Works
Armament Mines
Obstructions
Land defences
Barracks
Total
April 26, 1881.
:::::::
203
Second Scheme.
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£ 81,750
22,500
9,400
**
2,000
5,000
20,000
140,650
(Signed)
J. H. SMITH.
(Signed)
T. L. GALLWEY, Inspector-General of Fortifications.
COCOS OR KEELING ISLANDS.
No. 68.
War Office Memorandum on the Defence of the Cocos or Keeling Islands.
THE Keeling Islands, situated in 12° 10′ south latitude, 90° 50′ east longitude, con- sist of two coral atolls known as the North and South Islands.
The latter, with which alone we are concerned, consists of a belt of islets,-the exposed portions of the atoll,-encircling an oval-shaped and shallow lagoon.
The islets which rise but a few-in no case exceeding twenty-feet above the ocean- level are separated one from another by water so shallow that at low tide it is possible to walk, with slight wading, round three-quarters of the encircling belt, viz., from Direction to Ross's Island.
As stated above, the greater portion of the lagoon is shallow, but at its northern end a break in the coral belt, and an inlet of very varying depth, known as Port Refuge, afford fair shelter, except during tempestuous weather, for vessels drawing about 20 feet of
water.
Of
The exception, however, is one of some moment, as these islands are not unfrequently visited by violent storms, and sometimes by devastating cyclones and earthquakes. Among the more recent cyclones may be cited those which occurred in 1863 and 1876. the latter it is recorded (Proceedings of Royal Geographical Society, December 1879) that the barometers fell to 2710, and then were permanently disabled under the strain they were called upon to endure.
The small population, which is of Malay origin, is exclusively engaged in tending the cocoa-nut trees, with which the islets are covered. The climate is temperate and healthy.
No artificial aids have yet been constructed to enable the port to be used as a re- fitting, coaling, or provision depôt; and the natural facilities appear to be indifferent.
The general conformation of the atoll is undergoing slight but constant variation. Two causes contribute to this, viz., wave action in stormy weather on the outside, and rapid coral growths on the inner side.
Its size and configuration, together with the depth of water immediately outside it, are such that no arrangement of land defences can be suggested which would thoroughly protect the harbour from bombardment. It cannot, therefore, be secured as a harbour of refuge in which vessels might lie in security and refit.
But if it be considered, notwithstanding its somewhat insufficient depth, and the partial shelter only which it affords from foul weather, that its strategical value is nevertheless such that it should be made a coaling and provision depôt, and its use denied to an enemy, one of the islets, "Direction" or "Horsburgh," at the east and west sides respectively of the entrance might be occupied with a battery; and there can be little question that the former from its position with reference to the port is that which should be selected. In other respects it is probably the least favourable, as it is said to be solely formed of loose shingle composed of coral débris, and to be the only islet of the group entirely destitute of fresh water.
Its saliency with regard to the deep water around it is such that any work erceted thereon would be exposed to attack through a wide lateral arc, which attack, if made by a small squadron, could only be satisfactorily met by providing a co-extensive arc of defence. As, however, the guns would be mounted at but slight elevation above the water-level, and they could, on account of the depth of water, be closely approached by the vessels of the attacking squadron, it would be necessary to mount them behind iron shields.
But guns so shielded can only command an arc of about 60°; it would therefore be necessary to provide about 10 guns to adequately deny the harbour to an enemy, and to dispute the approaches thereto.
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Appendix No. 4,
SEYCHELLES.
118
Cocos OR KEELING ISLANDS,
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