The Japanese invasion and capture of Malaya and Singapore was a study in strategy, speed and surprise. The rapidity and tenacity with which the Japanese advanced south from their landing points in southern Thailand and northern Malaya, often caught the British defenders off-guard. Taking advantage of the excellent infrastructure laid down by the British, the Japanese were able to bring their troops, vehicles, weapons and artillery to the war front in a well coordinated attack and put them to effective use. Malaya Command, the British military headquarters, was, in contrast, less organized, its troops generally less well-trained and prepared for war. Hampered by a lack of sea and air power, poor communications and inadequate defenses, British forces, though fighting valiantly, were unable to stem the tide of aggression. In three short months, the Japanese had traversed the length of Malaya and captured the British "Bastion of the East". ^^^
