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5.

It is emphasised that the scales of A.A. weapons suggested in Annex II do not provide for the defence of aerodromes. They do, however, cover the main and advanced flying boat bases.

6.

There

The

Advanced air bases present a small target vulnerable only to very low flying air attack. is, in addition, the threat of raiding parties. defences of these ports should, therefore, normally include light A.A. defence and protection against raiding parties.

A likely preliminary to enemy attack on any port is an attempt to neutralise the coast artillery batteries by dive bombing. If the Chiefs of Staff approve the formation of the Ad Hoc Committee (paragraph 4 above), it is considered that defence against dive bombing should be provided in terms of one or two light A.A. weapons to each coast battery.

7.

The Port Defence Committee make no proposals for meeting the extra commitments, in A.A. equipments as the Chiefs of Staff have invited the War Office to consider what can be done.

General.

+

8.

In the attached Annexes the Port Defence Committee show the approved scales, the recommended scales for coast defence and estimated scales for anti-aircraft defence. They point out that all the new scales are subject to modification, depending on the results of reconnaissance and more detailed information.

9.

The Port Defence Committee request that the Chiefs of Staff will:-

(a) Approve the recommended scales for coast

(b)

artillery defences and the measures which have been initiated to improve the existing position.

Take note of the estimate of A.A." defences with a view to their further examination in detail.

(Signed) W.G. STIRLING.

Secretary,

Port Defence Committee.

+ C.O.S.(41)432nd Meeting, Minute 2.

Groat George Street, S.W.1.

24TH DECEMBER, 1941.

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