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It is practically out of the question to think of using airships operating from a base in England for this purpose. The only effective way of doing it is to provide a suitable ship from which aeroplanes can be worked.
One of the "Dido" class could be easily spared for this purpose, and would probably be found suitable.
If the main mast was removed and a light hurricane deck built above all other obstructions from a few feet beyond the stern to the after funnel it would probably give sufficient length for the aeroplanes to land on, if carefully designed buffers were arranged to bring them to rest with the least possible shock before they would strike the funnel.
If the length is found not to be sufficient for safety, the after funnel could be hinged and made to lower down below the hurricane deck.
The best kind of material to cover the deck with for the aeroplanes to land on and the best kind of buffers to bring them to rest are matters for careful study and experiment. Derricks should be provided for transferring the aeroplanes to the forecastle for starting and the necessary workshops, &c., provided. The armament is not required and should be surrendered. The torpedoes might be retained as they are not in the way.
When the ship has been fitted a large portion of the exercises of the Naval Wing should be carried out from her.
One great advantage of this method of using aeroplanes is that it cannot be used to any extent except by the power that commands the sea.
January, 1913.
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