Page 44
53
Two 7-pr. guns in position at Mountain Lodge.
Two Maxims at Mount Austin Barracks, and the remaining 7-prs. and Maxims parked at Plunkett's Gap, ready to accompany the troops.
This Section is large in extent for the number of troops, but if attacked in force can, even without the aid of the Tram, he reinforced at Victoria, Magazine, or Wanchai Gaps, in much less time than a landing-party could force its way up from the water.
The position of the defenders is clearly indicated by the character of the ground, e.g., if the attack is up the Pokfulum Valley the best position for the Volunteers and their Maxims is on the terrace in front of the Peak Hotel, where, on going into a state of preparation, a sand-bag epaulment would be erected.
The company from Plunkett's Gap supports the guns on Mount Kellett, and is held ready to command any of the subsidiary valleys in case the enemy leaves the main Pokfulum Valley.
If the attack is up Mount Kellett-Aberdeen Road, two guns from Plunkett's Gap are posted at the Hacienda behind an earthen epaulment previously constructed.
A company in shelter trenches slightly behind the crest enfilades the road and valley, and the company from the Sanitarium takes up a position on Mount Gough Police Station.
If the attack is up the Wanchai-Aberdeen Road, two 7-pr. guns take up their usual position near the gap, where an earthen epaulment will have been thrown up.
The two 2.5 guns enfilade the road and valley from Mount Cameron. Half a company is on the apex below these guns, with an observation party on their left in flag or megaphone communication with the patrol from No. IV Section.
The remaining half company as posted at first at the Sanitarium. In both these cases the supporting company from the Mount Austin Barracks, or from the Reserve at Victoria, occupy the main ridge and move forward to the support of the companies in action as required.
In the attack on the Wanchai, as on the Wong-nei-Cheong Gap, the Commanders must be prepared to give mutual support to each other in case the inner flank of either is threatened by Middle Gap.
It would be unwise to indicate more minutely the defence of this area, as the disposition of the defence clearly depends on the possible deviations of the line of attack; but with the companies held in hand, the ground command is in possession of the defence.
No. IV SECTION.'
Attack on Wong-nei-Cheong Section.
The attack on the Gap must either proceed from Repulse or Deep Water Bay; the attack on the Reservoir from Tytam Bay; if the landing be at Stanley, it must fall into one or other of these directions.
1. The disposition of the defence to meet an attack on the Gap is shown on the accompanying sketch, and the Commander must be prepared to meet by the Wanchai link road any attempt on Middle Gap. At night Deep Water Bay will be patrolled, whence by telephone it can communicate with the Gap.
2. The suggested position for the defence of the Reservoir is shown on the accom- panying sketch. A patrol with Chinese scouts will, before nightfall, watch the landing from Tytam Tuk and the road from Stanley, and a section will occupy the blockhouse guarding the approach to the Dam. The Commander will, by the contours dammed, endeavour to open communication with the outpost thrown forward on the Pottinger Road from No. V Section.
28
Page 44
Page 44
Page 44
Page 44
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.