Precious Memories of My Growing Years in Naval Base
The British Influence
My experiences, from my time in a colonial Singapore back in the 1960s, are unique, endearing, and unforgettable and may resonate with many of you. I was born in the Solomon Maternal Clinic, situated at Prinsep Street in the Dhoby Ghaut district. I lived my first 15 years in Naval Base, from 1956 to 1971. At that time, the community was fully protected and equipped like a satellite town, thanks to the British rule.
I grew up at the Naval Base Hospital Quarters among 11 families. The men of these families helmed the breadwinner role by working in the Hospital, while the womenfolk stayed at home to cook and care for the children. The residents in our community were a mixture of races and religions, which did not matter to us. We carried on as One People, enjoying each other's company.
In the 1950s, the hospital was renamed as the Royal Naval Asian Hospital and was located along Canberra Road (as stated in my birth certificate). The 11 houses were built within the grounds of this hospital.
My Family
I believe in 1940s, my grandfather, Dr Timothy S
Abishagam, moved his family from India to Singapore because he was employed by
the British to work at the Naval Base Hospital Singapore. There were six of them who
traveled by ship from India to Singapore. My
father was the eldest child. He later joined the same hospital as a Dresser. He
served the British before, during and after the WW2
My grandfather, Mr. Timothy Abishagam, is seated in the centre of picture.
My father – Walter W Abishagam
The team at Asian Hospital Naval Base (1950 - 60s).
My dad standing, 2nd row, 5th from left. The team at Asian Hospital Naval Base (Late 1960s).
In my family of five was my father, Mr. Walter William Abishagam (popularly known as Mr. Walter), my mother, Navamany, followed by my younger brother, Patric, and younger sister, Rosaline. My father worked at the Royal Naval Asian Hospital as a special grade Dresser/ Hospital Assistant. He loved his work and was immensely committed to it. At the same time a family man. We enjoyed a good and comfortable life, thanks to his lifestyle. Life suddenly took a turn for the worst with his untimely passing in 1967. He contracted double pneumonia and finally passed on due to heart failure.
Grateful to the British
After this tragedy in our family, we realized that my mother, who was originally from Malaysia, was stateless and could not be employed. With three small children to raise, it was a difficult time of anxiety and fear for my mother, along with the grief of losing her husband.
Fortunately, the British authorities came to our rescue and offered her
employment at the X-ray department in the same hospital my father had served. This
made way for us to continue staying in Naval Base. The authorities also
provided a widow’s and children’s pension fund, which assisted us tremendously
for our daily needs. This pension was given to my mother until she passed on in
1982. It is also noteworthy that this pension continued even after the British
had pulled out of Singapore, for which we are very appreciative.
My mother, Mdm. Navamany & colleagues from the X-ray department..
Unique Experiences
Since my father worked at the hospital, I was exposed to the operations
in the hospital’s various departments, such as the three men's wards, laboratory,
operating theatre, dispensary, X-ray department and so forth. Below are some
unusual experiences I wish to share that might intrigue you.
§ The
Mortuary
My home was in a row of houses at No. 11 Hospital Quarters. In fact, it was
the last house facing the mortuary, about 150 metres away from it. When the
lights were turned on inside the mortuary, it meant that someone who had passed
away was resting there.
Once, when I was about nine or 10 years old, I tagged along with my father to examine a deceased in the mortuary. I was not allowed inside, and so I stood outside and peeped in. I watched my dad and his assistants examining the body. I was not afraid and was just a curious onlooker.
Family Quarters provided for Hospital
Assistants & I lived at No. 11 Hospital Quarters.
Aerial photo of
the Asian Hospital and family Quarters taken in 1952.
§ Ear
Piercing
Another incident was when my mother decided that her two daughters
should have their ears pierced as we were nine and 12 years old. Normally this
was done at a much younger age, but for some reason or other overlooked. So, she
discussed the matter with her colleagues at the hospital. I remember, Uncle
Manickam, who worked in the operating theatre carried out the minor procedure
sparing us the hassle of being pierced by a gold smith, which was the usual practice.
