DEFENDING THE THAMES

Grey River Argus, 22 November 1912, Page 8

DEFENDING THE THAMES

A few days before the outbreak of war in the Balkans, the Admiralty conducted some experiments in connection, with ' the defences of the Thames, which would become of vital importance in the event of a great European waar. The troops at the various forts and barracks were called ' to their stations by the firing of three heavy guns in one of . the Sheerness batteries, and at the same time some destroyers put to sea, presuma.biy for scouting- purposes. Later in the day.- the torpedo craft -.'-of- the Nbre flotilla steamed away for the purpose of- arranging, a night attack .on tKe Thames. 'The attack was delivered, but was repulsed easily, .the :: searchlights of the forts revealing the vessels m positions which were thoroughly ■ covered by the batteries^ 'A -certain amount of secrecy, is preserved in connection with the "Thames - defences

but it is known that the arrangements made by the Admiralty and the War Office aire thorough. British warships would be able to enter and leave the ' Thames in time of war in safety during the day or night, and a secure channel iwould be kept open for the merchant jvessels which would continue to arjrive from other porti pf the Empire arid from neutral countries. Probably 1 1 the lighting- arrangements would be 1 changed completely at the outbreak 1 of hostilities, so that all existing charts " of the Thames would become useless. ' This would be necessary in order to " prevent the enemy from delivering J successful" night attacks with torpedo 1 craft and submarines, or even with " merchant craft loaded with explosives. - Every ship arriving oft the Thames » would be required to wait for examina- -• tion by the naval authorities, and then 1 take on board a special pilot acquaint- -; ed with the intricacies of the mine 2. fields, which might be irearranged" >.' frequently. By these means it should i be possible to. keep the Thames open, and so guard a vital interest of the 3i British Isles. ' -