The magazine was built in the 1880s to store ammunition for the two 7 Inch RML guns which were on emplacements opposite. The Magazine has thick stone walls and its roof is protected by an earth covering which together were designed to withstand the effects of enemy fire. In 1885 it was recommended, “As these guns bear only on inner waters 100 rounds per gun will suffice, and for this amount accommodation exists. It appears that the remainder can be stored in Blakang Mati East (Fort Connaught)”.

Originally, there was a thick roof over the passageway forming a tunnel between the Magazine. Sadly the roof was demolished a long time ago, probably in the mid 1950s.

LEFT: A plan of the Magazine. The numbers correspond with the photos below.

Soldiers entering the Magazine had to remove their footwear and strip to their underclothes before donning special clothing and footwear for working in the magazine. Soldiers working in the Magazine had to take special precautions to prevent any chance of setting off an explosion. Items such as Lucifers (matches), smoking materials and inflammable items were not permitted past the entrance.

Men carrying shells and propellant charges to the guns would not enter the Magazine itself. They would work in the passageway and have the shells and charges passed out of the ammunition hatches to them. This was in to reduce the risk of a catastrophic explosion should an accident occur.

Lighting in the Magazine was from oil lamps kept in recesses on the walls. The recesses had glass doors to reduce the risk of explosion. The level of light in the Magazine was not very good as there are few lighting recesses.

1: The left-hand side of the passage. An Ammunition Hatch is on the wall.
2: The rear of the passage. Two Ammunition Hatches are on the right wall, one for each store.
3: The right-hand side. A Lantern Recess is at the far end of the right wall.

4. Looking towards the entrance to the Magazine from the Cartridge Store
5. Inside the Cartridge Store. An Ammunition Hatch is in the far wall.

6: Looking out from the Shell Store. The window is in the external wall.
7: Inside the Shell Store. An Ammunition Hatch is in the far wall.
8: Looking towards the entrance to the Magazine from outside the Shell Store.

LEFT: A recess built-in to the 7 Inch emplacement opposite the Magazine.

RIGHT: Two similar recesses can be seen to each side of the central entrance of the Magazine. The emplacement wall can be seen on the right of this picture.

LEFT: Ramp to the 7 Inch RML Emplacement with storage below.
CENTRE: The left-hand window in the Magazine wall.
RIGHT: The entrance to the Magazine.

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