This wallet is a wartime relic. It belonged to Dr. J.C. Chen, a victim of the Japanese Occupation in Singapore.In February 1963, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) formed a Remains Disposal Committee to organise the excavation, recovery and burial of victims of ‘Operation Sook Ching’ (1942) and the Japanese Occupation (1942–1945) in Singapore. The excavations started in Chengdu Garden in Jurong on 23 February 1966, and ended in Jalan Puay Poon (presently the Bedok area) on 8 October 1966. In addition to personal effects, the excavations also led to the discovery of human remains, which were subsequently interred at the Civilian War Memorial along Beach Road.
