APPENDIX 'B'.
Part 1.
REMARKS ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF AIRCRAFT IN CONNECTION
WITH THE DEFENCE OF THE COLONY.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
If Hongkong is attacked by an Overseas Power, it may be assumed that the enemy forde will be accompanied by aircraft for
(a) Reconnaissance.
(b) Artillery observation.
Attack on Naval and Military
establishments and possibly toms
The enemy aircraft carrying out (a) and (b) and possibly (c) can be dealt with only by other aircraft, which, if our troops are not work at a serious disadvantage would appear to be a necessary component of the Hongkong Garrison.
Aircraft are also necessary for carrying out the same function (a), (b), (c) against the enemy, if he obtains a footing on land, in or near the Colony.
As it is understood that there is no suitable ground within reasonable distance of Hongkong, which
could be converted into an aerodrome in less than a month, the enemy aircraft will probably be brought in aircraft carriers, and work from these ships.
At present not more than two carriers with a total of 24 aircraft, need be anticipated, but in a few years' time, the number may be raised to four, with a total perhaps 72 machines.
Form of enemy's attack.
island,
(a) It appears likely that the attack on Hongkong. would commence by a concentrated onslaught by bombing aircraft, flown off carriers before dawn from a distance of possibly 200 miles or more from the with the object, of destroying military and naval establishments, and so disorganising the conduct of the defence at the outset. This bombing attack, by either explosive or incendiary bombs would probably be repeated daily for several days.
view to their
(b) Other enemy carriers may accompany the ships carrying the attacking troops, with a aircraft working in close co-operation with the troops.
Object of our aircraft.
The main object of our aircraft is to destroy the enemy aircraft, after which they will be free to work in co-operation with out troops and to attack enemy ships.
If an enemy aircraft carrier is sunk or her speed greatly reduced by torpedoes, all her aircraft are also destroyed or immobilised, except for those that may be in the air at the time and could land on the sea or another carrier.
The sinking of enemy aircraft carriers should therefore be the first consideration.
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