Coastal fortifications of Singapore

The first fortifications of Singapore consisted of batteries built in the early 19th century to protect the harbour and city. After this there were two main phases of building.

From the 1860's technological changes started to render the existing fortifications obsolete. Steam powered warships were faster and carried improved armour. Artillery also improved; Smooth Bore (SB) cannons were replaced with Rifled Muzzle Loading (RML) and then in the 1890's Breech Loading (BL) guns were introduced. These changes coupled with increased threats from Russia and France[1] resulted in a need to upgrade the fortifications. The first phase was instigated by William Jervois whilst he was Governor of Singapore in the 1870's

The second phase was prior to the Second World War and was to counter the threat posed by Japan with a building program implemented in 1933.[2] The focus of the defences moved to the protection of the Eastern entrance to the Johore strait which guarded the entrance to the Singapore Naval Base. A number of the existing batteries were upgraded and new more powerful 15" guns and AMTB (Anti Motor Torpedo Boat) Batteries were added to the fortress.

The early fortifications of Singapore
Name Location Armament[3][4] From To Notes
Scandal Point Singapore Island

1.2913°N 103.8537°E / 1.2913; 103.8537

 Armed with 12-pdr ML guns 1819 1830 Singapore's first fixed defence in use until Fort Fullerton was built in 1830[5] Continued in use after 1830 as a saluting battery
Prince's Battery Singapore Island

1.2827°N 103.8516°E / 1.2827; 103.8516

 It is unclear if this battery was ever armed[6] This battery was concurrent with Scandal Point Battery and Fort Fullerton
Fort Fullerton[7] Singapore Island

1.2864°N 103.8531°E / 1.2864; 103.8531

 Initially armed in 1858 with 3 x 56pdr and 2 x 32pdr

By 1863 these had been replaced with 9 x 68-Pdr 95cwt

In 1867 the fort was armed with 9 x 68-Pdr cwt and 1 x 13 inch mortars [5]

 1829 1873 The for was enlarged in 1859

Today, the Fullerton Hotel stands on the site once occupied by the fort.

Fort Palmer / Mount Palmer Battery Singapore Island

1.2747°N 103.8483°E / 1.2747; 103.8483

 In 1867 the fort was armed with 5 x 56-Pdr [5]

Replaced by 3 x 7 inch 6.5 ton RML and 2 x 64-pdr RML

By 1890 the fort mounted 2 x 10" Mk III BL

1855 1905
Fort Canning[8][9] Singapore Island

1.2944°N 103.8469°E / 1.2944; 103.8469

 In 1867 the fort was armed with 7 x 68-Pdr, 8 x 8 inch and 2 x 13 inch mortars [5] 1859 1907 In 1907 the fort was demolished and the site was used as military headquarters known as Headquarters Malaya Command[10] and remained in military use until it was handed over to National Parks Board in 1960s.
Fort Faber[11] Singapore Island

1.2715°N 103.8193°E / 1.2715; 103.8193

 In 1857 the fort was armed with 2 x 13" mortars

In 1867 the fort was armed with 2 x 56-Pdr and 2 x 13 inch mortars [5]

 Between

1857 and 1864

 c1870 Abandoned c1870 reoccupied briefly in 1878
Fort Teregh[12] Pulau Brani Island

1.2565°N 103.8354°E / 1.2565; 103.8354

 Initially in 1887 2 x 7" RML guns replaced by 1890 with 2 x 64-Pdr RML Guns.[6]

Around 1891 2 x 6 Pdr 22 cwt QF Guns were added

By 1900, only the 6 Pdr 22 cwt QF remained

 1861 1907
68-Pounder Smooth Bore Cannon
1830 Map of Singapore by John Murray
The Gate at Fort Canning

Fortifications built between 1875 and 1910
Name Location Armament[3][4] From To Notes
Blakang Mati East Battery /

