|
|
|
|
|
The Istana Ceremonial Guards' main role is sentry duty at the Istana Main Entrance on Orchard Road and at the entrance of the Istana Building.
The average age of these Guards is 19. One Unit of 20 guards from Singapore Armed Forces Provost Unit (SAFPU) would perform duties in the Istana for one month before another unit takes over. The take-over by a new unit is signified by the Changing of Guards Ceremony.
When the late Encik Yusof Bin Ishak took office as the Yang Di-Pertuan Negara at the Istana on 3rd December 1959, the Istana was guarded by combat troops from the only infantry regiment we had at that time, the 1st Battalion of the Singapore Infantry Regiment. The guards were posted round the clock. There was no Changing of Guards Ceremony. Mounting and dismounting of guards were done within the Istana itself.
The use of combat troops to guard the Istana ceased in 1968 with the formation of the Singapore Armed Forces Guards Unit (SAFGU). In 1969, it was decided that a Changing of Guards Ceremony be held on every first Sunday evening of the month. The Ceremony was held in 1969 and has continued ever since.
The format of the Ceremony is based on the British Changing of Guards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, England. Thirty-six Guards and two Guard Commanders are involved in the Ceremony. The Guards, are specially selected and trained for their turnout, bearing and drill.
The in-coming Guards march from the Yan San Building to meet the out-going Guards at the main entrance of the Istana. The Changing of the Guards Ceremony is then carried out at the entrance of the Istana with military bands in attendance. Included in the ceremony is a Rifle Precision Drill Performance to entertain the spectators. |
|