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CHAPTER III (E).
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On the completion of this distribution, the men remaining will be distributed in accordance with Table E (iii), and at once commence the following work, which should be completed in two days:
(1) Draw guncotton primers from Ordnance.
(2.) Inspect and prime apparatus.
(3.) Insert primed apparatus in mines.
(4.) Get out group and branch cables stored cut, cut and coil remainder, and insert mooring thimbles.
(5.) Lay main cables for No. III Minefield (North Stonecutters).
(6.) Lay main cables for Nos. I and II Minefields if permission has been obtained from the Harbour-Master.
(7.) Lay friendly channel buoys as soon as permission has been obtained from the Harbour- Master.
(8.) Complete test rooms, wet batteries, adjust position finders, and set position finder plans.
Note. It is assumed in the distribution of work below that the main cables for Nos. II and III Minefields are laid and all the friendly channel buoys, before orders are issued to lay out the mine defences.
(iii.) If, by the fourth day of mobilization, authority has not been obtained to lay out the minefield, preparations will not be carried further, and additional officers and men for electric light work will be distributed at once to Sections in accordance with Table E (v).
When authority is given to lay out the minefields, officers and men will be withdrawn from Sections down to the numbers laid down in Table E (ii).
When the minefields are to be laid out, the O.C.S.M. will obtain launches and men as follows:
(1.) A powerful launch to tow the "Megohm."
(2.) A fast launch for general work.
(3.) Two junks as J.B. boats.
(4.) Twenty native coolies.
These will be required for about three days.
The minefields will be then laid out in their numerical order, provided the friendly channels are marked, and the arrangements for passing the traffic through the minefields have been completed.
Detailed orders for laying the mine defences are given in the form of working orders below. (iv.) After mobilization is completed a daily report of the condition of mines and lights will be sent in by the O.C.S.M. of each Section to his Section Commander, and a summary of any casualties telephoned to the O.C.S.M. at headquarters, who will arrange for repairs, calling in men from the Sections as necessary.
The O.C.S.M. will also frequently visit the Sections and confer with the Section Commander and Section O.C.S.M. as to any defects brought to notice or improvement which may be possible in the working or manning of lights, mines, or torpedoes.
In addition to his other duties, the O.C.S.M. will be an officer on the Staff of the Fortress Commander. In pursuance of his duties as Staff Officer for S.M. he will frequently visit the different Sections to which minefields are attached to confer with the officers, who will be respon- sible for all arrangements being complete and in working order. In case of an attack he will proceed at once to the point where his services are most required.
5.-Standing Orders for laying Submarine Mining Defences.
(1.) Boats available :
*
Steam-ship "Solent." steam-ship "Miner."
1 hired launch for "Megohm."
1 hired launch for general work.
Megohm," 6 J.B. boats.
2 hired junks as J.B. boats.
(2.) Distribution.-As Table E (iv).
(3.) Alignments and Signallers.--Alignment flags to be up by daybreak, signallers to be detailed in three hour reliefs from the electric light parties, one for each test room and one for each observing station.
(4.) Method of laying.-All observation mines to be laid by P.F., and also E.Cs. when possible. If both boats require P.F., "Solent" to have preference.
(5.) Shore parties.-Connect up and embark mines as under, group cables and J.B. moorings to be embarked with their groups.
(6.) First day:
On "Miner" (1st trip).-Moorings and j boxes for I, II, III. B, L., E, O, H, R.
On "Solent" (1st trip).-Six lines of mines, 1 to 18.
On "Miner" (2nd trip).-Six groups, D, E, F, G, H, J.
On "Megohm" (Zud trip).--Eight groups, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R.
On "Solent" (2nd trip).--Three lines, 19 to 27, and three groups, A, B, C.
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