History of SAF Armour

[ 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000 ]

The late 1960s - Birth of a new arm

Image Copyright of MINDEF When Singapore's separation from the federation with Malaysia in 9 August 1965 to become an independent country, coincide with the British withdrawal from the 'east of the Suez', the young nation was left with nothing more than two under-strength infantry battalions (having only 1050 officers and men) to defend her soil. Faced with communist subversion that threatened our national security and political stability, the newly-formed MID (Ministry of Defence) embarked on a building phase to defend Singapore's Sovereignty over her own soil. The beginning of the MID was not unlike the early years of the Zahal (Zvah Haganah Le Israel). Lacking the means to support a professinal Army, conscription was sought as a solution. As a result, the National Service (Amendment) Bill, which required able-bodied 18 year-old males to perform National Service (NS), was approved by the Parliment on 14 March 1967. Having addressed the issue of manpower, MID was thus able to develop her various arms. Armour was the last support arm to be developed by the Singapore Army then.

1968
Early 1968	Selection for a suitable armoured vehicle capable of troop lifting was conducted and the Cadillac Gage V-100 Commando APC was considered for the purpose. However, the intention to mount a 90 mm gun on the vehicle ran foul for the existing turrent was found to be incompatible. Instead, MID and Cadillac Gage worked out the specification for a larger version of the vehicle that could accommodate the 90 mm gun. The result was the V-200 which was sold exclusively to Singapore only.
April	Final proposal for the V-200 wheeled-APC submitted by Cadillac Gage to MID.
20 November	36 officers posted to VCU to undergo preliminary training on signal, driving, basic mechanics and vehicle maintenance.
31 December	The group of 36 officers were sent to Israel to be instructed on the use of the AMX-13 light tank which the Singapore government planned to procure.

1969
1 April	Prototype of V-200 sank after crew attempted to negotiate Jurong river with opened hatches.
30 April	The "Camels" pass out from their training.
May	"Camels" returned to Singapore with prepared lesson formats for review.
June	18 newly acquired AMX-13s were delievered via Jurong Wharf.
9 August	The 18 AMX-13 tanks rumbled down St Andrew's Road at the 4th National Day Parade. This was the very first time the tanks were unveiled to the public in the nation's history.
9 September	VCU split to form 40th and 41st SAB.
1 October	Armoured Infantry on V200 of 41 SAB, officially came into Keat Hong Camp.