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Labrador Park
For a detailed description of Labrador Park see FORTRESS SINGAPORE, The Battlefield Guide, pp. 66-67, Maj. Yap Siang Yong, Romen Bose, Angeline Pang, Times Books International, Second Edition 1995. Available at most major book sellers in Singapore.
The beautiful park we see today belays it's original purpose. Labrador Battery was built in 1939. It's purpose was protect the southern shores, specifically the southwestern flank of Singapore Harbour. It was just one of several gun emplacements installed starting in 1936. This ring of fire was designed to protect he southern half of Singapore from naval attack. The Battery consisted of two 6-inch guns, pill boxes a fire control tower, and underground bunkers (command center, ammunition storage ??). The guns effective range was over 10 miles. Today the remains of the gun emplacements (l), fire control tower and a bunker (r) are visible.
The guns were used in the defense of Singapore. The popular myth of the guns pointing the wrong way is not true. They were used in defense of Pasir Panjang. Unfortunately most if not all of the shells available were meant for piercing ship plate, and are not as effective against advancing troops.
The guns were destroyed before the Japanese occupation, however one was later repaired and returned to service by the Japanese. I wonder if they had ammunition for it, or whether it was a dummy?
One interesting note, Labrador park is the location of bunkers which may be the rumored underground links to Fort Siloso and Fort Connaught on Palau Blakang Mati (Sentosa) and Fort Silinsing on Palau Brani. We (the general public) may never know, since they were sealed up in the 1950's.
Looking at the "backside" of Labrador Park. Sentosa (not seen here) is located
to the left.
Pasir Panjang
Pasir Panjang including Kent Ridge was the scene of some of the most ferocious fighting in the battle of Singapore. Below is a pillbox that still exists at the corner of Pasir Panjang and Science Park Road (next to a Shell service station). It was likely manned by the 1st Malaya Regiment. The entrance is now secured, but previously I was able to enter, and suffice it to say that being small would be a "large" advantage. Another pillbox off of Sime Road is now open.
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Copyright © Glenn Griffin 1999, 2000 and 2003. All rights reserved