THOMPSON, Edwin Oliver
The Public Service,
Accession Number 003062
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 8
Total Reels
- Santanu Gupta
Interviewer
- 07:16:47
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 8
Metadata
- 3 Jul 2006
Recording Date
- 00:54:41
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:17) His personal background and his siblings.
(0:02:23) His mother’s background.
(0:03:00) Started schooling in Katong but was disrupted by the Second World War (WW II).
(0:05:31) Had vivid recollections of the war and the occupation.
(0:07:03) Because his father is an American, his whole family was classified as enemies, and a curfew was imposed on the members at night.
(0:08:35) Life was tough, with the family surviving on very limited resources. Ration cards were issued by the occupying administration.
(0:12:04) Encountered horrifying scenes every time he went to town.
(0:16:54) He talked about his incarceration period.
(0:21:11) When the war ended, his mother took back possession of the ancestral property.
(0:24:21) Talked about a rather nasty encounter with Japanese soldiers because he waved at some British Prisoners-of-War (POWs) who were passing by on a lorry.
(0:29:41) The return of the British in 1945 was met with mixed feelings.
(0:33:46) He believed many Japanese troops who occupied Singapore were actually Koreans and Taiwanese.
(0:34:24) Talked about the Japanese brutality towards the Chinese. Imbibed some personal lessons from the war.
(0:38:59) In the last few months of the Japanese Occupation, the whole family was interned in Sime Road Internment Camp.
(0:40:04) The reason why tunnels were dug.
(0:47:00) Getting back to normal life.
(0:51:34) There were many people in the camp (Caucasians and a few Eurasians), and living conditions were quite harsh.
(0:54:17) He resumed schooling in 1946 and was given a double promotion.
*He was born in 1931 of mixed parentage. Talked about his siblings. His mother had a very colourful background. Started schooling in Katong but this was disrupted by the Second World War (WW II). Had vivid recollections of the war and the occupation. As his father was American, it was classified as enemy and a curfew imposed on the members at night. Life was tough, with the family surviving on very limited resources. Ration cards were issued by the occupying administration.
Had one rather nasty experience with Japanese soldiers because he waved at some British Prisoners-of-War (POWs)r who were passing by on a lorry. In the last few months of the occupation, the whole family was interned in Sime Road Internment Camp. There were many people in the camp (Caucasians and a few Eurasians) and living conditions were quite harsh. Although there was joy on the return of the British in 1945, there was disappointment with the performance of the British in defending Singapore. He resumed schooling in 1946 and was given double promotion. Talked about the Japanese brutality towards the Chinese. Imbibed some personal lessons from the war.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 8
Metadata
- 3 Jul 2006
Recording Date
- 00:54:43
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:13) Returning to school after the war.
(0:01:14) Joyous reunion of classmates in school after the Japanese surrendered.
(0:02:09) Left school at age 19 after passing the Senior Cambridge examination and joined the Teachers’ Training College (TTC).
(0:08:01) While training to be a teacher, he was intrigued by the idea of joining the Police.
(0:08:46) He applied and was selected.
(0:09:20) His resignation from TTC upset his mentors.
(0:10:19) Joined the police force in January 1952 as a probationary inspector.
(0:12:39) His first posting was to the security branch, and he was made the escort to the governor of Singapore.
(0:14:19) Talked about the visit of the Duchess of Kent.
(0:18:02) Talked about the visit of Vice-President Richard Nixon of the United States of America.
(0:21:38) He was also appointed the Honorary Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the first President, Yusof Ishak, and then to President Sheares.
(0:22:11) Recollected the visit of Emperor Haile Sellasie of Ethiopia.
(0:25:30) Recollected the visit of Prime Minister Morarji Desai of India.
(0:27:44) Was the Master of Ceremonies at National Day Award functions.
(0:28:39) Anecdotes of British police officers, one of whom never went to the office for work.
(0:35:43) Posted to the ‘G’ Division (Joo Chiat Police Station). He elaborated on his work there.
(0:39:13) Recalled that many coroners and magistrates were not legally trained in those days.
(0:46:46) Talked about the Chinese High School and Hock Lee bus riots.
(0:49:04) Had to prosecute the rioters during those tumultuous days.
