 
Dates: 1946 - 1971 The air base traces its beginnings to 1940s, when many of the Allied prisoners-of-war, housed in the nearby Changi Prison, were forced to build the facility under the direction of the Japanese occupiers after the fall of Singapore in 1942. Two unpaved landing strips were built between 1943 to 1944, intersecting in a cross layout and in approximately north-south and east-west directions. The airfield facility became a Royal Air Force station and was renamed RAF Changi in 1946 after the Japanese surrender. Imprisoned Japanese were then made to improve the runways, reinforcing the north-south runway for military aircraft and adding perforated steel plates to the east-west runway. In addition, RAF Chia Keng - a GCHQ radio receiving station, was a satellite station of RAF Changi (being the Headquarters Air component part of British Far East Command) until the British Forces withdrawal from Singapore. Also, the nearby Changi Hospital (now defunct) functioned as the primary British military hospital providing medical care for all British servicemen (including RAF) stationed in the Eastern part of Singapore, while Alexandra Hospital was put in charge for those stationed in the Western part of Singapore.
Added on 03/02/2010The Royal Air Force took over the Changi Airfield in 1946 and stayed there until 1971 when it was handed over to the Singapore Air Force in 1971. From 1927 it was administred by the Army. The posting, which included HQ FEAF was one of the most popular in the world although just after the Japanes surrendered conditions were tough. Over the years a huge range of aircraft were based there or staged through. At the height of the Malayan Emergency there were five thousand + people there including families. It had every possible facility in the latter years for people to enjoy in addition to the wonderful city of Singapore. Detachments of RAF personnel from Changi went to Labuan, Gan and Carnicobar. It had its own Grammar School and Hospital and casevacs were received from mainland Malaya, Korea and indonesia.
Memories of RAF Changi
RAF Changi in 1953Written by Elizabeth (Betty) Smith (nee Jolly) Contact this person >>  "Can anyone remember one Christmas Day at Changi when the SP's were clearing out the WRAF block after we were invaded (yearly ritual) and some of the lads moved the police jeep round the corner between the WRAF BLock and Malcolm Club - Great to see the SP's faces. Please tell me I did not dream it!!!" RAF Changi, in 2010Written by Anna Lamb Contact this person >> "Good memories smashing camp,superb weather. Wish I can remenber names of all the nice people I met while stationed in Changi, I am still in touch with some.
Revisited the camp a few years ago, but should have had a map as quite a bit had changed, even Changi village had been moved and rebuilt.
Oh! happy memories" RAF Changi, in 1968Written by Brian "Taff" Avery Contact this person >> "Making a 4 week trip of Malaysia with 3 other mates from Changi, Pete Mason, Charles Alexander and ???, in a rented Austin Cambridge estate car, sleeping out under canvas. Cooked grub over a gas stove, and drank warm Tiger, straight from the cans!!.Traveled right up the East Coast to Penang, then down the West coast to KL and back to Changi. Had a fantastic time, but after returning to RAF Locking a month later, found out that I had hepatitis!!. Great memories of good days." RAF Changi, in 1960Written by Alan Barton Contact this person >> "Chasing allover The Tank Training course behind Netheravon dog kennels looking for escaped dog Spent ages on the back of a pickup truk ony to find the dog sitting outside its compound waiting for its food"
Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving RAF Changi
" Alan Brooks loking for members of RAF Changi Supply Sqdrn. 1957 to 1959.Especially Mick Eley"
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" I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO LOCATE BILL & ELIZABETH FOR SOME TIME NOW.IF ANYBODY HAS ANY INFORMATION PLEASE FORWARD.I LAST SAW THEM AT RAF CHANGI 1962. JOHN[YORKY] HAMMERTON."
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" I have been looking for my Friend Susan White for a number of years, her Father was staioned at RAF Changi, then Seletar 1968-71, I believe he was the Station FLying Officer in 70-71 at RAF Seleter, He was known as Chalkie White. Please if anyone knows what happened to them after they returned to Uk please let me know. many thanks.. "
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" Hi - My name is Irene Woodhead (nee Callender). During a family posting abroad in early 1960’s. We lived at Lloyd Leas and got the school bus to Changi every day (RAF gharry). After taking the Murray House test, I went to RAF Changi Grammar School. My best friend at ..."
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" Trying to find old mates from RAF Changi Comcen 1967/68, Charlie Alexander, Mick Almond, Peter Meade, Willie Watson, Tom Mahon, Brenda Choak, Duncan Mortimer. If anyone has information, please email me (Taff Avery) either thro Forces Reunited or at: bravery43 at optusnet dot com dot au living in Australia since 1978 Last edited by Brian Avery Last edited by Brian Avery"
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