Johore Battery, Guardian Of Singapore
Singapore is a thriving city-state located at the southern extremity of the Malay peninsula
. Since achieving independence in 1965 the city-state has prospered, and is now one of the most successful economies in the world. It is also a huge draw for tourists, who are attracted by the states renowned shopping opportunities, particularly the well known Orchard Road area, and its unique culture, a mixture of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other traditions.The Johore Battery is an important historical landmark in Singapore. It originally consisted of three huge World War II era cannons, and a network of tunnels that were utilized to store ammunition for them. The guns were 16.5 metres long and were capable of launching 15 inch diameter shells at warships 20 miles away.
Although the guns primary purpose was to defend an attack from the sea, two of the cannons were capable of being turned in the reverse direction and firing in that direction. The guns were involved in several battles, and in February 1942 they fired landwards targeting advancing Japanese positions. 194 rounds were fired by the Johore Battery cannons prior to being destroyed by the British just before their surrender. The surrender of the British army was a huge setback, and the only option was to destroy the cannons to prevent them from being used by the Japanese.
Of the original installations only the tunnels now remain. However a realistic replica of a cannon and the enormous shell it fired have been installed at Johore Battery. Visitors can climb on to the cannon to get an idea of the size of the weapon, and may attempt to hoist the 800 kg shell with the help of a lever.
The Singapore Science Centre has installed a number of interactive exhibits at the site. A periscope provides viewers with a glimpse of the underground tunnels, and an echo tube offers an idea of the depth of the tunnels.
A traveller searching for hotels Singapore would find M Hotel Singapore an ideal choice. Particularly suited for business travelers, the hotels rooms provide a fully equipped workstation with all facilities including broadband access. Strategically located in the citys Financial District, the hotel is in close proximity to Orchard Road and other attractions.
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