Fort Siloso
The Guardroom
The Guardroom, built in the early 20th Century, is located at the Fort gate. Prior to that, there was a Guard Bungalow on Mount Siloso behind the present Guardroom. A figure of a soldier on duty can be seen outside the door of the Guardroom, carrying his rifle ath the ‘Port’. In reality, he probably would have been at the gates, and would most likely be standing at ease with his rifle resting butt on floor. His rifle, A Martini Henry Artillery Carbine, would only be raised when being placed in the ‘Challenge’ position to check an unknown person approaching, or in order to salute an officer. A Field Officer would receive a ‘Present Arms’. Other soldiers on Duty would either be resting in the Guardroom, or out on patrol or ‘Stag’ as it is called.
The photo above shows a Mark II Martini Henry Arillery Carbine. This weapon was found in one of the blocks at the Parade Square on Sentosa during Renovations. Someone must have been Court-Martialled for losing this.
The figures on the right show the Orderly Serjeant reporting to the Orderly Officer. Both are wearing white Tropical Dress Uniform. The Serjeant is carrying his Drill Cane tucked under his left arm. Above the officer can be seen a ‘punkah’. This was an oblong piece of fabric which was the forerunner of the electric fan. The fabric, fixed at the top, was flapped to-and-fro by a piece of rope, pulled by a servant or ‘Bearer’ (an Indian Army term), thus creating a cooling draft. A mosquito net which can be seen above the Sergeant’s head is above a bed with the mattress folded up and the bedding ‘boxed’ squarely on top of the mattress. Illumination is provided by an oil lamp.
Note: The spelling of Serjeant is correct for the period illustrated. The more modern spelling, Sergeant, was introduced during the 20th Century.