A stronger defence of Singapore would require prepared positions across Malaya as well as large coastal guns. Ready formations had been diverted toward North Africa, Iraq, and East Africa, leaving too many positions for the remaining forces, many of them still training. Successive defences would give those forces places to withdraw to and hold. Airfields could also have concealed observation posts prepared for teams remaining behind after an enemy occupation. Telephone links could connect observers with separate radio teams that changed transmission positions, so detecting a transmitter would not immediately expose the observers. These are proposed preparations, and their availability would not guarantee that Singapore could be held.
Notable Point · 1:08:26-1:14:26
Defensive depth and stay-behind observers in Malaya
Singapore's defence would require prepared positions across Malaya, reliable reinforcement routes, and concealed observers able to report on captured airfields.