The Fortress That Fell From Behind

In February 1942, British commanders in Singapore believed their position was unassailable. They called it "the Gibraltar of the East." Over 80,000 troops were garrisoned there. Massive naval guns lined the southern coast, capable of hurling shells miles out to sea. Winston Churchill himself declared it an impregnable fortress. The officers dined on fine china at the Raffles Hotel, confident that no enemy could breach their defenses.…