CAB11-57-6 — Page 22

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Wanchai-Aberdeen Road, the paths and slopes from the south and Pokfulum Reservoir can be commanded from many positions on the high ground, thus enabling us to supply the lack of infantry by shell fire.

The position of the two 6-inch howitzers on Mount Kellet is a very commanding one from the southern slope of Mount Davis by Aberdeen Bay, round to the head of Deep Water Bay; but, of course, these guns would be more valuable if they admitted of more depression.

The Wanchai-Aberdeen Road is so defiladed by a bulge in the hill that it can only be commanded from a shoulder of Mount Cameron; of course, in this position, the two 6.6-inch howitzers are only a makeshift.

The Volunteers are assigned to the Peak Section, because they own the guns which are needed there, and because it is easy of access from Victoria, and accessible by cable tram.

In the event of an enemy trying to force the Mount Davis back door, his right flank would be seriously menaced, and Mount Davis commanded from the slopes. below Mountain Lodge.

Communications. The Peak Hotel, Peak Club, and the Mount Gough and Victoria Gap Police Stations are all in telephonic communication with Head-Quarter House, Victoria.

No. IV Section.-Wong-nei-Cheong. Head-quarters, Wong-nei-Cheong Gap. Troops.-G and H Companies British Infantry. G Company encamped at Wong- nei-Cheong Gap with an outpost on the hill above Deep Water Bay. H Company at the Reservoir will have an outpost at Tytam Tuk. This company is to defend the dam, and oppose the advance of an enemy from the landing-places on the south; it has a very strong position, and its retreat can hardly be compromised, as, besides the Wong-nei-Cheong Gap, it can retire on Quarry Bay.

Movable Armament.-Two 8-inch howitzers above Wong-nei-Cheong Gap, two 7-pr. guns near Wong-nei-Cheong Gap, two 7-pr. guns at Reservoir, two Maxims at Wong-nei-Cheong Gap, two 6-6-inch howitzers at Quarry Bay Gap.

Owing to the depth of the ravine which the dam blocks, there is no position from which guns can bear on the approaches to the dam; in fact, the ground is so broken that there is none between the dam and the Reservoir Gap.

The two 6-6-inch howitzers at Quarry Gap bear on the knoll which the company at the Reservoir would naturally occupy, and on the ground between that and the summit to which the road to Wong-nei-Cheong mounts.

Communications.--There is a telephone from the Police Station at Stanley, passing by Tytam Tuk to Sia-ki-Wan, and thence to the Central Police Station in Victoria; also a telephone from Tytam Reservoir to the Central Police Station. A military telephone line has been established, and will be opened in time of mobilization, between Wong-nei-Cheong Gap and Head-quarter offices and house.

Catchment channels to lead the water falling on the hill slopes east and west of the Tytam Reservoir have recently been constructed; they are mentioned under the head of "Communications," and may serve as paths for patrolling; but their sweep is too wide, and their direction does not render them readily available as breastworks for the defence.

No. V Section.-Lyemun. Head-quarters, Lyemun Barracks.

Movable Armament.-Two 8-inch howitzers within the Lyenun defences; three

Gardner's on parapet mountings on Sywan Hill.

Sywan Hill is a very commanding position, and commands the Sia-ki-Wan Gap and the road thereto, and would have to be carried before an attack could be made on the land sides of the battery.

For the greater part of the year the water breaks on the east shore of the island, and it is not likely that an enemy landing in Tytam Bay would take the circuitous route by Tytam Tuk and Sia-ki-Wan.

This Section can be easily reinforced from either Victoria or Kowloon. Communications.-Flag signalling from Sywan Hill to Lyemun; military telephone from Iyemun Barracks to Victoria; telephone from Sia-ki-Wan Police Station to Central Police Station, Victoria, and Head-quarter offices and house.

No. VI Section.--Kowloon Peninsula, including Kowloon land front, West Battery, East Dock, and North Point Batteries, which last is under the Fire Commander at Kowloon East Battery. Head-quarters, Orderly Room, Hong Kong Regiment.

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