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Methods of countering enemy attack.
At first sight it might appear that the form of attack described in para 4(a) would provide a good opportunity for attack by torpedo planes on the enemy carrier or carriers. But on investigation and assuming that the carriers are intelligently handled, it is found that the torpedo_planes stand small chance of success. The enemy carrier will be very hard to locate, and may be well beyond the range of torpedo planes (endurance 230 to 300 miles). The enemy aircraft may have been instructed to land on another carrier waiting for them in a different direction.
The torpedo planes would have little chance of success if not escorted by fighters, and the distance of the latter would probably be too great (endurance 125 to 200 miles).
If the carrier comes within 50 miles or so of the Colony during daylight, then ofcourse an attack by torpedo planes guided by a reconn- aissance machine and escorted by fighters, would stand an excellenct chance of success, with far reaching results. Apart from the possibility, which is not to be anticipated, the only means of dealing with the enemy aircraft bombing Hongkong is by fighter aireraft- aeroplanes, which for maximum efficiency should be land machines.
In the case of 4(b), the enemy will want to keep aircraft continuously in the air, for reconnaissance, photography, support of troops and observation of artillery fire; it will be difficult for the carriers to maintain
these services unless close to the scene of action.
They should then be open to attack by torpedo planes or reconnaissance bombers; the former are more likely to be successful and either would require support by fighters.
Failing successful attack on the enemy carriers then we must rely on our fighters to destroy the enemy aircraft when in the air.
Having obtained local command of the air or having achieved air superiority, we require reconnaisance machines for artillery observation and reconnaissance generally, fighters for the machine gun attack on enemy troops and close support for our own troops, and torpedo planes for attack on enemy warships and transports.
Reconnaissance machines are required also for daylight reconnaissance to give warning of the approach of the expedition) and for bombing in connection with landing operations. Types of aircraft required.
We require, then, in the following order of priority- Fighters
For engaging the enemy aircraft (land Machines) and gaining command of the ar:
for support of other aircraft and for machine gun support of troops.
Reconnaissance
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