For the first time in the history of the National Day Parade,
only four 25-pounder guns will be used in the Presidential Gun
Salute compared to the traditional half a dozen guns.
The Presidential Gun Salute has been a mainstay of the National Day
Parade: 21 shots fired within 3 minutes as a mark of respect to the
President when he inspects the contingents in the stadium.
But unlike previous parades, the gunners will only be firing 4 guns
and not 6 due to space constraints as a part of the site has been
converted to a car park.
This has been factored into training drills to ensure everything is
timed to clockwork precision.
Capt Lee Yi-jin, Battery Commander, Presidential Gun Salute, said:
"We have less buffer when it comes to contingency plans, but as
long as not more than one gun breaks down during the firing, it's
actually very smooth. Four guns are more than enough, some of the
changes, for example, would be we have to make the re-loading drill
a bit quicker, that's the main difference, so that more guns are
ready in case of any misfire."
The soldiers from the 21st Singapore Artillery started training in
April, learning everything from gun drill to team work and even
their posture.
3SG Devendran Ramalingam, Firer, Presidential Gun Salute, said:
"During training, initially we were made to kneel on the concrete
ground to train for up to 15, 20 and 30 minutes so as to prepare
us, prepare our knees for the field in Kallang."
LCP James Onn, Ammo Loader, Presidential Gun Salute, said:
"Coordination from the stadium to the command post and right to our
guns, the timing and instructions have to be loud and clear so we
can fire at the precise time."
They also made sure the 25-pounder guns weighing some 2 tonnes are
fit for action, by polishing and maintaining them.
These guns are very old.
They are about 70-years-old and they were deployed to defend
Singapore's coastline in the 1940s.
But they have been given a new shine with a fresh coat of paint and
re-chromed parts ahead of the big day on August 9th. - CNA/ch
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