An island city state at the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula, Singapore was a British colony for most of Biggles' time before becoming a part of Malaysia in 1963 and finally gaining independence in 1965. A large naval base was established in Singapore in the 1930s for the Royal Navy. Several military airfields for the R.A.F. were also built before the Second War. From 1942 to 1945, Singapore was occupied by Japan.
After the end of the war, the British military facilities continued to be expanded. In the 1950s and 60s, Singapore was considered to be the largest British military base east of Suez. As the main British outpost in Southeast Asia, Biggles called at Singapore almost evey time his responsibilities took him into that region. He would also have transited it on his way to Australia or elsewhere in Asia, although this is sometimes not stated explicitly. With several military airfields and a civilian airport to choose from, Biggles would have been spoilt for choice for a landing field and Johns never stated explicitly which facility he used.
Singapore and Biggles[]
- In Biggles Flies Again, Biggles and Algy passed through Singapore where they were hosted by the R.A.F. flying boat squadron there. The Vickers Vandal was given an overhaul by the service mechanics. This suggests that he must have used the marine aircraft base at R.A.F. Seletar (The Oriental Touch).
- In Biggles - Air Commodore, Biggles flew to Singapore where he made arrangements for R.A.F. bomber support should he need it to wipe out the secret enemy submarine base. There he learnt that Squadron Leader Tom Lowery, in command of a flying boat squadron there, was posted missing while heading home after departing Rangoon. Squadorn Leader Gore-Alliston's Vickers Vildebeest strike launched from Singapore and Biggles flew to Singapore at the end of his mission.
- In Biggles in Borneo, Biggles flew a photo reconnaissance mission over Japanese-occupied Singapore from his base at Lucky Strike (chapter 4).
- In Biggles Delivers the Goods, two troopships with two battalions of infantry were sent from Singapore to attack Biggles' base on Elephant Island (chapter 19).
- In Biggles in Australia, Algy and Bertie, outboud for Darwin, were delayed and had to spend some days in Singapore because of engine trouble with their Handley Page Halifax. It is likely Biggles transited Singapore with his Otter but this is not stated explicitly (chapter 2).
- In Biggles and the Lost Sovereigns, Biggles' gold retrieval mission to the Mergui Archipelago began and ended in Singapore.