CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 52

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. August 21, 1888.

CONFIDENTIAL.

Report of Local Committee.

BERMUDA.

23

Page 52

Preliminary Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee have carefully considered the scheme of defence drawn up for Bermuda, together with the recommendations of the local Committee in relation to the defence of these islands, which have been referred to them by the Secretary of State for War. Before entering upon a general consideration of a subject so important, it appears essential to lay down some definite standard based upon the probabilities of attack which this isolated station affords. Failing such a standard, exaggerated and unnecessary expenditure is sure to be entailed, and a just estimate of the real requirements cannot be formed. The Committee consider that it is primarily necessary, in dealing with such a case, to formulate the probable conditions of attack, and that no measures of defence not preceded by such considerations can be regarded as satisfactory. In the case of Bermuda, naval attack is the only contingency to be met, and the possibilities of such an attack can only be adequately realized by naval authorities. They have therefore requested Captain Hall, R.N., to present the naval aspects of the question in the form of a Memorandum.

Memorandum by Captain W. H. Hall, R.N.

The local Defence Committee classify as follows the various forms of attack to which they consider Bermuda is liable, the objective being in each case the capture or destruction of the Government Dockyard and its magazines and stores :-

1. An attempt to force the "Narrows" by a heavily armed and armour- clad force, and having done so, to take up such a position as would enable the force to accomplish the above object.

2. An attempt by a flotilla of heavily armed light-draught vessels to enter within the Barrier Reefs, and having gained the clearer water within, proceed to attack the Dockyard.

3. An attempt to land a hostile force, and either carry the defences of the Dockyard "by siege or assault," or to take up such a position as would permit the bombardment thereof.

The Committee consider that (1) is least likely to be seriously attempted; that a combination of (3) with (1) or (2) may be attempted; and that (2) is grave danger," and the one which offers the greatest probability of

a

success.

4. The Committee also speak of the occupation of Castle Harbour “ by a fleet of light-draught heavily armoured vessels," from which a force might be landed to seize the Prospect position.

To meet (1), the Committee propose an additional battery near St. David's Had.

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