Testimonials
On 26 April 2025, my wife and I undertook a tour in Singapore conducted by Christopher Cher of Battlefield Tours Singapore. Our particular interest was the Australian involvement in the defence and subsequent fall of Singapore in February 1942. On the previous day, ANZAC Day, we had attended the very moving ceremony at Kranji War Memorial and Cemetery.
The tour was outstanding in every way. Chris was able to explain through the historical narrative, the development of the campaign, the tactics employed by the Japanese, and the difficulties faced by the Australians. Chris was informed, informative and happily engaged in conversation about the myriad issues that were apparent from what we saw. He was also very informative about the Kranji War Memorial and Cemetery.
We have undertaken many military history tours in all parts of the world. We highly recommend Battlefield Tours Singapore to anyone with an interest in military history as well as the general history of Singapore; they are inextricably intertwined.
Paul Slattery, Australia, April 2025
The tour was outstanding in every way. Chris was able to explain through the historical narrative, the development of the campaign, the tactics employed by the Japanese, and the difficulties faced by the Australians. Chris was informed, informative and happily engaged in conversation about the myriad issues that were apparent from what we saw. He was also very informative about the Kranji War Memorial and Cemetery.
We have undertaken many military history tours in all parts of the world. We highly recommend Battlefield Tours Singapore to anyone with an interest in military history as well as the general history of Singapore; they are inextricably intertwined.
Paul Slattery, Australia, April 2025
25 April 2025
My husband, daughter and I took a private tour with Chris in March 2025. I contacted Chris in January detailing what we wished to see and asking for availability and price, he replied promptly with suggested itinerary, date availability and price for 3 people. The tour was a pilgrimage for our family as my Father had been in Singapore (RAF) and was on the last troopship to leave before the surrender, my husbands uncle (Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) became a POW interned in Changi, sent to work on the death railway then onto Japan to work in the coal mines and did not survive.
Chris was very professional and provided excellent service. When we were in the wetlands he showed us maps, photos and position cards detailing the Japanese invasion and pointed out the areas where our relatives were likely to have been based. We had a full day comprehensive tour visiting the wetland area, Japanese landing sites, the Former Ford Factory,The Kranji War Cemetery, the Causeway and Changi Museum and Chapel. He included everything we requested and more, we learnt so much about both the invasion, the surrender and about life of our relatives at that time.
For anyone interested in Singapore and 2nd World War history I would highly recommend taking one of Christopher Cher Battlefield tours.
Many thanks Chris for an excellent day.
Christine Redhead, UK, March 2025
I arranged a bespoke one-day tour of various battlefield sites for my wife and I whilst staying in Singapore. In the planning stages Chris Cher was very helpful in suggesting an itinerary which would encompass many of the key sites and in almost chronological order. These included the Sungei Buloh wetlands, Kranji, The Ford Motor factory, Alexandra Hospital and City Hall. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily on the day but Chris made the best of it for us and we were still able to see all of the sites and spend time there. Whilst at the Wetlands, Chris produced many maps and photos and described to us the course of the Japanese landings and the campaign. It was very fascinating, and Chris is an expert on the subject.
Chris took us to a great venue for lunch, which we really enjoyed. Particularly the Mutton Roti! As well as learning a lot about the battle for Singapore we also learnt a lot about Singaporean culture and way of life. Chris was very friendly and personable, and we had a tremendous day together. At the end of tour Chris dropped us at the airport for our flight home. We enjoyed the experience so much that we have decided to do another tour with Chris when we come back to Singapore. I thoroughly recommend Battlefield Tours Singapore to anyone seeking a better understanding of the military history of Singapore. I would suggest that it should be one of the top things to do whilst in the Country!
Andrew Haynes, UK, March 2025
Hello Chris, we have arrived safely in Auckland and move on to Christchurch on Thursday.
In terms of the full day Battlefield Tour organised and operated by yourself, I can honestly say that it exceeded my expectations. Your knowledge and pictorial representation of the events that unfolded during that time was excellent. In addition, the pace at which we visited different places within the island made it an extremely enjoyable experience for both of us and the lunch provided was excellent
Finally, I would like to thank you for the additional information we gleaned from you regarding the present-day social aspects of life in Singapore, this was greatly appreciated.
I cannot recommend you highly enough to anyone contemplating a similar experience.
Regards and best wishes.
John and Shirley-Ann Bennett, UK, February 2025
Dear Chris,
Thank you for a wonderful day and providing a tailored itinerary for us. Your knowledge of the Malay campaign and the fall of Singapore was incredibly detailed and the manner in which you present the campaign is exceptional. That you have a detailed background of the broader events of WW2 and the post war era and the development of modern Singapore also shone through.
For anyone who has an interest in the history of this time and who wishes to spend a day seeing the rest of the Island with a friendly local with expert knowledge then there is nobody better.
All the very best and keep doing what you do so future generations can appreciate the sacrifices previous generations made to have the freedoms we still enjoy today.
Stuart and Jill Broome, UK, February 2025
I had a fantastic day with Chris of Battlefield Tours Singapore. His knowledge of wartime Singapore, the Japanese invasion and subsequent occupation is incredible and I learnt so much. Visiting the key sites brought history to life and Chris' patience in answering my endless questions was infinite. If you are lucky to be visiting Singapore, and are interested in the Second World War, then I highly recommend one of Chris' tours.
Adrian Hughes, UK, February 2025
Thank you Chris for creating the highlight of our trip to Singapore.
