinking mind noticed that something was amiss. The turbaned troops were advancing in a group of four instead of the usual three of the British army.Seeing through the ruse,the lieutenant ordered his troops to open fire and they killed 20 Japanese impostors.

The battle that took place in 1942 was ine of the bloodiest in the Malaya campaign during World War 2.The courage of soldiers from the First Malay Regiment has gone down in Malayan history.It was Leftenan Adnan's personal courage and fearlessness that motivated his men to fight till the end.

Unfortunately he was captured and tortured to death.