Ahmad Tajuddin - Retreat To Tantaya, Brunei Liberation From Japanese Rule

Retreat To Tantaya, Brunei Liberation From Japanese Rule

In mid-1945, when the Japanese forces were almost to be defeated, a plan was made to save the Sultan and the royal family from the Japanese military violence that increasingly rampant. Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and the royal family have retreated together with loyal palace officials, hiding and saving themselves in Awang Haji Kasim bin Awang Hj Tamin, Tantaya's village headman.

In Tantaya, he had built a small palace, and he lived in the palace for about 3 months. The palace was guarded and protected by the villagers to prevent a surprise attack from Japanese forces by air. While he was in Tantaya, he lived like ordinary citizens and protected by the villagers. While at Tantaya, he liked to eat 'Pulut Mangat' which was often given by Awang Kasim.

After the Japanese surrender, and Brunei is ruled by the Allied Forces, His Majesty and the royal family returned to Brunei Town, from Tantaya on Thursday at about 3:00 am. He was immediately taken to the British Army Headquarters at Bubongan Dua Belas, Residency Road. From here, he went to Istana Parit, KM2, Jalan Tutong.