13 Inch Mortars were deployed at Fort Faber and Fort Canning. The 13 Inch Mortar dates back to the early 1800s. It was designed for land service, but a sea service model was also made.

13 inch mortars
13 Inch Mortars on display at Fort Siloso

The mortar fired a spherical shot of cast-iron 1½ inches (38mm) thick and filled with up to 12Lbs (5.5Kg) of black powder which was ignited by a simple timing fuse. The timing fuse allowed the mortar be used as an air-burst or ground-burst weapon as may be required. The complete shot weighed 200 lbs (91 kg). The range when fired with a full charge of 9 lbs (4.1 kg) of black powder was 2,900 yards (2652 m).

A mortarA mortar
Mortars on Display

The mortar would send a shot high in to the air to fall steeply beyond castle walls and other fortifications directly on to the target. This type for fire, where the target can not be seen is called indirect fire.

The spigots protruding from the base of the Mortar shown on the left were used the transport the base on lengths of timber. The handles on the barrel were used to mount and dismount it from the base.

The Gun Museum