On 13 Feb 1942, Percival was asked by his senior officers about surrendering. He opted to continue the fight. The next day, Japanese troops broke into Alexandra Hospital and slaughtered the 200
patients and staff, allegedly to take revenge for the fierce fight put up by the local militia led by Lt.
Adnan bin Saidi at Pasir Panjang.
Percival then met with his commanders at Fort Canning on 14 Feb where he proposed an immediate
counter attack at Bukit Timah to regain valuable food supplies and water. His senior officers disagreed,
saying no counterattack was possible. Based on archived minutes of these last few crucial meetings,
Percival did not bring up the idea of surrender at all – it was suggested by his other commanders!
Q9) Does this piece of information about Percival wanting to fight on instead of surrendering, change
your opinion of him?