The Original Underground Complex
The original tunnel complex at Siloso Point, with the entrance ramp shown on the right. The numbers relate to where photographs were taken from.
Going down the ramp, there is a curve to the left Once round the curve, there are two short sets of stairs leading down to a passage which crosses the end of the tunnel at right angles. This passage runs the length of the complex. Numbered hot spots on the plan link you to photographs, shown below, which were taken in various parts of the complex.
1. Once round the bend in the ramp, there are two short flights of stairs leading down in to the passageway which runs the length of the complex and down to the 12 Pounder Emplacement at Siloso Point. The doorway opposite the ramp leads in to a store room.
2. Looking back up the stairs to the entrance ramp from the passageway in the tunnel complex. The curve to the right at top centre of the photograph shows where the ramp photographed above enters the complex.
3. On the left when you enter the passageway are doors on each side. On the left is the Oil Store and on the right a large store room.
Drainage is very important in the complex. Poor drainage could lead to flooding, thus rendering the complex inoperable. There are drains throughout the passageway.
4. One of two oil tanks which are in the Oil Store. Each tank rests on concrete supports.
In order to prevent any spillage from the tanks or from filling operations leaking into the Passageway, there are steps down into the room which form a ‘bund’, or barrier, which would contain spillage in the room itself.
5. On the other side of the passageway opposite the Oil Store is this large store room.
9. The underground Power Room was built to provide electrical power for the Fort and for the electrically operated mines which could be strung between the Fort and Tanjong Berlayer to provide an additional layer of defence for Keppel Harbour. During World War Two, it supplied electricity to the two six-inch guns, the 12 Pounder, and the five searchlight posts in the Fort. Altogether there were five electricity generators driven by Ruston engines. Sadly, the generating equipment was removed from the room when the Fort was refurbished. This picture is a taken from a 1993 video.
7. Looking towards Siloso Point.
8. The end section of the original Complex.
9.A storage room on the left just beyond the gate.
10. The entrances to the escape ladders. The end of the original complex was just beyond the far entrance.
11. One of the two escape ladders. As can be seen, the exit has been capped by concrete beams.
The escape exit is arrowed.