Our private "Battlefields" Tour, with a military historian who tailored our tour around Ray's Dad's battalion, the "2/19th Battalion, 8th Division"
Chris's level of detail was like a bottomless pit of knowledge. He captivated both of us by painting a picture with his map, his position cards and his demonstration of the events that led to The Fall of Singapore, Australia's biggest loss in WW2.
He took us to the area where the Japanese boats landed and he created a story of where Ray's Dad was positioned and how they were outnumbered five to one and pushed back into the jungle.
We went to the room where the surrender papers were signed.
We visited the Kranji War Cemetery which holds over 2500 Aussies.
No question was unanswered,. He was good to us from the moment he picked us up. We both highly recommend Chris.
Ray & Dael Page, Australia, November 2024
I unreservedly recommend Chris and his Battlefield Tours. I recently took his full-day tour of the Fall of Singapore, and it was awesome. As an amateur historian, I was excited to have the opportunity to travel to Singapore and tour the site of one of the British Empire’s worst defeats, my first tour of a Pacific theater battlefield. Chris was an incredible guide. We saw Japanese landing sites, the Causeway, the Kranji War Cemetery, the Former Ford Factory, and Changi Museum and Chapel. At the first stop, Chris used a large map and photos to give me a strategic overview of the Malaya Campaign leading to the Singaporean shores. And at each stop, Chris explained the significance of that site and put it in context of the entire battle. By the end of the day, I had a thorough understanding of – and connection to – the battle beyond what one can ever get from reading military history. It was a memorable day.
In addition, Chris is a genuinely nice and interesting person. This was my first time in the region, and Chris provided travel tips beforehand. As we drove around the island, Chris also gave me a lot of fascinating information about Singapore’s culture, government, and history. I appreciated learning about Singaporean life as much as I did about the battle.
Dana Ledger, US, September 2024
As someone with an interest in military history and a 2 day stopover in Singapore I was keen to do a battlefields tour to see the sites and learn first hand the problems faced in the defence of Singapore.
Chris is an excellent guide full of both knowledge of his home city and of the short battle to the eventual surrender to the Japanese.
We felt well informed and safe for our day out and would recommend Chris even if you had no interest in WW2 and wanted an interesting tour outside the city centre.
Jim Sands, Australia, August 2024
On a recent visit to Singapore with a group of ex army friends I engaged the services of Christopher Cher to provide us with a “Fall of Singapore” tour. We were extremely pleased with the tour provided by Christopher with each participant enjoying the day and stating how much they had learned. Christopher’s tour was well prepared, very interesting and highly informative. He covered the topic in a helpful chronological order and in the comfort of an air conditioned mini bus. It is my great pleasure to recommend Christopher to anyone interested in taking one of his tours.
LTCOL John Fielding RFD (Ret), Australia, July 2024
My husband, daughter and I took a private tour with Chris in March 2025. I contacted Chris in January detailing what we wished to see and asking for availability and price, he replied promptly with suggested itinerary, date availability and price for 3 people. The tour was a pilgrimage for our family as my Father had been in Singapore (RAF) and was on the last troopship to leave before the surrender, my husbands uncle (Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) became a POW interned in Changi, sent to work on the death railway then onto Japan to work in the coal mines and did not survive.
Chris was very professional and provided excellent service. When we were in the wetlands he showed us maps, photos and position cards detailing the Japanese invasion and pointed out the areas where our relatives were likely to have been based. We had a full day comprehensive tour visiting the wetland area, Japanese landing sites, the Former Ford Factory,The Kranji War Cemetery, the Causeway and Changi Museum and Chapel. He included everything we requested and more, we learnt so much about both the invasion, the surrender and about life of our relatives at that time.
For anyone interested in Singapore and 2nd World War history I would highly recommend taking one of Christopher Cher Battlefield tours.
Many thanks Chris for an excellent day.
Christine Redhead, UK, March 2025
I arranged a bespoke one-day tour of various battlefield sites for my wife and I whilst staying in Singapore. In the planning stages Chris Cher was very helpful in suggesting an itinerary which would encompass many of the key sites and in almost chronological order. These included the Sungei Buloh wetlands, Kranji, The Ford Motor factory, Alexandra Hospital and City Hall. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily on the day but Chris made the best of it for us and we were still able to see all of the sites and spend time there. Whilst at the Wetlands, Chris produced many maps and photos and described to us the course of the Japanese landings and the campaign. It was very fascinating, and Chris is an expert on the subject.
Chris took us to a great venue for lunch, which we really enjoyed. Particularly the Mutton Roti! As well as learning a lot about the battle for Singapore we also learnt a lot about Singaporean culture and way of life. Chris was very friendly and personable, and we had a tremendous day together. At the end of tour Chris dropped us at the airport for our flight home. We enjoyed the experience so much that we have decided to do another tour with Chris when we come back to Singapore. I thoroughly recommend Battlefield Tours Singapore to anyone seeking a better understanding of the military history of Singapore. I would suggest that it should be one of the top things to do whilst in the Country!
Andrew Haynes, UK, March 2025
Hello Chris, we have arrived safely in Auckland and move on to Christchurch on Thursday.
In terms of the full day Battlefield Tour organised and operated by yourself, I can honestly say that it exceeded my expectations. Your knowledge and pictorial representation of the events that unfolded during that time was excellent. In addition, the pace at which we visited different places within the island made it an extremely enjoyable experience for both of us and the lunch provided was excellent
Finally, I would like to thank you for the additional information we gleaned from you regarding the present-day social aspects of life in Singapore, this was greatly appreciated.
