We re-visit old military camps and iconic buildings with a fascinating past, and discover stories and memories from our history
By Pamela Chow
Our country may be a relatively young nation, but it has numerous sites scattered around with hidden stories detailing our eventful history.
Set off on your own journey of rediscovery with Weekender’s short guide on some of the most intriguing World War II sites and secrets of our island, and find out why we were once feted as an “impregnable fortress”.
Some pillboxes can still be found in Singapore today, like one along Sime Road and another along Pasir Panjang Road. (Photo: Preservations of Sites and Monument Division, National Heritage Board)
Machine-gun Pillboxes
Pillboxes are concrete guard posts with holes through which soldiers fired. Used throughout Singapore during WWII, pillboxes can still be spotted in certain places today. One of them can be found along Sime Road, and was part of an interlocking field of fire to defend the British Army’s Combined Operations Headquarters (Flagstaff House).
Another one sits along Pasir Panjang Road. This pillbox is located within the defence sector of the 1st Malay Brigade, and was likely used to defend Pasir Panjang Ridge against the advancing Japanese 18th Division troops.
Also read: 5 Secrets Of Bedok’s Colourful Past Unearthed
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