Block2Blog

  Christmas in Naval Base I was born in 1957 and lived just across Canberra Padang in Block 7 Room 8 Kowloon Road. My first Christmas is probably my most unforgettable and harks back to the Padang and the twin trees soaring into the skies.   During Christmas, these majestic fir tree would come alive with colorful lights. I remember as a child, taking refugee under the tree and gazing at the starry skies.   The colorful lights on the tree drew children outdoors who lighted sparklers and played blind man’s bluff and catching which the night created greater suspense. Children were running helter-skelter, creating much mirth and laughter and I looked forward to this magical season.     Nelson Road leading to Admiralty House was also brightly decorated with colorful lights where we often strolled to soak in the Christmas atmosphere. CHRISTMAS WISH IN HOSPITAL Christmas is also the season of giving, and we knew that Santa would be bearing gifts for children in Naval Base Block Hosp

  Amarjit Singh’s mantra “My Father, My Hero ” resonates childhood memories of his late father Mr Maghar Singh (also known as)  Sergeant 23 in the Naval Base Police Force (NPF).   Born in 1902 in a remote village in Punjab, North India and when most teens were brimming with idealism, 19-year-old Maghar. driven by patriotism and devotion of a ‘Singh’ (which means ‘lion’ in Sanskrit), enlisted himself in the Indian Army as a Sepoy in 1921.     After serving for five years, he left the Army in 1926 at age 24 ventured from Calcutta to Malaya where he found work at a towkay's (Chinese businessman) mansion doing odd jobs. Joins Naval Base Police Force While his father was in Malaya, he heard that the NPF was recruiting policemen and in 1931, the 29- year-old Army trained soldier came to Singapore and joined the NPF. As part of the Army's Basic Combat Training (BCT) he was grounded in the core values of a soldier viz Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honour, Integr