A PF Cell, or Position Finding Cell to give it its full name, was used to find the position of a target vessel. They came into use in the 1870s, and rapidly found a place in the coast artillery network of the Royal Artillery. Most coast batteries had two or more of these Cells. Using several meant that an accurate position of an enemy vessel could be found.

The bearing to the target from each Cell and the Depression Range Finder were plotted and the intersection of the plots gave a good position of the target. Armed with this information a coast artillery battery was better able to engage an enemy vessel.

There were at one time seven PF Cells on Mount Serapong alone. Three more were on Mount Imbiah, and another was at Fort Siloso beside the Battery Observation Post. At least one remains on Singapore Island, near the Labrador Battery. Often these were referred to as bunkers, which is incorrect. A bunker is something else completely.

Now demolished PF Cell at the old Scripture Union Camp, Sentosa.

Mount Serapong PF Cell No.7. Beside the Spur Battery

Mount Serapong PF Cell No.2

Mount Serapong PF Cell No.3. Position Finder mountings are still in place

A PF Cell on Mount Imbiah

Batteries & Defences