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If this force be worked by one head, on the principle which I have endeavoured to explain, I am of opinion that both towns may be looked upon as secure from any attack that is likely to be made upon them.
Recapitulation of Requirements for Land and Sea Defences, Cape Town and Simon's Town.
Cape Town.
Five-gun battery on Kyk-in-de-Pot.
Four-gun battery in Amsterdam Battery.
Torpedo-boats in docks.
Imhoff, Knokke, and Craig's Tower, batteries to be looked upon as supplementary only, and only of use to prevent a landing in boats.
Garrison of 2,000 men.
Half a battalion of regulars.
One garrison battery, Royal Artillery.
Remainder to be volunteers.
M
Wynberg and Kalk Bay to have each about 300 men; field-guns to be at Kalk Bay. Hout's Bay to be defended by a battery and by torpedoes.
Simon's Town.
North battery of 3, and eventually of 4 guns.
South battery of 2, and eventually of 4 guns.
An advanced battery of 2 guns, to be hereafter built, which would prevent a ship taking up a position to shell the town, where the south battery could not reach her, and would also protect a land approach.
Torpedo boats ready in dockyard.
Garrison of 1,000 men.
Half a battalion of regulars.
One garrision battery Royal Artillery.
Remainder volunteers.
Defence of Port Elizabeth.
This town can only be defended by direct fire from a battery or batteries placed on a line with its outer edge of houses.
No cross fire can be obtained owing to the configuration of Algoa Bay.
Should it therefore be determined to build a battery it ought to be armed with very powerful guns, which would be able to prevent a cruizer from approaching within easy shelling range.
One or two torpedo boats would seem to be essential to the defence of this place.
They might be hauled upon slips, and housed near the beach ready for use.
A volunteer force of about 1,500 men ought to suffice (if properly armed and drilled) for preventing a landing, or for opposing it effectually, should it have taken place at some distance from the town.
Port Alfred.
This harbour is not of sufficient importance at present to tempt the most enterprising enemy; and it would I think be unnecessary to spend money on its defence.
East London.
Neither East London or Panmure could pay a contribution which would be worth the trouble of collecting.
As however it is hoped that the harbour will eventually be an important one, it
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