Page 277
Page 277
18
The Imhoff Battery and Craig's Tower as at present armed could effectually assist in preventing a landing between the docks and Salt River should such be attempted, provided the necessary number of gunners would be forthcoming.
According to Colonel Hassard's calculation, viz., 20 men per gun as a minimum, 200 gunners would be required for the batteries of "Kyk in de Pot" and Fort Amsterdam.
Cape Town, July 7, 1878.
I agree with Commodore Sullivan and Colonel Hassard, R.E., that torpedoes could not be used with any certainty of effect in the defence of Table Bay. A torpedo-boat, how- ever, would be a very valuable adjunct; it might be kept in the docks housed ready for immediate use.
Defence of Simon's Bay from the Sea Side.
The north battery, now nearly completed for three guns, will, when armed, be able to prevent an enemy's cruizer from taking up a position on the north-east side of the bay sufficiently near to shell the dockyard with good effect.
The south-east side is, however, at present but very inadequately protected by the tmporary battery which has been erected in front of the cemetery.
It appears to me most essential that the south battery, which is immediately in front of the last named battery, should be at once prepared for the eventual reception of two 38-ton guns.
I would advise this work being commenced in preference to the completion of the north battery for four guns.
Three guns in the north battery, with two in the south battery, would at once provide a very effective cross-fire; and although these batteries will be only armed at first. with the 6-ton guns which are now ready in the dockyard, they should be able to keep at a distance the description of cruizer which it is expected may possibly pay either Simon's Bay or Table Bay a visit.
An advanced battery, however, of at least two guns will be required on the road towards Miller's Point, to prevent an enemy's ship from taking up a position to shell Simon's Town, where she could not be touched by the south battery. This battery should also be able to command the land approach from Miller's Point.
As, however, these guns will only pierce about 4 inches of iron at about 2,000 yards, it would seem highly desirable that these batteries should be provided, as soon as possible, with a heavier armament.
Until these two batteries are completed and armed, I do not consider it would be advisable to commence any of the other batteries which it is proposed to erect. Nor would I advocate their being built at all until it is absolutely certain that the heavier guns will be furnished for them, as well as for the north and south batteries.
The two last-named batteries having five (and eventually six) 6-ton guns, ought to be sufficient to protect the dockyard from any unarmoured cruizer; but no multiplication of batteries so armed would protect it from attack by ships carrying but 4 inches of armour plating, as they would be able to lie off at a distance beyond the penetrating power of the gun, and shell the buildings with comparative impunity.
The temporary battery erected in front of the cemetery should be armed with 64-ton guns, in place of the 64-pounders now mounted. This battery should be retained until
guns in it are required for batteries better situated.
the
Torpedoes would not be of much use in defending Simon's Town; but a torpedo-boat should be at once provided.
The immediate number of gunners required will be about 100, or twenty for each of the five guns.
The Land Defence of Simon's Town and Cape Town.
The safety of the two towns from an attack on the land side by an invading force. depends so much upon mutual assistance being afforded by one to the other that I consider it would not be possible to propose any separate scheme of defence for the two.
It may possibly seem as if the assistance which Simon's Town could give to Cape Town is in no way commensurate with that which would be afforded were the problem
Page 277
Page 277
Page 277
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.