Singapore first battalion of soldiers
Tuesday, 12th March 1957
Singapore's very first battalion of regular soldiers, the First Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR), was formed against a backdrop of impending self-government. Recruitment began on 4 Mar 1957 at the Recruiting Centre at Bras Basah Road as well as the Government Exchange at Havelock Road and Chua Chu Kang Road. Only Singapore citizens and persons born and bred in Singapore were recruited. Out of a total of 1,420 applicants, only 237 were accepted for training.