MIRI: UNDER OCCUPATION BY FOREIGN FORCE Today in history, Miri is in its third day under occupation by the Japanese Imperial Army. On 16th December, 1941, nine days before occupying Kuching, the Japs take over this town, killing the Tanjong Lobang lighthouse keeper as soon as they land at Tanjong Lobang. It had not been a peaceful landing as there was a heavy storm when the Japs launched their landing crafts. Many of them drowned when their tongkangs - landing crafts - smashed against the sharp rocks of the cliff. The lighthouse keeper had been instructed to switch off his beacon lights. Before the Japs could take control of Miri, the British High Command had instructed Sarawak Shell to destroy the oil installation. My granddad, fire chief of the Shell Fire Brigade was ordered to assist in the safe destruction of everything that could be useful to the Jap military.The skies of Miri and Lutong would soon be thick with the choking smelly putrid smoke of many burning tanks of oil. An oil tank cover shot through the air and was never found again. Pics left to right: A visit to the lighthouse by us friends; the grave of the killed lighthouse keeper, first casualty of the war in Miri; a Jap soldier; bombing of Bintulu airport; Jap soldiers; one of many acts of barbarism by invading foreign soldiers. To be continued .....
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 08:05:27 +0000
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