I cannot recommend you highly enough to anyone contemplating a similar experience.
Regards and best wishes.
John and Shirley-Ann Bennett, UK, February 2025
Dear Chris,
Thank you for a wonderful day and providing a tailored itinerary for us. Your knowledge of the Malay campaign and the fall of Singapore was incredibly detailed and the manner in which you present the campaign is exceptional. That you have a detailed background of the broader events of WW2 and the post war era and the development of modern Singapore also shone through.
For anyone who has an interest in the history of this time and who wishes to spend a day seeing the rest of the Island with a friendly local with expert knowledge then there is nobody better.
All the very best and keep doing what you do so future generations can appreciate the sacrifices previous generations made to have the freedoms we still enjoy today.
Stuart and Jill Broome, UK, February 2025
I had a fantastic day with Chris of Battlefield Tours Singapore. His knowledge of wartime Singapore, the Japanese invasion and subsequent occupation is incredible and I learnt so much. Visiting the key sites brought history to life and Chris' patience in answering my endless questions was infinite. If you are lucky to be visiting Singapore, and are interested in the Second World War, then I highly recommend one of Chris' tours.
Adrian Hughes, UK, February 2025
Thank you Chris for creating the highlight of our trip to Singapore.
Our private "Battlefields" Tour, with a military historian who tailored our tour around Ray's Dad's battalion, the "2/19th Battalion, 8th Division"
Chris's level of detail was like a bottomless pit of knowledge. He captivated both of us by painting a picture with his map, his position cards and his demonstration of the events that led to The Fall of Singapore, Australia's biggest loss in WW2.
He took us to the area where the Japanese boats landed and he created a story of where Ray's Dad was positioned and how they were outnumbered five to one and pushed back into the jungle.
We went to the room where the surrender papers were signed.
We visited the Kranji War Cemetery which holds over 2500 Aussies.
No question was unanswered,. He was good to us from the moment he picked us up. We both highly recommend Chris.
Ray & Dael Page, Australia, November 2024
I unreservedly recommend Chris and his Battlefield Tours. I recently took his full-day tour of the Fall of Singapore, and it was awesome. As an amateur historian, I was excited to have the opportunity to travel to Singapore and tour the site of one of the British Empire’s worst defeats, my first tour of a Pacific theater battlefield. Chris was an incredible guide. We saw Japanese landing sites, the Causeway, the Kranji War Cemetery, the Former Ford Factory, and Changi Museum and Chapel. At the first stop, Chris used a large map and photos to give me a strategic overview of the Malaya Campaign leading to the Singaporean shores. And at each stop, Chris explained the significance of that site and put it in context of the entire battle. By the end of the day, I had a thorough understanding of – and connection to – the battle beyond what one can ever get from reading military history. It was a memorable day.
In addition, Chris is a genuinely nice and interesting person. This was my first time in the region, and Chris provided travel tips beforehand. As we drove around the island, Chris also gave me a lot of fascinating information about Singapore’s culture, government, and history. I appreciated learning about Singaporean life as much as I did about the battle.
Dana Ledger, US, September 2024
As someone with an interest in military history and a 2 day stopover in Singapore I was keen to do a battlefields tour to see the sites and learn first hand the problems faced in the defence of Singapore.
Chris is an excellent guide full of both knowledge of his home city and of the short battle to the eventual surrender to the Japanese.
We felt well informed and safe for our day out and would recommend Chris even if you had no interest in WW2 and wanted an interesting tour outside the city centre.
Jim Sands, Australia, August 2024
On a recent visit to Singapore with a group of ex army friends I engaged the services of Christopher Cher to provide us with a “Fall of Singapore” tour. We were extremely pleased with the tour provided by Christopher with each participant enjoying the day and stating how much they had learned. Christopher’s tour was well prepared, very interesting and highly informative. He covered the topic in a helpful chronological order and in the comfort of an air conditioned mini bus. It is my great pleasure to recommend Christopher to anyone interested in taking one of his tours.
LTCOL John Fielding RFD (Ret), Australia, July 2024
June 2024
While in town for a Rotary International Convention, I took a full-day tour on Saturday May 25, 2024. It was great! I was picked up at my hotel and taken to the NW corner of the island and given a topographical map orientation of the invasion site. Then we walked to the shoreline for an explanation of the crossings. Then drove to other meaningful sites with an explanation of the history and background of Singapore. Highly recommended!
Verne Seehausen, US, May 2024
Thank you so much for a wonderful day of Singapore military history. I was thoroughly engaged by your content and expert explanation. I found your method of using the map and unit movement description really useful and for the first time I feel I have an understanding of the decision making and reasons why the Allies did not prevail. It was a highlight to go to Kranji cemetery and also the museums. Thank you for your patience and expertise across a very full and fascinating day.
Joanne, Australia, May 2024
My father and I made use of Battlefield Tours Singapore (BTS) on our recent trip to Singapore (April 2024) in order to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather who was stationed in Malaysia and Singapore during part of WWII. We found Chris Cher to be incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating as he assisted us with a more specialized tour for the day, as we focused specifically on airfields and bases where my grandfather would have been based during his time there whilst covering the big picture of the invasion and fall of Singapore.
