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CHAPTER IV.
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the garrisons is the gist of the matter, but as a supplement to the practical working on the ground, general instructions are given as follows to the Commanders as to how the garrisons of each Section and the support from the Reserve should be posted:-
Headquarters
No. I SECTION.
Stonecutters West.
Area. The Section comprises Stonecutters Island.
Object.-Its purpose is, in conjunction with Belchers group of batteries and the mine-fields, to prevent an enemy's ships from forcing the western entrance of the harbour.
Garrison. The garrison consists of—
Royal Garrison Artillery
Hong Kong Regiment
Fortress Company, Royal Engineers
Hong Kong Company, Royal Engineers British Infantry Regiment
1 company.
2 companies.
2 officers and 24 N.C.Os. and men. 6 men (Chinese).
2 telephone operators.
Quartering. The Royal Garrison Artillery are quartered in barracks and under canvas, one relief being always quartered at the guns; the two companies Hong Kong Regiment under canvas, and the Royal Engineers in barracks.
Reinforcements.-Reinforcements can speedily be brought by launch from the Kowloon Reserve, and also if necessary from Victoria.
Communications.-The island is traversed by a pathway running east and west, and troops can proceed along the northern shore by the sea beach.
There is telephonic connection between the several forts and also with Victoria. Food Supply.-Supplies would be brought from Victoria by launch from the Commissariat Pier.
Dressing Station.-A dressing station will be provided in barracks.
Attack and Defence.-The attack most to be apprehended is a boat attack covered by an enemy's cruisers. This will best be met---
(1.) By piquets placed at shore ends of cable at north shore.
(2.) By piquet on high ground at east battery.
(3.) By piquet at central battery.
The remainder of infantry in reserve at central half.
Additional Works.-Shelter-trenches for infantry.
Headquarters
No. II SECTION.
Sandy Bay.
Area. The Section includes the Belchers group of batteries, and extends to the Dairy Farm on the west, being bounded on the east by Victoria Peak and High West.
Object.-Its purpose is to assist No. I in repelling an attack on the western entrance, and to prevent an enemy landing at Taihowan or Sandy Bays, or interfering with the cables, or attempting to rush the Belchers group of batteries.
Garrison. The garrison consists of-
Royal Garrison Artillery
7 officers, 172 N.C.Os. and men.
Hong Kong-Singapore Battalion, Royal
Artillery
1
British officer, 1 native officer,
and 40 N.C.Os. and men.
Submarine Mining Company, Royal
1
officer, 27 N.C.Os. and men, and
Engineers
6 natives.
British Infantry Battalion
Royal Army Medical Corps..
3 officers, 120 N.C.Os. and men.
1 officer and 3 mėn.
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