Recalling The Past – Singapore Parts 1, 2 & 3 – Rick Callaby – 39th

Background

1st August 1961 Passing out parade of the 39th Entry AATS Bircham Newton.

Finally changing my status from Leading Apprentice to Junior Technician and entering the “real RAF” First posting RAF Cottesmore, 10 and 15 Sqn Victors QRA . The only time in my 12 years I worked in a General Office and used all that stuff I had learnt. Eight months and I was on the move to Ops Centre responsible for the CO’s aircraft readiness info and other stuff relevant in those days, for a short time only. Finally became PA to OC Armament Squadron and for my pains was landed with a PV clearance which I discovered would rule my posting selections for the rest of my service.

Singapore Part 1

2nd October 1963. Eastward bound, destination Singapore RAF Changi. However, on arrival discovered I would be on Changi’s posted strength but would be employed at HQ Far East Command (FEC) in downtown Singapore at Phoenix Park. (thanks to my PVC). HQ FEC was joint service all three ( Army/RN/RAF). C-in-C rotated, Admiral Sir Varyl Begg was C-in-C during my time. Almost every piece of paper had Secret or Top Secret on it hence the PVC clearance necessity, because the guerrilla war with Indonesia was in progress in the jungles of Sarawak Borneo and Joint Theatre Plans were the order of the day. Singapore was a wild city in those days. There were race riots in 1964 with violence and curfews, but, you could have a great time, including the “out of bounds “ dubious places like Bugis St. and more. Get a boat from Collyer Quay to Blakangmati (now known as Sentosa) Island, bury your beer in the sand to keep it cool and enjoy the sun and swimming on a deserted beach until it was time for our boat to pick us up and return. Those deserted beaches and surrounding jungle are now covered in hotels, resorts, fun parks, and it’s a sought- after destination . Could spend a lot more time on the life in Singapore but then it was April 66 and I headed back to UK, destination BCAS Wittering (that PVC again). Three years later it took me to a 2-year tour (69 to 71) at BRIXMIS in Berlin. A Cold War intelligence gathering Army/RAF unit, probably the best posting I had. First choice, last posting RAF Brize Norton was granted, and left RAF on 9th December 1972.

Singapore Part 2

February 2002. Arrived back in Singapore on our way to Australia, after a 36-year absence. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The city was now a modern city. High rise buildings, the modern top names in all branches of business fashion, hotels, modern transport systems, excellent bus service, and numerous sights to be visited, it had it all. Even the drive to our hotel was on reclaimed land. After two days of enjoying the city, my thoughts returned to my past in Singapore, and I decided to check out Phoenix Park. Departing from Tanglin roundabout I walked Tanglin road that we travelled to work each day and finally arrived at Phoenix Park.

It looked the same as far as I could remember, the hill, with the rings of building, stairways, the “big house” at the top which had been the HQ building. The memories came flooding back as I stood there and then finally I turned away and began my walk back. I hadn’t gone far when I heard someone calling me. I turned and saw a uniformed person approaching me. I waited until he reached me, and he then surprised me by asking me politely to accompany him. I was curious, but didn’t refuse, but accompanied him back to Phoenix Park wondering what was to come. The big gate opened and we went inside and into a building just inside the gate. I was ushered into a room which I quickly recognized as an interview-type room. When seated I finally discovered why I was there. Phoenix Park was now the HQ for the Ministry of Home Affairs (Singapore Security Services and Police.) Singapore is not classified as a police state but widely described as a” highly regulated authoritarian state” or “benevolent dictatorship”
I had been invited inside as my standing out front and observing the site – for how long I don’t remember – but long enough to bring myself to the attention of the occupants. Then the questioning began. Personal details, where had I come from, why was I in Singapore, how long was I staying. Fortunately, I had my passport with me, as Anna and I were on our way to Australia.

Then, my interest/connection with Phoenix Park. So, I began my story. RAF service there from 63 – 66. My boss, I could actually remember his name, Group Captain PMS Hedgeland, Director of Signals (FE). I didn’t know if they could check any of my facts after 36 years and was relieved I had not taken any “memory” photos. Eventually they must have believed my story, or it checked out. They thanked me for my cooperation, wished me a pleasant stay in Singapore, and escorted me off the premises and the incident was over. I made my way back to meet Anna, who wondered where the hell I’d been, so she had to hear my explanation. Next day we were on our way to Brisbane.

Part 3- Singapore 2024/2025

We have since visited Singapore again. It has improved even more – if that’s possible. We were there in 2024 over Chinese New Year, on our way to Aussie and New Zealand. Our New Year 2025 on our way to Bangkok and Vietnam. Once again I was drawn to Phoenix Park. Now it is a business park and a lot of it is empty. The big house is a technical training school, but the staircases and buildings are still as they were. While Anna and I were walking around there (this time she insisted on going with me). I came into conversation with a lady who ran a small ballet school there, who told me she had heard that a proposal to demolish and redevelop the site was in the works.

It was built for the British in (colonial) 1949. The MHA – security services and police – have all gone, so I’m sure it has outlived its original purpose. If anyone who reads this article served at Phoenix Park, during my time or some other time, and would like to touch base with me, I would welcome it. However, it is a long time ago.

Footnote: Singapore is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do and enjoy. I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of visiting.

Notes:

1. I‘m enclosing some photos of the HQ FEC football team. I can only remember some of the names so if any are known to you please let me know. Also, some of the present-day Phoenix Park with is glory days over.

2. I would like to express my appreciation to Steve Day, without whose time, effort and assistance, my article would never have been published. Thank you Steve.

Rick Callaby, 39th Entry
RAF Retd

Photographs

Singapore 1

Singapore 1A

Singapore 2

Singapore 3

Singapore 4

Singapore 5

Singapore 6

Singapore 7

Singapore 8

Singapore 9

Singapore 10