What if in 1939 as Britain concentrates on Europe it is decided not to replace General Dobbie in Malaya, and extend his position for another 2 years or so.
Would he be able to finish the fixed defences in Johore that he started? would he be able to influence the RAF and ensure airfields were built with ground defence in mind? With a GOC very experienced in the Far East would the defence of Malaya and Singapore be different?
His understanding for a fortified defence line in Johore keeping Singapore out of artillery range makes me think that following any early damaging exchanges in North Malaya, highlighting his forces inferiority against it's Japanese foes, he would likely be willing to order a swift withdrawal behind his Johore line and concentrate his forces where he can fight the static defence battle the British wanted.
Would he be able to finish the fixed defences in Johore that he started? would he be able to influence the RAF and ensure airfields were built with ground defence in mind? With a GOC very experienced in the Far East would the defence of Malaya and Singapore be different?
His understanding for a fortified defence line in Johore keeping Singapore out of artillery range makes me think that following any early damaging exchanges in North Malaya, highlighting his forces inferiority against it's Japanese foes, he would likely be willing to order a swift withdrawal behind his Johore line and concentrate his forces where he can fight the static defence battle the British wanted.
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