Page 88
Page 88
60
Appendix No. 4.
ww
SIERRA LEONE.
Fort Falconbridge.
4 10-in. R.M.L., shielded.
2 64-prs.
Works
Armament
33,375 15,300
is not likely that heavily-armoured ships would be sent to attack this harbour; the 10-inch rifled muzzle-loading gun would therefore appear sufficiently powerful for this defence.
Sea Defences.
The most suitable positions for the erection of heavy gun batteries to defend the mouth of the river are Fort Falconbridge, King Tom's Point, and Look-out Point. The guns here will be in the most advanced positions possible, and will be 3,000 yards from the 5-fathom line on the opposite side of the river. The two first-named points and probably the third are low and rocky.
Fort Falconbridge, which is the most important work, as it immediately covers the town, is restricted in area. There is, however, room for four heavy guns in shielded case- mates, together with two 64-pounders for flanking the shore.
King Tom's Point.
2 shielded.
3 10-in. R.M.L. { 1 barbette.
At King Tom's Point three guns should be mounted, one of them being en barbette.
2 64-prs.
£
Works
Armament
25,250 11,700
Look-out Point.
4 10-in. R.M.L.
2 64-prs.
Works
Armament
2 64-prs.
Works
Armament
West Battery.
£
**
44
Farran Point Battery.
3 10-in. R.M.L., en barbette.
2-64 prs.
Works
Armament
Fort Thornton.
Tower Hill.
Signal Hill. Outposts.
Land works
Field guns
22,750 15,300
£
2,750 900
At Look-out Point the battery is not of so much immediate importance to the defence as are the other two, but it would be the first to oppose the enemy and prevent the place being bombarded; four heavy guns should, therefore, be mounted, but they may be all en barbette.
In addition to the heavy guns, it would be advisable to arm the old West Battery with two medium guns to oppose a landing in front of the town.
In addition to the main channel, there is a passage between the Middle Ground shoal and the northern shore. Although this is not recommended in the sailing directions, yet as there is over 4 fathoms depth of water at high tide it should not be overlooked entirely. Moreover, vessels might run past the batteries already proposed, and having entered the river in either of these ways, might bombard the town from the eastward. To guard 18,375 against this it will be desirable to construct a battery for three heavy guns en barbette, and 11,700 two medium guns at Farran Point.
It would no doubt be feasible, and it would add much to the strength of the place, to build a work on the Middle Ground, which is formed of sand and stones, and is in many places dry at low water, but the expense is prohibitory.
£
£
15,000 3,000
Land Defence.
It seems improbable that an attack in force will be made by land, but precautions should be taken against the occupation of the heights in the rear of the town, and the batteries being thus taken in reverse by a party landed on the coast to the southward.
The town is commanded by Fort Thornton, 170 feet above the sea, and this in its turn is commanded by Tower Hill, 375 feet high, on which the barracks stand, and which is an isolated knoll. The former work should be reconstructed and kept in good order, the latter position inclosed and rendered secure against assault, and a battery of field guns should be kept for use on these works.
In addition, it will probably be necessary to construct a small defensible work on Signal Hill, and perhaps two or three other posts on the heights to the south of the town, but the advisability of doing this can only be decided on after local examination. The country is covered with bush, so that the communications must be difficult and confined to particular paths. It is not likely, therefore, that any extensive works will be required.
A battery of field or mountain guns should be supplied for use in these positions. The garrison required would be:-
Infantry
Artillery
Royal Engineers
Total
The estimated cost is :--
Works Armament
April 12, 1881.
Total
:
:::
:
..
:
:
:::
:::
Men.
1,350 230 20
1,600
£
117,500
57,900
175,400
(Signed)
J. H. SMITH.
Page 88
(Signed)
T. L. GALLWEY Inspector-General of Fortifications.
Page 88
Page 88