Fort Connaught

 Sentosa Island

1.2457°N 103.8378°E / 1.2457; 103.8378

 2 x 64-pdr RML  - 1878 - c1886

3 x MK I 7 Inch RML 1878 - c1890

2 x MK IV 9·2 inch BL 1886 - c1936/7

2 x MK II 6 Inch QF - 1890 -1910

1 x MK X 9.2 inch BL 1910 - c1936/7

3 x MK X 9.2 inch BL c1936/7 - 1942

 1878 1942 Renamed Fort Connaught c1890

Site now occupied by Tanjong Golf Course

Fort Siloso[13] Sentosa Island

1.2592°N 103.8086°E / 1.2592; 103.8086

 2 x 64-pdr RML  1879 - c1886

3 x 7 inch RML 1879 - 1896 One gun removed c1891

1 x MK IV 9.2 inch BL 1896 - c1908

2 x 12-Pdr QF 1899 - 1907

1 x 12-Pdr QF as AMTB remounted prior to WW2

2 x 6 inch QF 1900 - 1942 upgraded to MK V11 6 inch in 1932

1 x Twin 6-Pdr 1948 - 1950

2 x Mark XXIV 6 Inch BL 1950 - 1956[14]

 1879 1956 All armament rendered unusable in 1942
Fort Tanjong Katong Singapore Island

1.2968°N 103.8867°E / 1.2968; 103.8867

 3 x 7 inch RML 1879 - 1885

2 x MK VII 8 inch BL 1885 - 1901[1]

 1879 1901 The fort was disarmed around 1901 and demolished sometime after WW1[1]
Fort Pasir Panjang[15] Singapore Island

1.2659°N 103.8028°E / 1.2659; 103.8028

 Initially 2 x 7 inch RML 1878 increased to 3 by 1886 prior to being removed by 1900

2 x MK IV 9·2 inch BL 1886 - 1912 1 x 6-pdr QF 1891 - 1912 a second 6-pdr QF added c1902

 1886 1912 The Fort was disarmed by 1912. Labrador Battery was buillt above the casmates
Mount Serapong[16] Sentosa Island

1.2511°N 103.8338°E / 1.2511; 103.8338

 2 x MK VII 8" inch BL  from 1887 to 1909

2 x MK X 9.2 inch BL from 1910 to c1936/7

 1887 c1936/7 After World War 2 Mount Serapong became Keppel Fire Command
Mount Imbiah[17] Sentosa Island

1.2569°N 103.8144°E / 1.2569; 103.8144

 1 x MK X 9.2 inch BL 1912 - 1937 1890 1937 Initially an infantry redoubt
Batu Berlayar Battery[18] Singapore Island

1.26299°N 103.8050°E / 1.26299; 103.8050

 1 x 6-pdr QF c1892 with a second being by 1898

From around 1905 the site was unarmed

2 x 12 Pdr QF  were deployed by 1942

Replaced with 1 x Twin 6-Pdr 1946 - 1956

 1892 1956 The guns were rendered unusable in Feb 1942

After the war Batu Berlayar was repaired and rearmed with one Twin 6 Pounder

Berhala Reping Battery[19] Berhala Reping Island

1.2530°N 103.8377°E / 1.2530; 103.8377

 2 x 6-Pdr QF 1894 - 1910

Replaced with 2 x 12-pdr till 1941

Replaced with 2 x Twin 6-Pdr 1941 - 1942

Replaced with 1 x Twin 6-Pdr 1946 - 1956

 1894 1956 AMTB Battery

The guns were rendered unusable in Feb 1942

After the WW2 Berhala Reping was repaired and rearmed with one Twin 6 Pounder

Sillingsing Battery Pulau Brani Island

1.2595°N 103.8340°E / 1.2595; 103.8340

 2 x 12 Pdr QF 1899 - 1907

2 x MKII 6 inch QF c1910 - c1936/7

2 x BL MK VII 6 inch c1936/7 - 1942

 1899 1942
Serapong Spur Battery[16] Sentosa Island

1.2505°N 103.8355°E / 1.2505; 103.8355

 1 x MK X 9.2 inch BL 1910 - c1936/7

2 x BL MK VII 6 inch c1936/7 - 1942

 c1910 1942
9.2 inch Coastal Defence Gun - IWM Duxford

World War II Coastal Batteries
Name Location Armament[3][4] From To Notes
Pasir Laba Battery[20] Western Coast

