CAB7-4 — Page 176

Appendix No. 4.

ADEN.

148

As such a number of regular artillerymen could not, at present, be spared for the defences of Aden, it is for consideration whether, as there is no possibility of raising any force for military service on the spot, two batteries of native artillery should not be raised in India for service at Aden.

The present garrison consists of

2 Batteries Royal Artillery

•

""

1 Battalion British infantry (Seaforth Highlanders)

1 Regiment Native Infantry (22 B.N.I.)..

1 Troop Native Indian Cavalry..

Total

··

40

All Ranks,

204

656

792

96

1,832

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Barracks.

To defend Aden according to the full scheme put forward in this Report there will be required at least 2,000 men.

Barrack accommodation is at present provided for the following (see Appendix C):-

Steamer Point

Isthmus

Crater

Khormaksar

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Total

::::

::::

::::

1

Aden Troop.

Royal Artillery.

Native Sappers.

British Infantry.

Native Infantry.

1

150

73

174

324

J

115

128

326

672

131

..

131

131

265

128

573

1,127

2,224

Although this would provide for the whole of the garrison as recommended, still, for the reasons before stated, it would be desirable to construct a new barrack at Steamer Point for the head-quarters of a European regiment, say 350, which would cost about 25,0007.

On tracing A is shown in blue the area of water in the inner harbour, which it is proposed to deepen. For this purpose a small dredging machine has been supplied. It is worthy of consideration, however, whether, if Aden is to be strongly fortified as a naval station, the depth should not be increased to 5 fathoms, connecting the inner with the outer anchorage.

The ground, so far as I understand, is very favourable for dredging operations.

I have, &c.

(Signed) W. CROSSMAN, Colonel, R.E.

The following Appendices are attached to this Report:-

Appendix (A). Table showing armaments proposed for the defence of Aden by the Indian Defence Committee, Sir W. Jervois, in War Office Memorandum of the 28th December, 1880, and by Colonel Crossman, C.M.G., R.E.

Appendix (B). Table showing armament, garrison, and cost of works proposed by

Colonel Crossman, R.E.

Appendix (C). Return showing barrack accommodation at Aden.

Appendix (D). Present strength of Aden garrison.

The following plans accompanied this Report:-

A. Tracing of chart of Aden harbour.

B. Plan of Aden.

C. General plan of Aden, showing present armament and barrack accommodation.

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