As promised, this post is about another pair of old cannons again. However, this time, I didn't manage to get near enough to examine the cannons up close. The above photo was as close as the 3x optical zoom lens of my point-and-shoot camera could take me. So that is a clue, I hope. Nevertheless, you could see the cannon balls in front of the cannons. There are also 2 stick-like objects in front of the one of the cannons.
I have also removed the background of the photo, lest some people could identify the building behind instead of the old cannons. However, I have not erased the foreground as there are no ketapang leaves on it. What I can tell you is that the old cannons are near the sea. In fact, most cannons are located near the sea, as I have noticed. With Singapore's small size, there is certainly a physical limit as to how far inland you can site the cannons.
I must admit that I don't know the history of these cannons. So there is only one question is for this quiz for which I know the answer, and that is:
Q1. Where are the cannons located?
Another two questions which perhaps only Peter Stubbs could answer are as follows:
Q2. Are these cannons replicas or originals?
Q3. What is the history of these cannons?
As usual, the answer to Q1 will be revealed in a week's time. Happy guessing!
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6 comments:
First of all, I must admit that I haven’t got a clue where these cannon are. I don’t recall ever seeing them before. Because of that, I do not know their history, or whether or not they are the real thing or replicas. I hope that I have not boobed badly here! Something else to do next time I’m in Singapore.
As to what they are, it looks very much as if they are 6 Ton (including Carriage), 68 Pounder smooth bore muzzle loaders with a bore of 8 inches. These were designed in 1846 and first manufactured for the Royal Artillery and Royal Navy the following year.
The 68 Pounder was emplaced in many coastal batteries around the world, with some in Singapore, Fort Canning for example. Two are now at Ladang on Pulau Tekong, at least I assume that they are still there. One was positioned on each side of the AMTB Director Tower. These guns were to Ladang from Nee Soon.
Haha, at least Peter Stubbs eliminated the possiblity they are in Sentosa!
Istana? *guess*
it must be a place which victor could not access. could it be at cliff house, bukit chermin road?
Hi Andrew, Istana as former "Government House" could have a few cannons there too, I guess. Does anybody know where these cannons are located at the Istana?
Hi Victor,
Can, cannon or cannot, I haven't got a clue. That's why I need to read blogs like yours to improve my historical perspective, especially of Singapore.
Have a great Xmas and a Happy New Year to you and folks at home.
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