Singapore Island

1.3565°N 103.6419°E / 1.3565; 103.6419

 2 x BL MK VII 6 inch 1936 1942 Now it is currently part of SAFTI Live Firing Area but historical sites and traces of it do remain.
Beting Kusah Battery Changi

Singapore Island

1.37256°N 103.991°E / 1.37256; 103.991

 2 x BL MK VII 6 inch c1936/7 1942 Now it is currently part of Changi Airport
Labarador Battery[21] Singapore Island

1.2659°N 103.8028°E / 1.2659; 103.8028

 2 x BL MK VII 6 inch 1937 1942 Built on the site of Fort Pasir Panjang
Pulau Ubin Battery[22] Pulau Ubin

1.4189°N 103.9727°E / 1.4189; 103.9727

 Not armed c1936/37 N/A AMTB Battery built for two Twin 6-Pounders, but was never armed.
Tekong Besar Battery Pulau Tekong Besar

1.3995°N 104.0582°E / 1.3995; 104.0582

 3 x MK X 9.2 inch BL c1936/37 1942 Now part of the restricted military training area for BMT (Basic Military Training), although historical traces do remain.
Sphinx Battery Pulau Tekong Basar

1.3978°N 104.0397°E / 1.3978; 104.0397

 2 x MK XXIV 6 inch BL c1936/7 1942 Now part of the restricted military training area for BMT (Basic Military Training), although historical traces do remain.
Tanjong Terah Pulau Brani Island

1.2592°N 103.8351°E / 1.2592; 103.8351

 Not armed c1938/9 N/A AMTB Battery built for one Twin 6-Pounders, but was never armed.
Changi School / Inner Harbour Battery Changi

Singapore Island

1.3918°N 103.9848°E / 1.3918; 103.9848

 Not armed c1938/9 N/A Also known as Changi School Battery due to the proximity of school

AMTB Battery built for two Twin 6-Pounders, but was never armed.

Changi Palm / Outer Harbour Battery Changi

Singapore Island

1.3883°N 103.9984°E / 1.3883; 103.9984

 2 x 6-Pdr 1941 - 1942 c1938/9 1942 Also known as Changi Palm Battery due to the palm trees

AMTB Battery built for 2 twin 6-pdrs It was armed with two 6-Pdrs in 1941

Ladang Battery Pulau Tekong Basar

1.4067°N 104.0285°E / 1.4067; 104.0285

 1 x 12 Pdr QF 1938 1942 AMTB Battery built for a Twin 6-Pounder but armed with a 12-Pounder in 1942.
Pengerang Battery Johore - Malaysia

1.3750°N 104.0997°E / 1.3750; 104.0997

 2 x BL MK VII 6 inch c1939 - 1942

2 x 18 Pdr c1941 - 1942

1939 1942 2 x 18-pdr as part of beach defence
Buona Vista Battery Singapore Island

1.3208°N 103.7715°E / 1.3208; 103.7715

 2 x MK I 15 inch BL 1939 1942 Now became Pine Grove.
Johore Battery[23] Changi

Singapore Island

1.3651°N 103.9766°E / 1.3651; 103.9766

 3 x MK I 15 inch BL 1939 1942 Now it is currently part of Changi Airport - There is a replica of the No 1 which is open to the public
Pulau Hantu Battery Keppel Island

1.2636°N 103.8108°E / 1.2636; 103.8108

 1 x 18 Pdr Field gun 1942 Built as an AMTB Battery an 18 Pounder was mounted here during WWII.
Pulau Sejahat Battery Pulau Sejahat

1.4010°N 104.0201°E / 1.4010; 104.0201

 2 x Twin 6-Pdr QF 1942 AMTB Battery
Changi Battery Changi

Singapore Island

1.3912°N 103.9841°E / 1.3912; 103.9841

 2 x BL MK VII 6 inch 1942 The radar station for Changi Airport now occupies this site
Calder Harbour Battery Pulau Tekong Basar

1.4187°N 104.0800°E / 1.4187; 104.0800

 2 x Twin 6-Pdr QF 1942 Now part of the restricted military training area for BMT (Basic Military Training), although historical traces do remain.
One of Singapore's 15" coastal defence guns elevated for firing
BL 6 Inch Mk VII gun and crew Fort Siliso
Fort Siliso - Sentosa Island Singapore

