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 1860s, 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 by Rifled Muzzle Loading (RML) and then in the 1890s 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 1870s.

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-inch 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] It 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 × 56-pdr and 2 × 32-pdr By 1863 these had been replaced with 9 × 68-pdr 95cwt In 1867 the fort was armed with 9 × 68-pdr cwt and 1 × 13-inch mortars [5]	1829	1873	The fort 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 × 56-pdr [5] Replaced by 3 × 7-inch 6.5-ton RML and 2 × 64-pdr RML By 1890 the fort mounted 2 × 10-inch 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 × 68-pdr, 8 × 8-inch and 2 × 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 × 13-inch mortars In 1867 the fort was armed with 2 × 56-pdr and 2 × 13-inch mortars [5]	Between 1857 and 1864	c. 1870	Abandoned c. 1870 reoccupied briefly in 1878
Fort Teregh[12]	Pulau Brani Island 1.2565°N 103.8354°E / 1.2565; 103.8354	Initially in 1887 2 × 7-inch RML guns replaced by 1890 with 2 × 64-pdr RML guns.[6] Around 1891 2 × 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 × 64-pdr RML  - 1878 – c. 1886 3 × MK I 7 Inch RML 1878 – c. 1890 2 × MK IV 9.2-inch BL 1886 – c. 1936/37 2 × MK II 6-inch QF - 1890–1910 1 × MK X 9.2-inch BL 1910 - c .1936/7 3 × MK X 9.2-inch BL c.1936/37 – 1942	1878	1942	Renamed Fort Connaught c. 1890 Site now occupied by Tanjong Golf Course
Fort Siloso[13]	Sentosa Island 1.2592°N 103.8086°E / 1.2592; 103.8086	2 × 64-pdr RML  1879 – c. 1886 3 × 7-inch RML 1879–1896 One gun removed c. 1891 1 × MK IV 9.2-inch BL 1896 – c. 1908 2 × 12-pdr QF 1899–1907 1 × 12-pdr QF as AMTB remounted prior to WW2 2 × 6-inch QF 1900–1942 upgraded to MK V11 6-inch in 1932 1 × Twin 6-pdr 1948–1950 2 × 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 × 7-inch RML 1879–1885 2 × 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 × 7-inch RML 1878 increased to 3 by 1886 prior to being removed by 1900 2 × MK IV 9·2-inch BL 1886–1912 1 × 6-pdr QF 1891–1912 a second 6-pdr QF added c. 1902	1886	1912	The fort was disarmed by 1912. Labrador Battery was built above the casemates.
Mount Serapong[16]	Sentosa Island 1.2511°N 103.8338°E / 1.2511; 103.8338	2 × MK VII 8"-inch BL  from 1887 to 1909 2 × MK X 9.2-inch BL from 1910 to c. 1936/37	1887	c. 1936/37	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 × 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 × 6-pdr QF c. 1892 with a second being by 1898 From around 1905 the site was unarmed 2 × 12-pdr QF  were deployed by 1942 Replaced with 1 × 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 × 6-pdr QF 1894–1910 Replaced with 2 × 12-pdr till 1941 Replaced with 2 × Twin 6-pdr 1941–1942 Replaced with 1 × 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 × 12-pdr QF 1899–1907 2 × MKII 6-inch QF c. 1910 – c. 1936/37 2 × BL MK VII 6-inch c. 1936/37 – 1942	1899	1942
Serapong Spur Battery[16]	Sentosa Island 1.2505°N 103.8355°E / 1.2505; 103.8355	1 × MK X 9.2-inch BL 1910 – c. 1936/37 2 × BL MK VII 6-inch c. 1936/37 – 1942	c. 1910	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 × 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 × BL MK VII 6-inch	c. 1936/37	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 × 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	c. 1936/37	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 × MK X 9.2-inch BL	c. 1936/37	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 × MK XXIV 6-inch BL	c. 1936/37	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	c. 1938/39	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	c. 1938/39	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 × 6-pdr 1941–1942	c. 1938/39	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 × 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 × BL MK VII 6-inch c. 1939–1942 2 × 18-pdr c. 1941–1942	1939	1942	2 × 18-pdr as part of beach defence
Buona Vista Battery	Singapore Island 1.3208°N 103.7715°E / 1.3208; 103.7715	2 × 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 × 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 × 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 × Twin 6-pdr QF		1942	AMTB Battery
Changi Battery	Changi Singapore Island 1.3912°N 103.9841°E / 1.3912; 103.9841	2 × 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 × 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-inch 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 II

Source:^[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 × MK VII 6-inch BL
5th Bty HKSRA 11th Coast Bty RA	Siliso Battery	2 × MK VII 6-inch BL 1 × 12-pdr	Yes
7th Bty HKSRA	Pasir Laba Battery	2 × MK VII 6-inch BL	Yes
7th Bty HKSRA	Labarador Battery	2 × MK VII 6-inch BL	Yes
11th Coast Bty RA	Connaught Battery	3 × MK X 9.2-inch	Yes
11th Coast Bty RA	Serapong Spur Battery	2 × MK VII 6-inch BL
11th Coast Bty RA	Pulau Hantu Battery	1 × 18-pdr field gun
11th Coast Bty RA	Berhala Reping Battery	2 × Twin 6-pdr
31st Coast Bty RA	Buona Vista Battery	2 × MK I 15-inch
31st Coast Bty RA	Batu Berlayar Battery	2 × 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 × MK I 15-inch	Yes
7th Coast Bty RA	Beting Kusah Battery	2 × MK VII 6-inch BL
22nd Coast Bty RA	Tekong Battery	3 × MK X 9.2-inch	Yes
22nd Coast Bty RA	Sphinx Battery	2 × MK XXIV 6-inch	Yes
22nd Coast Bty RA	Ladang Battery	1 × 12-pdr
22nd Coast Bty RA	Pulau Sejahat Battery	2 × Twin 6-pdr
32nd Coast Bty RA	Changi Battery	2 × MK VII 6-inch BL	Yes
32nd Coast Bty RA	Pengerang Battery	2 × MK VII 6-inch BL 2 × 18-pdr
32nd Coast Bty RA	Changi Outer Harbour Battery	2 × Twin 6-pdr
32nd Coast Bty RA	Calder Harbour Battery	2 × 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]

Postwar batteries

Keppel Fire Command - Mount Serapong

Name	Postwar armament	Dates
Siliso Battery	1 × Twin 6-pdr 1948–1950 2 × Mark XXIV 6-inch BL 1950–1956	c. 1948 – c. 1956
Batu Berlayar Battery	1 × twin 6-pdr	c. 1946 – c. 1956
Berhala Reping Battery	1 × twin 6-pdr	c. 1946 – c. 1956

Further reading

• The Fatal Fortress: The Guns and Fortifications of Singapore 1819–1953 by Bill Clements