456
par. 77 to 82.
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The forge pumpet.
hwar la quis 13.
M.
77.-To prevent the work being taken by a rush, and, at the same time, to thoroughly command the slopes with musketry fire, I would propose that a masonry escarp wall be built from the present bottom of the ditch, and be provided with a chemin des rondes, from which a full view of the slope could be obtained. The cutting down of the present parapet referred to above, would supply earth for the backing of this wall, and an opportunity will also be afforded to modify the exterior slopes of the work, which experience has shown, if very long, do not well stand the heavy rains of Singapore, The covering screen of bamboos could be transplanted to the foot of the exterior slope on the reverse of the tread of the chemin des rondes. The wall should be traced independently of the parapets, so that a proper flanking fire can be brought to bear throughout with no dead angle in the ditch. It should run for about another 120', in continuation of the present right flank, to where the spur meets the valley falling: to the mangrove swamp behind.
78.--On the left flank, the present long musketry parapet should be done away with (see page 9) and the work made defensible by the fire from the chemin des rundes, falling at a uniform gradient from the 64-pounder emplacement to the en- trance at the gorge. This entails the construction of a high escarp wall at the left rear: corner, which is rendered necessary by the formation of the northern limb of the hill. This should be levelled off for some feet to defilade the battery, and present a glacis-like front before the left flank. A portion may remain unexcavated, however, and on it may be constructed a small closed outwork with good command to sweep the steep By the valley separating the hill from the Serapong ridge with musketry firc. arrangements just proposed, the defence of the work will be much more self-contained. than by the existing covered way and shooting parapets.
79.-The new gorge, from the termination of the right flank escarp to the left gorge chemin des rondes, heing unexposed to artillery fire, may be closed by a loopholed wall of suitable trace proceded by a good ditch.
80.-In the right flank parapet extension should be constructed an emplacement for the additional 64-pounder. This gun should be upon "D" racers (as at Mount Palmer, from which it comes). It will co-operate with the present right 64-pounder in sweep- ing the bay to the south-referred to in my Report on this battery-and in supporting battery Blakang Mati South, and it will also bring a fire to bear over the island itself.
81.-The existing gorge parapet need not be disturbed, as it will act as a parados, covering on one side the gun emplacements, and, on the other, a main magazine, labo- ratory and stores, which may be conveniently constructed in the additional space enclosed. Thus-as recommended for Mount Siloso--the present ammunition stores may be strengthened, and converted into excellent expense magazines and bombproofs. A well may be sunk in the terreplein, where also may be constructed the temporary war barracks for the garrison. A peace barrack may be built on the northern glacis clear of the line of fire between the main parapet and the outwork.
82. In time of war, the whole front of this and the other works should be well covered with deep mangrove abatis, cut in the swamps in their neighbourhood.
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346
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