Tan Kim Cheok Neo (陳金雀娘)
Overview
Tan Kim Cheok Neo (alias Dolly Tan, d. 8 May 1943 aged 29) was a young Peranakan woman who died of illness during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, leaving two young daughters. Her tomb in Bukit Brown is uniquely sponsored by Japanese soldiers and inscribed with Katakana for "Dolly Tan" and the Japanese Kōki imperial year. This record preserves her story and the poignant wartime connections.
Tan Kim Cheok Neo (alias Dolly Tan, d. 8 May 1943 aged 29) was a young Peranakan woman who died of illness during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, leaving two young daughters. Her tomb in Bukit Brown is uniquely sponsored by Japanese soldiers and inscribed with Katakana for "Dolly Tan" and the Japanese Kōki imperial year. This record preserves her story and the poignant wartime connections.
Genealogy & Burial Location
Family Details:
Daughters: Hong Neo (鳳娘), Choo Neo (珠娘)
Husband: Unknown (no surname inscribed on tomb)
Genealogical Note:
Likely Peranakan (four-character Nonya name). Died young in hospital, leaving two young daughters. Tomb erected by Japanese corporal Motomura Katsumi (likely from 18th Infantry Division) and friend Hamano Hiroyuki, suggesting a personal wartime bond—possibly compassion or more.
Likely Peranakan (four-character Nonya name). Died young in hospital, leaving two young daughters. Tomb erected by Japanese corporal Motomura Katsumi (likely from 18th Infantry Division) and friend Hamano Hiroyuki, suggesting a personal wartime bond—possibly compassion or more.
Burial Location:
Cemetery: Bukit Brown Cemetery
Location: Block 2 Division F, Plot P29
🔍 Feature: Japanese Occupation Era Inscription
Rare use of Katakana ドーリータン (Dolly Tan) and Kōki year 皇紀二六〇三年 (2603 = 1943). Erected 28 June Kōki 2603 (29 July 1943) by sponsor Motomura Katsumi (本村克己) and friend Hamano Hiroyuki (濱野宏行).
Tomb Inscriptions & Observations
Full view of the Sikh-guarded tomb
Front view with English inscription
Close-up of Chinese and Japanese inscriptions
Side view showing sponsors and date
Another angle of the tomb
Transcription:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MADAME TAN KIM CHEOK NEO
(ALIAS DOLLY TAN)
DIED ON 8TH MAY 1943
AGE 29 YEARS
民國卅二年四月初五日吉 (1943 May 8)
ドーリータン Dolly Tan
陳金雀娘之墓
孝女 鳳娘 珠娘
施主 本村克己
友人 濱野宏行
皇紀二六〇三年六月廿八日建 (1943 July 29)
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MADAME TAN KIM CHEOK NEO
(ALIAS DOLLY TAN)
DIED ON 8TH MAY 1943
AGE 29 YEARS
民國卅二年四月初五日吉 (1943 May 8)
ドーリータン Dolly Tan
陳金雀娘之墓
孝女 鳳娘 珠娘
施主 本村克己
友人 濱野宏行
皇紀二六〇三年六月廿八日建 (1943 July 29)
Historical Records & Transcripts
Burial Register Entry (1943)
Bukit Brown Cemetery Records
Dolly Tan Kim Cheok
Date of Death: 8 May 1943
Date of Burial: 9 May 1943
Blk 2 F, Plot No P29
Bukit Brown Cemetery Records
Dolly Tan Kim Cheok
Date of Death: 8 May 1943
Date of Burial: 9 May 1943
Blk 2 F, Plot No P29
Sponsor: Motomura Katsumi (本村克己)
Saga City Archives & Heritage Records
Army corporal, 18th Infantry Division (part of 25th Army invading Singapore). Stationed in Singapore 1942–1943; erected tomb July 1943. Redeployed to Burma/Yunnan; died in combat 14 September 1944. Brother: Motomura Yasuo.
Saga City Archives & Heritage Records
Army corporal, 18th Infantry Division (part of 25th Army invading Singapore). Stationed in Singapore 1942–1943; erected tomb July 1943. Redeployed to Burma/Yunnan; died in combat 14 September 1944. Brother: Motomura Yasuo.
Memorial pillar from Saga City showing Motomura Katsumi and brother
Kōki Calendar Note
Kōki 2603 = 1943 (subtract 660). Used in Japan until post-WWII; rare on Singapore tombs, highlighting Occupation-era anomaly.
Kōki 2603 = 1943 (subtract 660). Used in Japan until post-WWII; rare on Singapore tombs, highlighting Occupation-era anomaly.
References:
1. Bukit Brown Cemetery burial registers.
2. tombs.bukitbrown.org (2019).
3. Saga City Archives (Motomura records).
4. Historical notes on Japanese 18th Division and Kōki calendar.
Index Terms: Tan Kim Cheok Neo, 陳金雀娘, Dolly Tan, Bukit Brown Block 2 F P29, Japanese Occupation, Kōki 2603, Motomura Katsumi, Hamano Hiroyuki, Peranakan tomb.