Starting from the area where the Japanese forces landed through to over the Causeway with Johor Bahru in the background, Chris took us to The Ford Motor Museum where the surrender was signed by the British forces under Percival all the way through Kranji War Memorial and ending where the evacuation of forces from Singapore would have departed from by ship. A well put together tour by Chris. He is incredibly knowledgeable in the sequence of the invasion and was able to answer all of the questions put to him. I would make use of (BTS) again as we do want to visit Singapore again in the future. At the end of the tour, we were safely dropped off at our hotel.
Clyde Minney, South Africa, April 2024
Having read a lot of the first hand accounts of the Battle of Singapore, it was not without significant anticipation I organised a day tour with Chris to walk the ground on a recent trip there. Chris’ nuanced appreciation of how that week in February 1942 played out and seeing some of the key sites first hand adds a different, essential perspective to one’s understanding.
At the start of the day Chris was brilliant at bringing to life the dispositions of troops on both sides as the battle evolved and which units were involved in the struggle for the each part of the island you are on. There is also a time defying realism to seeing a monstrous, intact coastal battery as we did on quiet side road near the airport at Changi. I was also impressed by how much we managed to fit in, and this included the Straits of Johor, the Causeway, Kranji, the Ford Factory, the Alexandra hospital, the site of the Operation Rimau executions, Changi museum and the aforementioned coastal battery.
Furthermore I also valued Chris’ knowledgeable conversation about not just the broader Malayan campaign, but the Second World War in general. If you have a genuine interest in this topic, do not hesitate in employing Chris’ services to provide you with a well prepared, refreshing on the ground perspective of the battlefield.
Joshua Younger, UK, March 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed my tour with Chris. Visiting the Ford Factory & the Kranji museum completed the pictures and books I have read on the campaign and highlighted the New Zealanders & Australians who were in Singapore in late 1941 & early 1942.
Chris’ knowledge of the campaign and the way he tailored the presentation of final days of Singapore in February 1942 has given me a deeper understanding of those final days. Details like the current whereabouts of the table from the Ford factory upon which the surrender was signed, and that a unit travelling down the road on bicycles sounds like tanks when a portion of them are running on rims, shows the depth of research that Chris has done.
Seeing the causeway across the Johor Strait and being shown the last remnant of the western gate to the former naval base
were an excellent way to finish the day. We both learned something that day and I would recommend one of Chris’ tours to anyone interested in the history of Singapore in WW2.
Bruce Arthur, New Zealand, February 2024.
I’m not sure how I discovered Christopher Chers tours, but boy am I so glad I did!
My brother and i were visiting Singapore at the tail end of a tour of various locations in SE Asia that our grandfather was as a prisoner of the Japanese during ww2.
Christopher was amazing from start to finish, tailoring the full day tour to visit places our grandad would have been (Johore causeway and Changi Jail) as well as others that provided us with a greater understanding of the capitulation of Singapore (Former Ford Factory).
Christopher has a phenomenal knowledge of all things Singapore and WW2, he was fascinating and very articulate. We left the tour full of new information and an understanding of the fall of Singapore.
He spent as long as we wanted at each of the locations, we never felt rushed or pressured in anyway. Which was just as well as my brother and I got quite emotional at a number of locations, Christopher was very understanding.
He even advised us on other places to visit during our stay, and took us for an amazing hawker lunch!
We enjoyed this tour so much we have booked our parents on the same tour for their upcoming visit!
Siobhan Keleher, UK, January 2024
It is a real pleasure to write about Battlefield Tours Singapore.
The host, Christopher Cher, has obviously spent many hours diligently compiling facts and figures about the events of Singapore during 1942-1945.
Chris’ knowledge far surpassed what I had read about the fall and occupation of Singapore during those years. His understanding of the Allies involvement and ultimate capitulation to the Japanese exposed many new thoughts that I didn’t know existed.
Chris is the consummate guide. He shows maps and itineraries of sites that may be of interest to anyone that wishes to find out more about this area and will even try to source details if anyone has a personal involvement in this theatre.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Battlefield Tours Singapore to any prospective historian or those interested in WWII regarding the Singapore experience. It is a “must do” for those people who have an interest in the facts surrounding these momentous times.
Craig Leonard, Australia, November 2023
Chris arranged a tour to suit our timetable and our knowledge of the fall of Singapore. He has a deep understanding of the place of the Malaya-Singapore campaign in the history of WW2 in Asia. He gave a nuanced account of the complex strategic issues faced by the Allied commanders. On the ground, using simple and effective aids, he explained how the battle unfolded in the days after the initial attack. He understands the tactical and psychological aspects of combat. Whenever we asked a specific question, he had the details at hand.
Chris has an easy, considerate manner, and we could not recommend him more highly.
Cheryl & Graham Hall, Australia, November 2023
Many thanks for you time and effort today. I really appreciated filling in a lot of gaps in my knowledge.
Nick Smyth, Australia, April 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and certainly would be interested in booking another for when we eventually return!
Kaspar Reed, UK, February 2023
We hired Chris to provide a day's tour of the island focusing on the role of Roland's father's regiment during the Fall of Singapore. Chris responded promptly and helpfully to all our enquiries and requests before our actual arrival, and also gave us excellent advice about other aspects of our stay. On the day all the arrangements worked very well from the time Chris picked us up in the morning to dropping us off at our hotel in the afternoon. The tour itself surpassed our expectations. Chris had organised everything according to our brief,
even trying to pinpoint the exact position of Roland's father at surrender. This was no mean feat bearing in mind how completely the
topography of Singapore has changed since 1942! His clear explanations included a visual description of all the units (Allied and
Japanese) involved in the battle and brought vividly to life the inevitability of the Japanese victory. On top of his skills as an historical
guide, Chris was an open and friendly witness to life in Singapore in the 21st century. We would strongly recommend you hire him.
