CAB9-1_PT2 — Page 188

Page 188

Page 188

5

Alternative Site for Test Room.

An alternative site for the test room is marked (D) on plan No. 1, which has the advantage of being near the small bay between Grant Knoll and Duntze Head, in which it is proposed the shore end of the cables should be landed.

This site is well protected by the nature of the rocks in the vicinity.

Two 6-pr. Quick-firing Guns.

The most suitable site for the emplacements for the two 6-pr. firing guns for the defence of the minefield are those marked (E) and (F) on plan No. 1.

The fire from the guns in this position could be directed on the whole of the entrance of the harbour, and the water in front of it, which is illuminated · by the electric light.

The position of the guns has been selected so as to interfere as little as possible with each other's fire.

A suitable site for the magazine for quick-firing guns is marked (G) on plan No. 1.

It is in convenient proximity to the emplacements, and is sufficiently protected from fire from vessels approaching the harbour.

Additional Armament, Sc., suggested.

In our opinion, the number of quick-firing guns for the defence of the minefield is inadequate, and it would be most advantageous to have two additional 6-pr. quick-firing guns.

Excellent sites for these could be found on the high land above the fixed beam marked (J) (K) in yellow on plan No. 1.

Guns in this position would serve not only to protect the minefield, but also the coast between the Naval Yard and Macaulay Point, from any force attempting to land on it in order to attack the mine defence from the land side.

Additional Search Light.

We also consider that the defence of the southern coast would be rendered more efficient by locating an additional search light at Cape Saxe, marked (L) in yellow on marginal plan of plan No. 2.

This coast at present is insufficiently lighted by the search light at Rodd Hill, on account of its distance, the irregularities of the coast-line, and the /obstruction to the beam offered by Brother's Islands.

This portion of the coast affords opportunities for the enemy to land forces in boats, in order to attack the Naval Yard or mine defences.

A light in the position selected would also light up the offing between Macaulay Point and the Royal Roads.

The disadvantage of the site is its isolated position.

A position on Macaulay Point would be equally suitable as regards lighting the coast, and would not have the disadvantage of being isolated, but would have the drawback of attracting the enemy's fire at night on the battery itself.

Dated at Victoria, B.C., this 30th day of March, 1896.

1.

(Signed)

H. II. MUIRHEAD, Major, R. E. WILLIAM O. BOOTHBY, Lieutenant, R.N.

PRINTED BY T. HARRISON AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE. 11/8/96.

Page 188

{

Page 189 his Document is the Property of Her Britannic Majesty's Goverment pf 290

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. March 23, 1898.

SECRET.

No. 184 R.

BRITISH GUIANA.

0.0.

No. 845. Secret.

GEORGETOWN, BRITISH GUIANA.

Defence Scheme, November 1897.

¿

Remarks by the Colonial Defence Committee.

IN considering this Scheme, the Colonial Defence Committee had the advantage of the personal impressions of one of their members, Sir John Ardagh, who was at Georgetown at the commencement of February of this year, visited the two 7-in. Q.-F. gun battery at Fort William Frederick, and was present at an inspection of the recently restored Militia and the Police. They learn with satisfaction that the fort and its guns are in excellent order, that the Police are thoroughly smart and soldierly, and that the Militia turned out in good strength at short notice, and considering the short period that has elapsed since they were re-established, marched and manoeuvred very creditably.

2. The Committee also desire to express satisfaction at receiving a British Guiana Defence Scheine, the preparation of which they have long urged. It has been drawn / up generally on suitable lines, and, subject to the following Remarks, the organization proposed appears to meet the requirements of the defence of Georgetown :-

CHAPTER I.

3. Page 5. The strategic situation of Georgetown might be referred to at the com- mencement of this Chapter in terms somewhat as follows:-

So far as South America is concerned, there does not seem any probability of Georgetown having to fear attack from her immediate neighbours. Neither Brazil or Venezuela is in a position to prepare any expeditionary force of disciplined troops. In French Guiana a garrison of about 450 men is maintained, but this garrison is kept up as a protection against filibustering incursions from Brazil, and will probably be reduced as soon as the frontier dispute between France and Brazil is settled, and the Government of the latter becomes strong enough to put down filibustering.

As regards an attack in force by sea, Her Majesty's Navy are prepared to intercept a hostile expe- dition organized on a large scale for the attack of any portion of Her Majesty's possessions; but the responsibilities thus accepted by the Navy do not allow of the permanent detachment of isolated ships for the protection of individual ports from attack by a cruiser which might elude the British fleet and descend on uudefended or insufficiently defended places for the purpose of levying money, coals, or supplies.

Georgetown is, however, protected by the hydrographical conditions off the coast of British Guiana from the direct attack of any large cruiser. In front of the mouth of the Demerara River is a har or mud-flat, with not more than 10 feet of water over its highest part at low tide. Springs rise 9 feet, and neaps 6 feet, so that though vessels drawing as much as 19 feet can enter the river at high tide and run little risk in so doing from the soft and liquid mud at the top of the bank, such vessels at other times, and bigger ships always, have to anchor outside the bar, i.c., 10 miles away and hull down

[335]

R