Part 7/13:
Meanwhile, the Japanese established their network of informants across Singapore, especially in areas like Middle Road, where Japanese expatriates and local civilians exchanged vital information. Japanese spies employed sophistication in their operations, setting up networks months before the invasion, and gathering intelligence through seemingly innocuous professions like barbers and shopkeepers. Maps from 1941 detail critical Japanese military installations, highlighting their advanced knowledge of the island's defenses.
This intelligence advantage was pivotal in the swift Japanese conquest, as they could anticipate and counter British strategies effectively.