Lieutenant General Arthur Percival was a British Army officer known for his role during World War II. He is most recognized for his command of British forces in the Malayan Campaign and the subsequent defense of Singapore in 1942. His leadership during this critical period has been the subject of much analysis and debate. Percival was born on December 26, 1887, and had a distinguished military career, serving in both World War I and World War II. After the fall of Singapore, he was captured by the Japanese and spent several years as a prisoner of war before being released in 1945.