Imagine standing here in Sentosa, a place of leisure and beauty. But beneath the surface lies a history etched in stone and steel at Fort Siloso. This seemingly peaceful location was once a key player in Singapore’s defense.
Fort Siloso. The name itself whispers tales of resilience. The word “Siloso” comes from a Malay term meaning “rock”. This fort, completed in 1878, wasn’t just built. It was carved into the very landscape. The top of Mount Siloso was blown off using 8,500 kg of gunpowder. This created a flat surface for artillery guns.
Initially, Fort Siloso defended Keppel Harbour’s western entrance. As Singapore’s trade flourished after the Suez Canal opened in 1869, protection became paramount. Fort Siloso, along with other forts, formed a formidable southern coastal defense.
Let’s talk armaments. By the 1880s, Fort Siloso boasted 7-inch guns and two 64-pounder guns. Later, five 10-inch guns were added. These powerful guns were operated automatically using an underground electric powerhouse. In the 1930s, more weaponry was added. Twin 6-pounder guns, anti-torpedo boat guns, searchlights, machine-gun nests, and anti-aircraft guns were installed. The British Royal Artillery and the Singapore Artillery Corps manned the fort.
Now, picture this. World War II. The guns of Fort Siloso, designed to defend against a sea invasion, turned inland. The Japanese attacked from the north through British Malaya. The guns fired at Japanese positions advancing from Tengah Airfield. Sadly, friendly troops retreating from Pasir Laba Battery were mistaken for the enemy and fired upon.
The building at the entrance is now known as the Surrender Chambers. It vividly portrays the British and Japanese surrenders in WWII. See actual footage of the war played interactively. From 1942 to 1945, the Japanese used Fort Siloso as a prisoner-of-war camp.
After the Japanese surrender in 1945, the Royal Navy occupied Fort Siloso. Later, Gurkha detachments manned the guns. During the Konfrontasi period from 1963 to 1965, the 10th Gurkha Rifles defended against Indonesian saboteurs.
In 1974, Fort Siloso transformed into a military museum. Naval guns and other coastal guns from across Singapore were displayed here. Fort Siloso once housed the British surrender display before it moved to the Former Ford Factory.
In 2015, the Fort Siloso Skywalk opened. It is an 11-storey tall. It offers stunning views of the island and the Singapore Straits.
Fort Siloso stands as Singapore’s last complete fort. It was gazetted as a national monument on 15 February 2022.
So, as you explore Fort Siloso, remember its story. From a rocky outcrop to a military stronghold, it stands as a testament to Singapore’s history and resilience.