Remembering Through Kinship: The Story of Lt Adnan
Lieutenant Adnan and The Last Regiment graphic novel
One of the greatest humanitarian disasters of all time, the scale and intensity of World War II were unprecedented in all of human history. In those dark and critical times, it is our pride that there were exceptional individuals like Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi and the members of the Malay Regiment, who stood up for their nation when it was most needed. The Malay Regiment was Singapore’s last line of defence against the Japanese soldiers at Pasir Panjang, right before the occupation of Singapore.
There is much that one can learn from and remember about history, and the key figures that have made a significant impact on our communities. In Lieutenant Adnan and The Last Regiment, a graphic novel adaptation of battle of the Malay Regiment against Japanese troops in Singapore, Lieutenant Adnan’s son, Mokhtar, shares his father’s life story and commemorates his achievements as a local war hero.
While Lieutenant Adnan was separated from his family and had later lost his life during the war, the vivid and heroic account of his story is telling of the fact that his son holds great love and respect for him. In his retelling of his father’s story, Mokhtar recalls Lieutenant Adnan’s skillfulness, perceptiveness, and feats of bravery during his time as a soldier at war, captured through expressive and lifelike illustrations by the comic’s creators. In the process, Mokhtar reflects on several life lessons imparted onto him by his father as well, in particular, values of strength and perseverance.
Pasir Panjang fell to the Japanese on the 14th of February 1942, and Lieutant Adnan, who was mortally injured and unable to fight back, was captured, along with others in the Malay Regiment. Enraged by the numerous casualties that his fierce defence had inflicted upon their comrades, the Japanese tortured Lieutenant Adnan to death. He was only 27 when he died.
As we continue on through the story of Lieutenant Adnan in this graphic novel adaptation, we learn that through kinship and remembering, one can gain important life lessons. He had fought for what he believed in, guided by honour, love, and courage.
Lieutenant Adnan and The Last Regiment graphic novel is available for purchase and international shipping on the Asiapac Books webstore.
