408 
COMMENDED ESSAY, 1893. 
Long ranges will probably be adopted, as it will not be worth the 
ships* while to risk being crippled* for which reason they may also keep 
under weigh, so as to be able to retire at once if harassed by the 
fortress guns. 
Combined Attack. 
This is undoubtedly the only way to attack a strong coast fortress with 
a view to conquest and occupation, i.e. by a siege army on the land side, 
to which the ships act as a base, assisting by their fire where possible. 
The question of command is the first which suggests itself. The 
divided command is unquestionably the best, the General over the land, 
the Admiral over the sea forces. 
The duty of the Navy consists in :—- 
(1.) Transporting the army across the sea. 
(2.) Landing the army. 
(3.) Keeping the line of communications open. 
(4.) Acting as the base of the army. 
(5.) Assisting the army with its fire where possible. 
(6.) Blockading the fortress on the sea side. 
The duty of the Army consists in :— 
(1.) Carrying out a regular siege of the fortress on the land side. 
(2.) Blockading the fortress on the land side. 
If these eight operations are successfully carried out, a fortress, how¬ 
ever strong, must ultimately fall. We will examine them in order :— 
(1.) Transporting the army across the sea .—The transport fleet must 
rendezvous at some home or friendly port under charge of a naval 
squadron sufficient for its protection, and by which it must be escorted 
to its destination. The fleet should sail under orders known only to 
the General and Admiral. If the fortress to be attacked is a long way 
off, the force should rendezvous, if possible, at some place within three 
days* sail. 
(2.) Landing the army .—The time and place for landing must be 
settled by the General and Admiral. The navy must not compromise 
itself, nor go beyond certain limits, however much the army may wish 
it. Surf is the greatest impediment to a successful landing, and if the 
success of an attack depends on landing on an open beach, plenty of 
time must be allowed, as an impassable surf (which may possibly last a 
week) may be met with. Landing on an open beach is a very hazard¬ 
ous operation, as the weather may change in the middle. Cases will 
occur where it may be possible to land infantry, but not guns or stores. 
If sufficient ships are present, and they can use their fire without 
danger to the landing troops, it may prove very useful. Should the 
landing have to be made under fire, the ships must take the batteries 
in hand, and keep them in hand even at some loss. Field-works they 
should deal with before the landing, and all cover should be so well 
searched as to make it impossible for the enemy to maintain himself 
