Postage stamps and postal history of Singapore British colonial rule, Singapore grew in importance rapidly becoming a major port city. During World War II, Singapore was occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. After the war, Singapore reverted to British control, with increasing levels of self-government being granted, culminating in Singapore's merger with the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia in 1963. Singapore became an independent republic on 9 August 1965. Singapore was originally part of the Straits Settlements and used the colony's stamps. During World War II, Singapore was occupied by the Japanese between 1942 and 1945. After the surrender of the Japanese Occupation forces at
Military equipment of Sweden during World War II full payload. Number of bombers pre-war: 88 Number of bombers in 1939: 116 Number of bombers in 1940: 276 Number of bombers in 1941: 346 Number of bombers in 1942: 534 Number of bombers in 1943: 743 Number of bombers in 1944: 775 Number of bombers in 1945: 879 Military equipment of Sweden during World War II Sweden was formally a non-belligerent nation throughout World War II, but saw considerable military build-up as the level of threat from the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany increased. Between 10,000 and 20,000 Swedes fought as volunteers abroad, a majority of them in service