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CHAPTER II (D).

(3.) From a landing in Tolo Harbour in the direction of Tai-po-hu, and an advance by the Lead Mine Pass against the left flank of the position.

(4.) From a landing in either Tsun Wan or Gin Drinkers' Bay, under cover of Lantau and Chung Hue, and a turning movement round the left flank of the position.

25. The disposition of the troops to meet an attack from the mainland are laid down in Table B (ii).

The line of the Kowloon Hills forms an admirable natural line of defence. The hills slope very sheer to the north.

Tate's Cairn is a tactical position of great importance, as it dominates most of the country to the north.

The advance of an enemy from any one of the landing places mentioned above would he an operation of great difficulty.

With the exception of the Frontier Road, there are no roads worthy of name outside the arc of the Kowloon Hills, such paths as exist are merely tracks where troops could move only in single file.

The movement of guns other than mountain guns carried by mules or by hand is out of the question.

26. The system on which the defence of the mainland section is based is to hold the line running from Lyemun Point through Chin-lan-Chu, Tates Cairn, Beacon Hill, Eagle's Nest, to the shore at Wong Uk.

The hills in this are completely dominate the Kowloon Peninsula, and form a very This line of strong position facing from north-east through north to north-west. defence has been strengthened by blockhouses.

The object of these blockhouses is as follows :-

(a.) To form protected areas within which the guns of the movable armament can operate in safety.

(b.) To make certain of a footing always being maintained on the hill tops, even in the event of an attack by very superior forces.

(c.) To deny certain passes to an enemy.

(d.) To safeguard certain places of importance, e.g., the Kowloon water supply and the tunnel at Beacon Hill.

(e.) To economise the infantry available for the defence of a very extended line.

27. The end of the Lyemun Peninsula as far north as the Lau Tong Valley (exclusive) is held by a company of British infantry, which, in addition to covering the fixed armament on the mainland at the eastern entrance, perform other duties which are specified in Chapter V (11), paragraph 42.

28. With the above exception, the defence of the mainland front is entrusted to one battalion of Indian infantry together with certain guns of the movable armament.

29. Troops of the General Reserve, under direct orders of the General Officer Commanding, are stationed as follows

'

Two companies British infantry at Whitfield Barracks. Two sections of Mountain Artillery at Gun Club Hill.

30. The headquarters of the Officer Commanding, Mainland Section, are at Sacred Hill.

31. By night and in fog the artillery detachments are responsible for their own safety.

32. By night and in fog it is necessary that the blockhouse garrisons, in addition to keeping in touch with each other, should push patrols forward down the approaches to the position from the north.

33. With regard to an attack by Chinese, whether regular troops, or by regulars and irregulars combined, there can be no doubt that a vigorous offensive action would be the most effective course to adopt.

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