CAB9-1_PT2 — Page 185

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Report on Electric Lights and Quick-firing Guns, by Major H. H. Muirhead, R.E., and Lieutenant W. O. Boothby, R.N., Torpedo Lieutenant, Her Majesty's Ship "Royal Arthur."

THE Undersigned, having inspected the sites proposed for the electric light installations and quick-firing guns in connection with the submarine mining defences of Esquimalt Harbour, report as follows:--

For the defence of the minefield two electric lights and two 6-pr. quick- firing guns have been allotted.

Electric Lights.

Of the two electric lights, one should show a fixed beam, and the other a movable beam.

Fixed Beam.

For the fixed beam (which is supposed to have a latteral range of 40°), the best site appears to us to be on the promontory at the southern end of the naval yard, marked (B) on plan No. 1.

This beam would be directed right across the entrance to the harbour, so as to cover the water immediately in front of the minefield.

By throwing the light in this direction, there will be an illuminated area as far to the front of the minefield as possible which vessels would have to cross when approaching the minefield, and while crossing it they would be under the fire of the quick-firing guns at Duntze Head. Also, when they have passed through it, it would form a background against which they would still be visible.

The actual point (B) has been selected in preference to a site on the adjacent projecting spits, owing to the latter being liable to be swept by spray during stormy weather.

A suitable site for the engine and boiler-house in connection with the fixed electric light is marked (C) on plan No. 1.

Movable Search Light.

The best position for the movable search light appears to us to be on the Western side of Esquimalt Harbour, on the site marked (H) on plan No. 2.

From this point the light could search all the water outside the harbour, and, if necessary, follow vessels into Constance Cove.

The only drawback to this position lies in the fact that the Fisgard Rocks intercept the light over a portion of the minefield on the western side of the channel.

A suitable site for the engine and boiler-house in connection with the movable electric light is marked (I) on plan No. 2.

Observing Station.

The most suitable site for the observing station is the high land marked (A) on plan No. 1, at a height of 95 feet above the sea.

A commanding view of the minefield and approaches to it is obtained from this point.

Test Room.

In our opinion, the test room might with advantage be attached to the observing station at the point (A) on plan No. 1.

This position, although at a great elevation, is exposed to fire from the sea, but the test room could easily be rendered bombproof by being sunk in the rock.

It would, moreover, have the advantage of keeping the observing and firing stations under the same roof, and thus rendering the operations of firing the mines less complicated.

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