Helen and Roland Crooke, UK, February 2023
We had such a wonderful time on your tour yesterday and felt like we learnt a lot of new things! You were an amazing guide and we couldn’t have asked for a better one! Thank you so much for everything. Again, thank you so much for all your advice and the excellent tour yesterday! We head back to Perth tomorrow, but hope that next time we are back in Singapore we will try another of your tours.
Caitlin Page, Australia, January 2023
We did a private full-day battlefield tour for 4 people with Chris. It included visits to the Kranji landing beaches, the Kranji War Cemetery and memorials, the Former Ford Factory museum and the Changi Chapel and Museum. Chris presented all the information to us in a very clear and interesting way, including showing us on maps how battalions were mobilised during the Japanese invasion, which made it very easy to understand.
Having started the day with very little knowledge of this period in Singapore history all four of us went away from the day with a much greater understanding of how and why the fall of Singapore occurred. Chris was an exceptional host and guide, with a fantastic knowledge of this very interesting time in the history of Singapore, and I would recommend his tours to everyone.
Raelene Warner, Australia, October 2022
While in town for a Rotary International Convention, I took a full-day tour on Saturday May 25, 2024. It was great! I was picked up at my hotel and taken to the NW corner of the island and given a topographical map orientation of the invasion site. Then we walked to the shoreline for an explanation of the crossings. Then drove to other meaningful sites with an explanation of the history and background of Singapore. Highly recommended!
Verne Seehausen, US, May 2024
Thank you so much for a wonderful day of Singapore military history. I was thoroughly engaged by your content and expert explanation. I found your method of using the map and unit movement description really useful and for the first time I feel I have an understanding of the decision making and reasons why the Allies did not prevail. It was a highlight to go to Kranji cemetery and also the museums. Thank you for your patience and expertise across a very full and fascinating day.
Joanne, Australia, May 2024
My father and I made use of Battlefield Tours Singapore (BTS) on our recent trip to Singapore (April 2024) in order to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather who was stationed in Malaysia and Singapore during part of WWII. We found Chris Cher to be incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating as he assisted us with a more specialized tour for the day, as we focused specifically on airfields and bases where my grandfather would have been based during his time there whilst covering the big picture of the invasion and fall of Singapore.
Starting from the area where the Japanese forces landed through to over the Causeway with Johor Bahru in the background, Chris took us to The Ford Motor Museum where the surrender was signed by the British forces under Percival all the way through Kranji War Memorial and ending where the evacuation of forces from Singapore would have departed from by ship. A well put together tour by Chris. He is incredibly knowledgeable in the sequence of the invasion and was able to answer all of the questions put to him. I would make use of (BTS) again as we do want to visit Singapore again in the future. At the end of the tour, we were safely dropped off at our hotel.
Clyde Minney, South Africa, April 2024
Having read a lot of the first hand accounts of the Battle of Singapore, it was not without significant anticipation I organised a day tour with Chris to walk the ground on a recent trip there. Chris’ nuanced appreciation of how that week in February 1942 played out and seeing some of the key sites first hand adds a different, essential perspective to one’s understanding.
At the start of the day Chris was brilliant at bringing to life the dispositions of troops on both sides as the battle evolved and which units were involved in the struggle for the each part of the island you are on. There is also a time defying realism to seeing a monstrous, intact coastal battery as we did on quiet side road near the airport at Changi. I was also impressed by how much we managed to fit in, and this included the Straits of Johor, the Causeway, Kranji, the Ford Factory, the Alexandra hospital, the site of the Operation Rimau executions, Changi museum and the aforementioned coastal battery.
Furthermore I also valued Chris’ knowledgeable conversation about not just the broader Malayan campaign, but the Second World War in general. If you have a genuine interest in this topic, do not hesitate in employing Chris’ services to provide you with a well prepared, refreshing on the ground perspective of the battlefield.
Joshua Younger, UK, March 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed my tour with Chris. Visiting the Ford Factory & the Kranji museum completed the pictures and books I have read on the campaign and highlighted the New Zealanders & Australians who were in Singapore in late 1941 & early 1942.
Chris’ knowledge of the campaign and the way he tailored the presentation of final days of Singapore in February 1942 has given me a deeper understanding of those final days. Details like the current whereabouts of the table from the Ford factory upon which the surrender was signed, and that a unit travelling down the road on bicycles sounds like tanks when a portion of them are running on rims, shows the depth of research that Chris has done.
Seeing the causeway across the Johor Strait and being shown the last remnant of the western gate to the former naval base
were an excellent way to finish the day. We both learned something that day and I would recommend one of Chris’ tours to anyone interested in the history of Singapore in WW2.
Bruce Arthur, New Zealand, February 2024.
I’m not sure how I discovered Christopher Chers tours, but boy am I so glad I did!
My brother and i were visiting Singapore at the tail end of a tour of various locations in SE Asia that our grandfather was as a prisoner of the Japanese during ww2.
Christopher was amazing from start to finish, tailoring the full day tour to visit places our grandad would have been (Johore causeway and Changi Jail) as well as others that provided us with a greater understanding of the capitulation of Singapore (Former Ford Factory).
