1st Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) is
SAFs oldest infantry unit. It moved to Mandai Hill Camp on 30
September from Guillemard Camp, where it has resided for the past
34 years. Before the move, ex-Leopards* who previously held command
positions in 1 SIR gathered for a reunion on 23 September. The
reunion allowed the ex-Leopards to think fondly of the good old
days at the Home of the Leopards and to bid farewell to Guillemard
Camp.
Formed in March 1957, 1 SIR has had an illustrious history that
stretches from the colonial years under the British rule to today.
In the early days of Singapores independence, 1 SIR played a
crucial role in maintaining internal security. From racial riots to
refugee problems, 1 SIR was closely involved in operations to
establish peace and stability in our fledging country. As SAF grew
in strength, 1 SIRs role evolved and expanded, taking on other
tasks. With todays terrorism threat, 1 SIR is also involved in
protecting Singapores installations and combating terrorism.
The Leopards Homecoming reunion on 23 September included a walk
down memory lane, a simple dinner and plenty of catching up as the
ex-Leopards gathered for the last time at Guillemard Camp. The
ex-Leopards felt especially nostalgic as they viewed old
photographs, newspaper cuttings and trophies that 1 SIR had amassed
over the years. Fond memories of 1 SIR flooded back as they
reminded one another of interesting stories of their time at
Guillemard Camp.
COL (Ret) John Morrice, 1st Commanding Officer of 1 SIR said: I
feel nostalgic. I suppose its because I have been with Guillemard
Camp for so many years. This camp has been here since a very long
time. Now that 1 SIR is going to move to a new camp, I feel a
certain sense of loss.
The current Leopards at Guillemard Camp also feel a tinge of
sadness. SSG Surendra Gupta, a CSM at 1 SIR said: We won the Best
Combat Unit Competition in 1998. There are many fond memories here
at Guillemard Camp. We feel emotionally attached to this place
because this is where we have gelled and performed so well
together.
While the ex-Leopards remembered their time at Guillemard Camp, MAJ
Desmond Tan, Commanding Officer of 1 SIR was looking to the future
of 1 SIR. He said: We have a rich and illustrious history. At the
new camp, we intend to set up a heritage room to preserve our
history. I can use interesting stories of past happenings at
Guillemard Camp to educate my soldiers on our rich heritage and
bring out the sense of pride in them.