(0:50:43) His next posting was to the Police Training School, where he served three terms in total during his career.
*There was a joyous reunion of classmates in school after the Japanese surrender. He left school at age 19 after passing the Senior Cambridge, and joined the Teachers’ Training College (TTC). But while training to be a teacher, he was quite taken up with the idea of joining the Police. He applied and was selected, so he resigned from the TTC. This naturally upset his mentors in the TTC. Joined the police force in Jan ’52 as a probationary inspector. His first posting was to the security branch and he was made the escort to the governor of Singapore. Spoke about the visits of the Duchess of Kent and Vice-President Richard Nixon of USA. Was also appointed as the Hononary Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to first President Yusof Ishak, then President Sheares.
Recollected the visits of Emperor Haile Sellasie of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Morarji Desai of India, as he had to look after them. Was the Master of Ceremonies at National Day Award functions. Gave some interesting anecdotes of British police officers, one of whom never went to office for work. His next posting was to ‘G’ Division (Joo Chiat Police Station). Elaborated on the work there. Recalled that many coroners and magistrates in those days were not legally trained. Spoke about the Chinese High School and Hock Lee bus riots. Had to prosecute the rioters. Those were tumultuous days. His next posting was to the Police Training School, where he served a total of 3 terms during his career.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 8
Metadata
- 6 Jul 2006
Recording Date
- 00:57:17
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:18) Talked about life in the Police Training School.
(0:03:52) How he could gauge which trainee was suitable to be a police officer.
(0:08:11) Posted to the Prosecution Branch in 1960.
(0:10:30) Recollection of his radio patrol car duties.
(0:11:14) Work was very interesting, though daunting.
(0:12:48) Faced David Marshall in court.
(0:18:18) Recollection of late Justice Chor Seng.
(0:21:56) Promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1962. Posted back to the Training School to train detectives.
(0:24:05) Posted to the Reserve Unit in 1964.
(0:28:05) His unit received orders from Kuala Lumpur. Did not encounter much action.
(0:29:03) Posted back to the Training School.
(0:33:40) Debunked the perception that reserve unit officers usually resorted to roughhouse tactics.
(0:35:38) Recalled the tension while Singapore was in Malaysia and the separation in Aug ’65. There were no incidents, although the police were ready.
(0:39:34) Posted to the ‘D’ Division (Queenstown Police Station) in 1968. Recounted several interesting stories about work there.
(0:42:46) Recalled the hardworking MP for Tiong Bahru, Mr Chin Jit Koon
(0:48:59) Talked about the change of command from British to local officers. He got along well with the local Police Commissioners.
(0:49:47) He was also the secretary of the Police Officers’ Mess.
(0:52:59) He was then posted back to the Training School (renamed the Police Academy) as its Adjutant.
(0:55:16) Talked about his role as a parade leader.
*He had a more routine and less hectic life in the Police Training School. In 1960, he was posted to the Prosecution Branch. Had to face lawyers in court. Work was very interesting though daunting. Remembered his radio patrol car duties. Was promoted to Assistant Superintendant of Police (ASP) in 1962 and posted back to the Training School, where he had to train detectives on their professional roles. In 1964, he was posted to the Reserve Unit. Did not see much action. He debunked the perception that reserve unit officers usually resorted to roughhouse tactics. He was next posted back to the Training School.
He recalled the tension while Singapore was in Malaysia and the separation in Aug ’65. Fortunately, there were no incidents although the police was ready. In 1968, he was posted to the ‘D’ Division (Queenstown Police Station). Had a few interesting stories about work there. Spoke about the change of command from British to local officers. He got along well with the local Police Commissioners. He was also the secretary of the Police Officers’ Mess. He was then posted back to the Training School (renamed the Police Academy) as its Adjutant. He was good as a parade leader and spoke about this role.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 8
Metadata
- 6 Jul 2006
Recording Date
- 00:57:12
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:25) Posted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 1970 as the Acting Superintendent of the Administration and Specialist Division.
(0:03:57) Rumours were rife about corruption in the secret societies branch of CID, and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) briefed him.
(0:07:16) No one approached him for corrupt activities.