Christopher has a phenomenal knowledge of all things Singapore and WW2, he was fascinating and very articulate. We left the tour full of new information and an understanding of the fall of Singapore.
He spent as long as we wanted at each of the locations, we never felt rushed or pressured in anyway. Which was just as well as my brother and I got quite emotional at a number of locations, Christopher was very understanding.
He even advised us on other places to visit during our stay, and took us for an amazing hawker lunch!
We enjoyed this tour so much we have booked our parents on the same tour for their upcoming visit!
Siobhan Keleher, UK, January 2024
It is a real pleasure to write about Battlefield Tours Singapore.
The host, Christopher Cher, has obviously spent many hours diligently compiling facts and figures about the events of Singapore during 1942-1945.
Chris’ knowledge far surpassed what I had read about the fall and occupation of Singapore during those years. His understanding of the Allies involvement and ultimate capitulation to the Japanese exposed many new thoughts that I didn’t know existed.
Chris is the consummate guide. He shows maps and itineraries of sites that may be of interest to anyone that wishes to find out more about this area and will even try to source details if anyone has a personal involvement in this theatre.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Battlefield Tours Singapore to any prospective historian or those interested in WWII regarding the Singapore experience. It is a “must do” for those people who have an interest in the facts surrounding these momentous times.
Craig Leonard, Australia, November 2023
Chris arranged a tour to suit our timetable and our knowledge of the fall of Singapore. He has a deep understanding of the place of the Malaya-Singapore campaign in the history of WW2 in Asia. He gave a nuanced account of the complex strategic issues faced by the Allied commanders. On the ground, using simple and effective aids, he explained how the battle unfolded in the days after the initial attack. He understands the tactical and psychological aspects of combat. Whenever we asked a specific question, he had the details at hand.
Chris has an easy, considerate manner, and we could not recommend him more highly.
Cheryl & Graham Hall, Australia, November 2023
Many thanks for you time and effort today. I really appreciated filling in a lot of gaps in my knowledge.
Nick Smyth, Australia, April 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and certainly would be interested in booking another for when we eventually return!
Kaspar Reed, UK, February 2023
We hired Chris to provide a day's tour of the island focusing on the role of Roland's father's regiment during the Fall of Singapore. Chris responded promptly and helpfully to all our enquiries and requests before our actual arrival, and also gave us excellent advice about other aspects of our stay. On the day all the arrangements worked very well from the time Chris picked us up in the morning to dropping us off at our hotel in the afternoon. The tour itself surpassed our expectations. Chris had organised everything according to our brief,
even trying to pinpoint the exact position of Roland's father at surrender. This was no mean feat bearing in mind how completely the
topography of Singapore has changed since 1942! His clear explanations included a visual description of all the units (Allied and
Japanese) involved in the battle and brought vividly to life the inevitability of the Japanese victory. On top of his skills as an historical
guide, Chris was an open and friendly witness to life in Singapore in the 21st century. We would strongly recommend you hire him.
Helen and Roland Crooke, UK, February 2023
We had such a wonderful time on your tour yesterday and felt like we learnt a lot of new things! You were an amazing guide and we couldn’t have asked for a better one! Thank you so much for everything. Again, thank you so much for all your advice and the excellent tour yesterday! We head back to Perth tomorrow, but hope that next time we are back in Singapore we will try another of your tours.
Caitlin Page, Australia, January 2023
We did a private full-day battlefield tour for 4 people with Chris. It included visits to the Kranji landing beaches, the Kranji War Cemetery and memorials, the Former Ford Factory museum and the Changi Chapel and Museum. Chris presented all the information to us in a very clear and interesting way, including showing us on maps how battalions were mobilised during the Japanese invasion, which made it very easy to understand.
Having started the day with very little knowledge of this period in Singapore history all four of us went away from the day with a much greater understanding of how and why the fall of Singapore occurred. Chris was an exceptional host and guide, with a fantastic knowledge of this very interesting time in the history of Singapore, and I would recommend his tours to everyone.
Raelene Warner, Australia, October 2022
Australian group, August 2022 (non-military itinerary)
Wanting to travel extensively over Singapore Island, I arranged a paid tour with guide. It was an inspired choice. On the shores of Straits of Johore, where the Australian 8th Division met the invading Japanese force. Seeing the terrain of any battlefield adds enormously to an understanding of that battle. What stood out here was the difficulties of (Japanese) landing through mangrove swamps (even at high tide), and the difficulties of defence in this area. My guide had maps on which he placed cards to indicate the placement of the different Australian (and British and Indian) Battalions, and their movements as the landing unfolded. Excellent!! Now understand that!!
A final word about my guide, Christopher Cher. He was excellent – highly organised, adaptable, knowledgeable. As 'guide-to-guide’, we were able to dig more deeply into what all these places offered and talk about lots more as we drove from place to place. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.
Ross Cleary, Australia, June 2022
Wanting to travel extensively over Singapore Island, I arranged a paid tour with guide. It was an inspired choice. On the shores of Straits of Johore, where the Australian 8th Division met the invading Japanese force. Seeing the terrain of any battlefield adds enormously to an understanding of that battle. What stood out here was the difficulties of (Japanese) landing through mangrove swamps (even at high tide), and the difficulties of defence in this area. My guide had maps on which he placed cards to indicate the placement of the different Australian (and British and Indian) Battalions, and their movements as the landing unfolded. Excellent!! Now understand that!!
A final word about my guide, Christopher Cher. He was excellent – highly organised, adaptable, knowledgeable. As 'guide-to-guide’, we were able to dig more deeply into what all these places offered and talk about lots more as we drove from place to place. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.
