The 1930s Extension
The extension, built as part of the general upgrade of Singapore’s coastal battery defences, was begun during the 1930s. The plan for the extension called for a considerable enlargement of the Victorian complex and the construction of a Twin 6 Pounder Gun Emplacement with magazine, a Director Tower for fire control, and three searchlight towers at the tip of Siloso Point.
Numbers in the plan relate to locations where photographs below were taken from.
1. An entrance to the new extension was made just past the escape shafts of the original underground complex. A short flight of stairs leads up to the extension to the complex itself. Note the two brackets on the right hand wall which were used to support a metal gate.
From the other end of the extension, another staircase was constructed leading down to the new gun emplacement at Siloso Point. From Siloso Point another staircase was constructed leading back to the surface near Siloso Point.
2. Looking back to the stairway from the new construction. This section is open to the skies.
3. One of two bays on the southern wall in this open section. The purpose of these rails is not known. Can any reader provide the use of the rails?
4. An escape ladder in the new section. It is believed that the old escape shafts were capped when this was constructed.
5. Looking towards Siloso Point. A storage room on the left, and hatches leading to another on the opposite side of the Passageway. Up the short flight of stairs and to the right is the Observation Post (OP), and the entrance to the room which the hatches lead to. Also at the top of the stairs is the long staircase leading down to Siloso Point.
6. Looking beyond the steel doors of the storage room opposite the hatches mentioned above. Notice the glazing in the hatch opening — not an original fitting.
7. Steel Doors at the entrance to the OP.
8 & 9. The OP . The barrier on the right bars entrance to the stairs leading down to the storage room.
10 & 11. The stairs from the underground complex to the gun emplacement at Siloso Point. There are 40 stairs to climb/descend.
The entrance to the staircase from Siloso Point.