(0:10:08) Some officers kept a distance from him as he was “straight”.
(0:10:34) He had the full backing of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
(0:15:37) His life was in danger due to him heading the anti-gambling, anti-vice squad.
(0:16:51) Promoted to Superintendent of Police in 1973. Attended an Interpol Conference in Paris, followed by a study tour to the United Kingdom (UK) to learn more about crime prevention.
(0:21:04) Salient features on crime prevention, which he learnt in the UK.
(0:24:49) Branches that he handled.
(0:30:54) His relationship with the director.
(0:34:29) How the police handled sensitive situations.
(0:39:06) He was in the CID for 3 years.
(0:39:36) His views on the frequent postings of police officers, which he supported.
(0:41:52) Talked about interesting bosses, colleagues, subordinates, and the force's multiracial composition.
(0:46:28) Talked about the major changes sweeping the Force in the 1970s, especially the induction of graduates and later scholars.
(0:53:08) He had mixed views about the Neighbourhood Police Posts (NPPs).
*His next posting was to the Criminal Investigation Dept (CID) in 1970, where he was the Acting Superintendant of the Administration and Specialist Division. At that time, rumours were rife about corruption in the secret societies branch of CID and he was briefed by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). Some officers kept a distance from him as he was “straight”. But he had the full backing of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). His life was in danger. In 1973, he was promoted to Superintendant of Police. He attended an Interpol Conference in Paris, followed by a study tour of the United Kingdom to find out more about crime prevention. He was in the CID for 3 years. Gave his views on the frequent postings of police officers, which he supported. He spoke about interesting bosses, colleagues and subordinates and about the multi-racial composition of the Force. He then touched on the major change sweeping the Force in the 70s, especially the induction of graduates, and later scholars. He had mixed views about the Neighbourhood Police Posts (NPPs).
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Reel/Disc 5 of 8
Metadata
- 13 Jul 2006
Recording Date
- 00:56:45
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:17) Seconded to the Prisons Department as its Deputy Director in 1974.
(0:04:00) Transferred to the department and promoted to superscale grade ‘G’ in 1978.
(0:04:34) He was not consulted about this change, had mixed feelings, but took it as a challenge. He was the first police officer to be seconded (then transferred) to the Prisons Department.
(0:05:45) Did not feel welcomed in the department. He was treated more like an intruder and a threat to the Director.
(0:07:35) The internal feuding became so bad that the Deputy Secretary/Home Affairs called all the senior officers and admonished them about it.
(0:10:40) He was treated as an outsider, obstacles were placed before him, and he was denied access to important documents, especially during his last 3 years there.
(0:17:47) The drug problem surfaced as a serious one in the mid-1970s.
(0:21:01) Operation Phariot was launched to round up drug abusers.
(0:24:02) He was given the difficult task of quickly setting up detention centres to house the abusers.
(0:25:55) There were many problems to be overcome, such as understaffing, etc.
(0:27:59) Recruiting Gurkhas for Singapore’s prison service.
(0:35:51) Talked about the treatment regime adopted.
(0:40:12) The inception of the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA).
(0:45:42) Introduction of the Day Release scheme.
(0:52:05) Talked about the infamous “gold bars” murder.
*In 1974, he was seconded to the Prisons Department as its Deputy Director. Four years later, in 1978, he was transferred to the department and promoted to superscale grade ‘G’. He was not consulted about this change, had mixed feelings, but took it as a challenge. He was the first police officer to be seconded (then transferred) to the Prisons Department. Unfortunately, he did not feel that he was welcomed in the department. Rather, he was treated more as an intruder and as a threat to the Director. He was treated as an outsider, obstacles were placed before him and he was denied access to important documents, especially during his last 3 years there. It became so bad that the Deputy Secretary/Home Affairs called up all the senior officers and admonished them on the internal feuding.
The drug problem surfaced as a serious one in the mid-70s, and Operation Ferret was launched to round up drug abusers. He was given the difficult task of quickly setting up detention centres to house the abusers. There were many problems to be overcome, such as understaffing etc. He spoke about the treatment regime adopted, the introduction of the Day Release scheme and the inception of the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA). He touched on the infamous “gold bars” murder.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 8
Metadata
- 13 Jul 2006
Recording Date
- 00:54:10
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:12) Continued with the “gold bars” murder and witnessed the execution of the murderers.