Fortress Singapore During World War 2[24]

The main purpose of the guns was to prevent an attack on Singapore Island and the important Naval Base from the sea. A popular myth after the loss of Singapore in February 1942 was that the guns were "impressive but useless: the guns on Singapore pointed the wrong way"[25] and hence could not fire on the advancing Japanese. In reality this was not true. By 1939 most of the batteries had been modified to improve their arcs of fire.[26] During the Battle of Singapore a number of batteries were actively engaged firing over 2000 shells (Changi Fire Command consumed an estimated 1,119 shells and Faber Fire Command 1,072[27]).

The fire of the guns however was not that effective, Armour-Piercing (AP) ammunition was more suitable for use against ships and that the necessary fire control preparations had not been made.[27]

Prior to the surrender the garrison rendered all guns unusable. This activity was very successful and the Japanese were only able to repair 4 of the 52 guns that had been in use.[28]

Fixed Defences for Fortress Singapore were under the command of Brigadier A.D. Curtis who had three Royal Artillery Regiments manning the guns: The 7th and 9th Coast Regiments [29] and the 16th Defence Regiment. These regiments included three batteries manned by the Hong Kong and Singapore Royal Artillery (HKSRA)

Faber Fire Command[30][31] - Under Command of Lt. Col. Hereward Douglas St. George Cardew and was manned by the 7th Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. The fire command controlled the guns protecting the South of the Island and Singapore City

Unit Battery Name World War II - Armament Saw Action
5th Bty HKSRA Sillingsing Battery 2 x MK VII 6 inch BL
5th Bty HKSRA

11th Coast Bty RA

 Siliso Battery 2 x MK VII 6 inch BL

1 x 12-Pdr

 YES
7th Bty HKSRA Pasir Laba Battery 2 x MK VII 6 inch BL YES
7th Bty HKSRA Labarador Battery 2 x MK VII 6 inch BL YES
11th Coast Bty RA Connaught Battery 3 x MK X 9.2 inch YES
11th Coast Bty RA Serapong Spur Battery 2 x MK VII 6 inch BL
11th Coast Bty RA Pulau Hantu Battery 1 x 18 Pdr Field gun
11th Coast Bty RA Berhala Reping Battery 2 x Twin 6-Pdr
31st Coast Bty RA Buona Vista Battery 2 x MK I 15 inch
31st Coast Bty RA Batu Berlayar Battery 2 x 12 Pdr

Changi Fire Command[30] - Under command Lt. Col. Charles Philip Heath and was manned by the 9th Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. The fire command controlled the Eastern approaches of the Island and protected the entrance to the Johore Strait and the Naval Base.

Unit Battery Name World War II - Armament Saw Action
7th Coast Bty RA[30] Johore Battery 3 x MK I 15" inch YES
7th Coast Bty RA Beting Kusah Battery 2 x MK VII 6 inch BL
22nd Coast Bty RA Tekong Battery 3 x MK X 9.2 inch YES
22nd Coast Bty RA Sphinx Battery 2 x MK XXIV 6 inch YES
22nd Coast Bty RA Ladang Battery 1 x 12 Pdr
22nd Coast Bty RA Pulau Sejahat Battery 2 x Twin 6-Pdr
32nd Coast Bty RA Changi Battery 2 x MK VII 6 inch BL YES
32nd Coast Bty RA Pengerang Battery 2 x MK VII 6 inch BL

2 x 18-pdr
32nd Coast Bty RA Changi Outer Harbour Battery 2 x Twin 6-Pdr
32nd Coast Bty RA Calder Harbour Battery 2 x Twin 6-Pdr

The 16th Defence Regiment, Royal Artillery - Under Command of Lt. Col. M.S.H. Maxwell-Gumbleton had two batteries of 18-Pdrs (966 and 968 Defence Batteries) and 1 battery of 2-pdr (967 Defence Battery).

