RAF Changi Station Plaque

Another very fine plaque that formed part of a small collection we have purchased, that we understand were displayed in a now defunct service club. Royal Air Force Station Changi was originally home to British Army artillery and combat engineer units based in Singapore between the mid-1930s up until mid-February 1942 when Singapore fell under Japanese occupation after the British surrender that year. The camp was repurposed and together with the nearby Changi Prison, was used for housing Allied prisoners-of-war, who were then forced to help build an airfield for use by the Japanese military. This Japanese-built airfield facility became a Royal Air Force base after the Japanese surrender in 1945 and was renamed as RAF Changi in 1946 by the returning British military authorities. The RAF operated the station until the withdrawal of British forces from Singapore, and was renamed as Changi Air Base 9th December 1971.

The plaque features the RAF Changi crest, that is surmounted by a Queens Crown. To the centre of the badge is a Starfish, that refers to the sea, which is on three sides of RAF Station Changi. The five arms represent the five functions that are located at this site, being HQFEAF, Flying Squadrons, the Hospital, the Signals Centre and the RAF Regiment. Below is the Malay motto "Kami Melindongi Semua" that translates to "We Shelter Many". The crest is mounted on an oak shield and to the reverse is a recessed brass wall hanger and embossed 'Made in Gt Britain'. The shield measures 10" x 7" (25 cm x 17.5 cm). Other than minor age related wear it remains in fine original display condition and a excellent souvenir of a time when the RAF had a presence in the Far East.