(0:03:15) Described in detail the actual execution process and how he felt witnessing the executions.
(0:10:59) How were the bodies removed from the execution chamber.
(0:17:15) Talked briefly about the political detainees then.
(0:23:16) He felt like a persona non grata in the department, facing hostility from other officers.
(0:25:19) The appointment of two more Deputy Directors shrunk his portfolio further.
(0:28:30) How he spent his time while in the Prisons department.
(0:30:31) Considered his retirement in 1985 and finally retired in January ’86.
(0:36:57) His relationship with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
(0:43:25) Talked about his lengthy interview with the police in-house magazine. The incident that led to the magazine editor being taken off his post.
(0:51:47) He felt much happier in the police when compared to his 12 years in the Prisons department.
*Continued about the “gold bars” murder, and witnessed the execution of the murderers. He described in some detail the actual execution process and his own feelings about witnessing executions. Talked briefly about the political detainees then. All along, he felt like a persona-non-grata in the department, facing hostility from other officers and having to endure the “insult” of seeing two more Deputy Directors being appointed, thus shrinking his portfolio. Finally, in 1985, he decided that it was time to retire and did so in January ’86. He felt much happier in the police when compared to his 12 yrs in the Prisons department.
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Reel/Disc 7 of 8
Metadata
- 20 Jul 2006
Recording Date
- 00:55:22
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:18) He talked about his view on imprisonment and caning.
(0:08:13) His personal view on caning. He felt that caning per se was not really a deterrent.
(0:13:28) He advocated regular reviews of laws and sentencing policies to take cognisance of changing circumstances.
(0:14:59) He believed judges and magistrates should visit penal institutions to enlighten themselves on penal policies.
(0:23:30) Talked about Michael Fay, the American teenager convicted of vandalism.
(0:32:45) Described the rehabilitation programme in the prisons.
(0:37:04) He felt that Singapore is fortunate not to have horrendous crimes like in the US.
(0:42:05) Talked about the rehabilitation of prisoners. Setting up of workshops.
(0:48:49) The code of conduct amongst detainees.
(0:53:00) Visitation policies.
*He spoke at some length about his views on imprisonment and caning. He felt that caning per se was not really a deterrent. He advocated regular reviews of laws and sentencing policies to take cognizance of changing circumstances, including the need for judges and magistrates to visit the penal institutions to enlighten themselves on penal policies. Talked about Michael Fay, the American teenager convicted of vandalism. He described the rehabilitation programme in the prisons, the code of conduct amongst detainees, visitation policies and felt that the rehabilitation programmes were largely successful.
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Reel/Disc 8 of 8
Metadata
- 20 Jul 2006
Recording Date
- 00:46:37
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:14) His views on the treatment regime for drug addicts.
(0:02:25) How to reconcile the fact that they were really patients rather than detainees.
(0:10:31) His opinion of the Day Release Scheme.
(0:15:27) His views on the West's comment that Singapore’s drug regime was too harsh.
(0:22:03) Drug meetings among ASEAN partners
(0:23:50) The satisfaction he felt when rehabilitating drug offenders.
(0:25:23) Involved in planning for the new Prison complex in Changi.
(0:26:51) Described how he had spent his time since retirement in 1986. He strongly believed that one needed some leisure time after working for so many years.
(0:28:26) Talked about his wife and daughter.
(0:31:05) How he spent his typical day post-retirement.
(0:37:01) He exceeded his earlier expectations of being an inspector.
(0:40:17) His identity as a Eurasian.
(0:44:21) Talked about the tremendous challenges facing the young of today.
*He gave his views on the treatment regime for drug addicts as well as the Day Release Scheme, and how to reconcile the fact that they were really patients rather than detainees. He was involved in planning for the new Prison complex in Changi though he could not see it through. He described how he had spent his time since retirement in 1986. He was strongly of the view that one needed some leisure time after working for so many years. He talked about his wife and daughter and his identity as a Eurasian. He ended by talking about the tremendous challenges facing the young of today. He was very contented generally.
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