§ Broken
Nose
One day, when I was 8 or 9 years
old, I decided to retrieve a broom that was out of reach as it was thrown over the
kitchen roof. Setting off on an innocent rescue attempt of the broom, I placed a
pail on top of a stool and climbed on top of it. I gingerly made it to the top
of the pail. Unfortunately, I slipped off the pail and fell, hitting my nose on
the narrow drain inside our house. Blood was oozing out of my broken nose and
my mother quickly called the neighbours for help. One of the neighbour’s boys
carried me to the ward where my dad was working and I was treated immediately. My
nose was dented by the mishap, which is visible till today. I never ever forgot
the scolding I received.
§ An
Ambulance Ride Like No Other
On an unsuspecting day during the 1960s, I was in my classroom at Sembawang
Primary School (12 miles, Sembawang Road), when the teachers announced that we
had to go home immediately. I called my father from the principal’s office. I
was expecting him, and to my amusement, he had sent an ambulance to pick me and
other children who were living in the Naval Base area. We had an enjoyable and
safe ride home. Little did we sense any danger until later when I came to know about
the racial riots in 1964.
§ Farewell
Dinners
It was customary for the British authorities to host a farewell dinner
for the outgoing doctors. I used to accompany my dad to some of these dinners,
where ten-course Chinese dinners were served right here in “Singapore”. Any
place outside Naval Base was known as Singapore Town. These were elaborate
dinners with all the fanfare. Lip-smacking, delicious food and impeccable
service. I acquired a taste and appreciation for Chinese cuisine at an early
age. I believe these restaurants were in China Town.
§ Boy
Scout: Testing of First-aid Procedures
Uncle Peter Then, who lived a few doors away from us, was a Scout Master and was also known as Gajah. He would send Boy Scouts to my house for First-aid tests. My father was the tester/examiner, and he would go around examining every tied bandage and every fixed imaginary broken arm. I would be right there beside him, checking them too and at the same time, enjoying the out-of-norm activities. My house was filled with anxious boys, bandages, gauze, dressing, slings, and plasters.
§ Access
and Privileges to Hospital Wards and Doctors
We used to play Football or Rounders in the
fields next to the hospital wards. Whenever the ball went astray into the
hospital wards, we could just walk into the wards to collect them. Sometimes,
the British hospital personnel would kick back a runaway football or even join
in and play with us a minute or two. We
could also use the telephone located at the common area between the wards. There
was a small “tuck shop” selling all kinds of titbits like biscuits, milk, sweets
and chocolates, and soft drinks, catering to the needs of patients, staff, and
visitors. I often bought some of these goodies from the tuck shop as those were
the best English-made snacks. Whenever I was sick, I had the privilege of
seeing a British doctor.
Inspection with my
dad accompanying.
§ Evening
Walks with Dad
Every other evening, we would accompany my father
on his walks. He made sure that his children were properly dressed right up to
the socks and shoes. We would go for a walk from the Hospital Quarters to Jalan
Kedai, and back to the starting point. The walks were interesting trips because
every few minutes, we would be stopped by someone who wanted to speak with him.
Apart from English, he spoke fluently in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Malay. He
was also a well-respected gentleman in the community, as was evident when, years
later, former Naval Base residents would walk up to me and ask, “Are you Mr.
Walter's daughter?"
The walks ended on 17 July 1967 when he passed on. I was 11 years old at that time. I wish to mention here that I appreciate and thank all the policemen who lined up along some parts of Canberra Road, and more at the Canberra Gate who saluted his hearse as it passed by on that fateful day. It is a very emotional and touching memory, never to be forgotten.
Just like our long service awards. Appreciation awards were given out to deserving candidates too. Some of our fathers would have received these Testimonial awards of Appreciation.
Now that the
years have rolled by, I realise how precious those years were. Wishing we
never had to leave our little colony. All I have
are memories and the pride I feel, having been part of Naval Base.
Contribution by: Mary Ellamah
Abishagam
17th July, 2022
[The copyright of this article and
all the photographs contained therein belong exclusively to the author, Mary
Ellamah Abishagam and may not be reproduced without her prior approval and
permission.]
Very interesting. It's good to know.
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