Ross Cleary, Australia, June 2022
Military History enthusiasts, Singapore, December 2020
Chris,
After 7 hours of discussing the trip on the way home, I wish to thank you for the exceptional privilege we enjoyed, having you as our tour guide. As you are aware I have personally travelled quite extensively and your attention to detail, assistance to members of our tour group and contagious personality together with your local knowledge of Singapore and its early beginnings, was the best I have ever experienced.
The standard of the coaches was also great and the bus drivers were always courteous. It was a busy trip but we managed to survive it with the aid of your humour. The meals were most enjoyable making this an all-round wonderful trip.
Thank you again and may I wish you great success with your business in the future.
Bruce B. Cameron OAM, Australia, September 2019
Chris Cher from Battlefield Tours Singapore runs the most amazing bespoke experiences of Singapore battles, history and battlefield locations. He has a wealth of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of military history, tactics and strategies. I would highly recommend Chris if you have any interest in or links to military history in Singapore or WW2 campaigns in the Pacific region.
Supt. Patrick Jones AFSM CF FiFireE, Australia, August 2019
How very nice to hear from you and to be brought back to those fascinating two days with you on the battlefield ground. For me it was an amazing & informative time being escorted by you across the Japanese invasion route. The strategy & tactics employed were reminiscent of the WW2 Blitzkreig manoeuvres masterminded by the Germans. You are very much the professional, your knowledge, interpretation, presentation & depiction with your detailed maps give your guidance a true & meaningful relevance. My friend was also very pleased to have an up to date photo of his sister's memorial at Kranji. In summary, it was a first class experience with a personable expert battlefield tour guide.
- Lt Col (Ret.) Nigel de Foubert, UK, April 2019
Recommend @sgbattletours if anyone has Singapore stopover or holiday coming up.
- David Lonsdale, Australia, February 2019
My wife and I booked a Singapore to Shanghai Cruise in December-January 2018. As a military historian I wanted to see the landmarks of the 1942 battle for Singapore. As Chris and I exchanged emails about the tour my wife asked about seeing the other interesting parts of the city, like the Botanical Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, food courts, museums, the neighborhoods and sights like the pool on top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. We couldn’t have had a better guide. We feel that the Singapore visit was the highlight of our trip, thanks to Chris. Not only did he provide me with a comprehensive tour of the military sites I wanted to see, with a fine exposition of how the campaign developed, including maps and period photographs, but he also brought us to virtually all of the sights of modern Singapore. Of all the places we visited on our trip, Singapore was the one we would most want to revisit.
- Laurence A. Lyons, USA, December 2018 (multi-day itinerary, military and non-military)
It was a great trip to Singapore and your Battlefield Tour was the highlight. I can’t think of anything that you could have done to make it a better battlefield tour. I loved the “then and now” maps you provided at the various places where the Japanese attacked. I think the best thing about your tour was that you are deeply immersed in the military history of Singapore and Malaysia while at the same time bringing your experience as a soldier in the Singapore Army to the table. In a tour like this, there is simply no substitute for seeing the terrain that the battle was fought on. I couldn’t believe how narrow the Straits of Johor was and how short the causeway to Singapore. On top of that you did a great job of hitting the sweet spot between tactics and strategy. I will definitely contact you again when I return to Singapore.
- Brint Milward, USA, June 2018
I found Chris to have an amazing breadth and depth of knowledge, of the Malaya campaign in general, and in particular, the action on Singapore Island, which he was able to deliver in an readily understandable manner. His explanations are backed by excellent historical reference material, including maps and photographs. Chris was very flexible in his approach to the tour, ensuring that I was able to complete my full itinerary. I wish Chris every success with his tours, he certainly deserves it based on my personal experience.
- David Thorogood, UK, May 2018
This was a great tour and Chris was very helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. He has a great understanding of the Singapore campaign.
- Maj (Ret.) Mark Allen, Australia, January 2018
One thing I’ve forgot to mention during my tour journals is our tour guide Chris and his depth of insight into not only the fall of Singapore, but also war in general. The thing I find so inspiring about Chris is his ability to evoke emotional and deep level thinking.
- Bryce
Chris, our war specialist tour guide, has an incredible ability to articulate such sensitive matters in a delicate manner. I admire how he can deliver intricate information in a way that provokes an emotional response from his audience, to the point where I was constantly challenged to reflect.
- Caitlyn
I would also like to thank Chris, our battlefield specialist, for his fathomless well of expertise. Benjamin Franklin once said that ‘an investment in knowledge pays the best interest’. If so, Chris would be one of the wealthiest in the world. I enjoyed listening to every single story he told.
- Ming Hui
- Department of Education, Western Australia - Premier's ANZAC Student Tour 2017, April 2017 (Link to Tour Diary)
Thank you Chris for making our stay so enjoyable. Your manner in explaining the history of Singapore was enlightening and interesting...We feel we won the jackpot when we got you for our tour guide.
- Audrey Luft, Canada, March 2017 (non-military itinerary)
Some time as I wait in the Changi Cove Hotel to go Changi Airport to thank you very much indeed for the day we had together. We had a very valuable day and I was most grateful for the way that you shaped it so successfully as we went along. I really did see everything that was relevant to understanding the battle as it developed.
- Mark Radford, UK, February 2017
Thank you Christopher for guiding us in Singapore. We enjoyed you and your explanation of the awesome highlights of this beautiful city.
