Prior to the establishment of the Kingdom of Singapura, the name Sihapura was used for a number of towns throughout the region. Lions were associated with authority and protection in Hindu-Buddhist society, which could explain the appeal of such a name. After a fleeing Srivijayan Raja (prince) from Palembang established the Kingdom of Singapura on the island, the name Singapura replaced Temasek sometime before the 15th century. However, the precise time and reason for the name change is unknown. The semi-historical Malay Annals state that Temasek was christened Singapura by Sang Nila Utama, a 13th-century Srivijayan Raja from Palembang. According to the Annals, Sang Nila Utama came across a strange beast on the island that he mistook for a lion. Taking this as a sign, he founded the city of Singapura, where he met the beast. The second theory, based on Portuguese sources, claims that this legendary tale is based on Palembang's real-life Parameswara. Parameswara claimed the Srivijaya Empire by declaring independence from Majapahit and mounting a Lion Throne. The Battle of Singapore was fought during the Pacific War to end the Japanese invasion of Malaya. The defeat was dubbed "the worst tragedy and greatest capitulation in British history" by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill when the British force of 60,000 troops surrendered on February 15, 1942. During the battle for Singapore, the British and Empire suffered heavy losses, with nearly 85,000 people captured. Around 5,000 people were killed or injured, the majority of whom were Australians.