It was planned to use the 18-pdrs in pairs for beach defence. Twenty four Beach Defence (BD) positions were planned with BD1 was located near Pasir Laba Battery and BD24 was at Pengerang. It is not clear how many of these were actually deployed.[32]

Post War Batteries

Keppel Fire Command - Mount Serapong

Name Post War Armament Dates
Siliso Battery 1 x Twin 6-Pdr 1948 - 1950

2 x Mark XXIV 6 Inch BL 1950 - 1956

 c1948 - c1956
Batu Berlayar Battery 1 x twin 6 Pdr c1946 - c1956
Berhala Reping Battery 1 x twin 6 Pdr c1946 - c1956

Further reading
  • The Fatal Fortress: The Guns and Fortifications of Singapore 1819 - 1953 by Bill Clements

References
  1. Lim Chen Sian (2007). "Fort Tanjong Katong Raising History Planting Roots" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  2. Clements, Bill (2016). The Fatal Fortress. Pen and Sword. pp. P124.
  3. Clements, Bill (2016). The Fatal Fortress. Pen and Sword. pp. 162–182.
  4. "www.fortsiloso.com". Archived from the original on 2001-08-07.
  5. Harfield, A. G. (1976). "SINGAPORE MILITARY DEFENCES IN THE 19th CENTURY". Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research. 54 (218): 96–105. ISSN 0037-9700.
  6. Clements, Bill (2016). The Fatal Fortress: The Guns and Fortifications of Singapore 1819–1953. Pen and Sword. ISBN 9781473829565.
  7. "Foot Fullerton is Built - eresources.nlb.gov.sg". 20 July 2021. Archived from the original on 2016-11-08.
  8. "Fort Canning - www.roots.gov.sg". Archived from the original on 2021-07-20.
  9. "Construction of Fort Canning Begins - eresources.nlb.gov.sg". Archived from the original on 2016-09-30.
  10. "Fort Canning Command Centre". Archived from the original on 2021-01-21.
  11. "Fort Faber - eresources.nln.gov.sg". Archived from the original on 2014-05-09.
  12. "Fort Teregh is Built - eresources.nlb.gov.sg". Archived from the original on 2017-09-07.
  13. "Fort Siliso - eresources.nlb.gov.sg". Archived from the original on 2014-03-28.
  14. "History 1946 - www.fortsiloso.com". Archived from the original on 2018-10-13.
  15. "Fort Pasir Pajang - eresources.nlb.gov.sg". Archived from the original on 2014-06-09.
  16. "Serapong Battery - www.fortsiloso.com". Archived from the original on 2021-07-20.
  17. "Mount Imbiah Battery - www.roots.gov.sg". 20 July 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-07-20.
  18. "Batu Berlayer - www.fortsiloso.com". Archived from the original on 2019-05-01.
  19. "Berhala Reping - www.fortsiloso.com". Archived from the original on 2018-10-11.
  20. "Pasir Laba Battery - www.fortsiloso.com". Archived from the original on 2021-07-20.
  21. "Labrador Battery - www.roots.gov.sg". 20 July 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-01-21.
  22. Kao, Aaron (2018). "NCS Newsletter 80 Summer 2018". Archived from the original on 2020-07-19.
  23. "Johore Battery - www.roots.gov.sg". Archived from the original on 2021-01-21.
  24. "Order of Battle Singapore Fixed Defences - niehorster.org". Archived from the original on 2016-05-30.
  25. Swinson, Arthur (1969). Defeat in Malaya - The Fall of Singapore. Purnell. pp. P112.
  26. "1919-1941 - www.fortsiloso.com". Archived from the original on 2010-01-11.
  27. Elphick, Peter (1995). The Pregnable Fortress. Coronet Books. pp. P304–P307.
  28. After the Battle - Number 31. Battle of Britain Prints International Ltd. 1981. pp. P5.
  29. "A Brief History of the 7th and 9th Coast Regiments Royal Artillery - roll-of-honour.org.uk". Archived from the original on 2014-05-01.
  30. "The Story of the end of Johore Battery during the Battle for Singapore - Malcolm Nash and Karl Hack" (PDF). May 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-06-02.
  31. "Faber Fire Command". Archived from the original on 2021-07-20.
  32. Clements, Bill (2016). The Fatal Fortress. Pen and Sword. pp. P141.
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