The Second World War began in Europe on 3rd September 1939. By June 1940 Norway, Holland, Belgium Luxembourg and France were occupied by German troops and Britain was left alone to hold back the military forces of Germany. Japan had long desired to control the rich lands of South-East Asia, and on 8th December 1941 she seized an opportunity to enter the war on the side of the Germans. Malaya had not much opposition to offer to the Japanese navy or to their air Force as the British were fully engaged in the West.
By 13th December 1941 Japanese troops were in Kedah and had started their big push towards Singapore. The Japanese forces landed in Singapore on the 8th February and Singapore surrendered to the Japanese forces on the 15th February 1942.
The Japanese set up a military administration for Malaya, which lasted for forty two months. The occupation was a great hardship for most of the people. The Japanese occupation in Malaya ended when they surrendered in August 1945. British forces under Lord Louis Mountbatten reoccupied Malaya on 5th September 1945 and a British Military Administration was set up to run the country.
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