Completed in 1912, the Battery Command Post offered a clear view. It overlooked Pulau Bukom’s oil installations. It also watched the western sea lanes into Keppel Harbour. Today, we explore this vital part of Fort Siloso.
The Battery Command Post is significant. It was the battery commander’s location. From here, they directed the fort’s defenses. This post played a crucial role in Singapore’s coastal defense strategy.
Initially, in 1896, plans included a small Battery Command Post. It would provide fire control. Essential elements were a Depression Position Finder, a Chart Room, and a Telephone Room. The military quickly saw the advantage of telephone lines.
Over the years, the Battery Command Post expanded. It became the Battery Observation Post. The B.C.P. was built on a storeroom site. This location was at the top of the stairs leading to Mount Siloso.
A major rebuild happened by 1912. This added a new top floor. It also added a post for directing the fort’s electric lights also known as Searchlights. The building’s structure is almost identical to what we see today.
Further changes occurred during the 1930s. The fort was modernised at that time. A new room was added to the top floor. The B.C.P. became the Battery Observation Post B.O.P.. The Electric Light Director Post was renamed Searchlight Director Station S.L.D.S.. The lights became Coast Artillery Searchlights C.A.S.L. or Defence Electric Lights D.E.L..
A Position Finder was built near the B.O.P.. It was constructed on the old No.2 Q.F. Gun Emplacement. It potentially replaced the P.F. on Mount Imbiah. Fire Control West on Mount Imbiah directed guns there and at Fort Siloso.
Glass windows were never part of the original design. Shards from explosions could injure those inside. In action, only shutters for range finding remained open.
General Gillman visited in 1927. He planned new coast defenses for Singapore. These defenses would protect the naval base. He approved the gun emplacements’ location at Fort Siloso. He suggested altering the searchlights.
From 1930 to 1939, the 3rd Hong Kong & Singapore RA Battery manned the fort. They trained and lived at India Lines. The troops marched to and from their quarters daily. Other British Artillery units also used the fort for training.
The Battery Command Post enlargement during the 1930s created what we see today. The Inch QF Guns were retired. Mark VII 6 Inch BL Guns replaced them. These used Mark II CP Mountings and Mark IV Shields.
The sub-surface power house was modified. It was adapted for oil-powered generators. The area expanded. A staircase led to Siloso Point. The complex included an oil store, watch room, engine room, observation post, and stores.
The two-story Battery Command Post stands as a testament. It reflects strategic importance. The glass windows we see today are post-war additions. These replaced the original shutters. The Battery Command Post reminds us of Singapore’s resilience. It also highlights its commitment to defense.