- Bernard Dube, USA, August 2016 (non-military itinerary)
Chris,
After 7 hours of discussing the trip on the way home, I wish to thank you for the exceptional privilege we enjoyed, having you as our tour guide. As you are aware I have personally travelled quite extensively and your attention to detail, assistance to members of our tour group and contagious personality together with your local knowledge of Singapore and its early beginnings, was the best I have ever experienced.
The standard of the coaches was also great and the bus drivers were always courteous. It was a busy trip but we managed to survive it with the aid of your humour. The meals were most enjoyable making this an all-round wonderful trip.
Thank you again and may I wish you great success with your business in the future.
Bruce B. Cameron OAM, Australia, September 2019
Chris Cher from Battlefield Tours Singapore runs the most amazing bespoke experiences of Singapore battles, history and battlefield locations. He has a wealth of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of military history, tactics and strategies. I would highly recommend Chris if you have any interest in or links to military history in Singapore or WW2 campaigns in the Pacific region.
Supt. Patrick Jones AFSM CF FiFireE, Australia, August 2019
How very nice to hear from you and to be brought back to those fascinating two days with you on the battlefield ground. For me it was an amazing & informative time being escorted by you across the Japanese invasion route. The strategy & tactics employed were reminiscent of the WW2 Blitzkreig manoeuvres masterminded by the Germans. You are very much the professional, your knowledge, interpretation, presentation & depiction with your detailed maps give your guidance a true & meaningful relevance. My friend was also very pleased to have an up to date photo of his sister's memorial at Kranji. In summary, it was a first class experience with a personable expert battlefield tour guide.
- Lt Col (Ret.) Nigel de Foubert, UK, April 2019
Recommend @sgbattletours if anyone has Singapore stopover or holiday coming up.
- David Lonsdale, Australia, February 2019
My wife and I booked a Singapore to Shanghai Cruise in December-January 2018. As a military historian I wanted to see the landmarks of the 1942 battle for Singapore. As Chris and I exchanged emails about the tour my wife asked about seeing the other interesting parts of the city, like the Botanical Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, food courts, museums, the neighborhoods and sights like the pool on top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. We couldn’t have had a better guide. We feel that the Singapore visit was the highlight of our trip, thanks to Chris. Not only did he provide me with a comprehensive tour of the military sites I wanted to see, with a fine exposition of how the campaign developed, including maps and period photographs, but he also brought us to virtually all of the sights of modern Singapore. Of all the places we visited on our trip, Singapore was the one we would most want to revisit.
- Laurence A. Lyons, USA, December 2018 (multi-day itinerary, military and non-military)
It was a great trip to Singapore and your Battlefield Tour was the highlight. I can’t think of anything that you could have done to make it a better battlefield tour. I loved the “then and now” maps you provided at the various places where the Japanese attacked. I think the best thing about your tour was that you are deeply immersed in the military history of Singapore and Malaysia while at the same time bringing your experience as a soldier in the Singapore Army to the table. In a tour like this, there is simply no substitute for seeing the terrain that the battle was fought on. I couldn’t believe how narrow the Straits of Johor was and how short the causeway to Singapore. On top of that you did a great job of hitting the sweet spot between tactics and strategy. I will definitely contact you again when I return to Singapore.
- Brint Milward, USA, June 2018
I found Chris to have an amazing breadth and depth of knowledge, of the Malaya campaign in general, and in particular, the action on Singapore Island, which he was able to deliver in an readily understandable manner. His explanations are backed by excellent historical reference material, including maps and photographs. Chris was very flexible in his approach to the tour, ensuring that I was able to complete my full itinerary. I wish Chris every success with his tours, he certainly deserves it based on my personal experience.
- David Thorogood, UK, May 2018
This was a great tour and Chris was very helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. He has a great understanding of the Singapore campaign.
- Maj (Ret.) Mark Allen, Australia, January 2018
One thing I’ve forgot to mention during my tour journals is our tour guide Chris and his depth of insight into not only the fall of Singapore, but also war in general. The thing I find so inspiring about Chris is his ability to evoke emotional and deep level thinking.
- Bryce
Chris, our war specialist tour guide, has an incredible ability to articulate such sensitive matters in a delicate manner. I admire how he can deliver intricate information in a way that provokes an emotional response from his audience, to the point where I was constantly challenged to reflect.
- Caitlyn
I would also like to thank Chris, our battlefield specialist, for his fathomless well of expertise. Benjamin Franklin once said that ‘an investment in knowledge pays the best interest’. If so, Chris would be one of the wealthiest in the world. I enjoyed listening to every single story he told.
- Ming Hui
- Department of Education, Western Australia - Premier's ANZAC Student Tour 2017, April 2017 (Link to Tour Diary)
Thank you Chris for making our stay so enjoyable. Your manner in explaining the history of Singapore was enlightening and interesting...We feel we won the jackpot when we got you for our tour guide.
- Audrey Luft, Canada, March 2017 (non-military itinerary)
Some time as I wait in the Changi Cove Hotel to go Changi Airport to thank you very much indeed for the day we had together. We had a very valuable day and I was most grateful for the way that you shaped it so successfully as we went along. I really did see everything that was relevant to understanding the battle as it developed.
- Mark Radford, UK, February 2017
Thank you Christopher for guiding us in Singapore. We enjoyed you and your explanation of the awesome highlights of this beautiful city.
- Bernard Dube, USA, August 2016 (non-military itinerary)