410 
COMMENDED ESSAY, 1893 . 
to work from, from which it must draw the materials for attack, main¬ 
tenance, &c., instead of (except in special cases) obtaining direct 
assistance. The essentials for this are :— 
(1.) Free communication with depots at home. 
(2.) „ „ „ the shore. 
(3.) Sheltered anchorage. 
(5.) Assisting the army with its fire where possible. —When the landing 
takes place some way from the fortress the ships can generally assist 
with their fire during the advance, guarding the sea flank if the advanco 
is along the shore, and searching any cover near which the troops may 
have to go. 
Some geographical features may exist which will enable the ships to 
assist the siege batteries by enfilading land faces. 
Sudden bombardment by the ships may be of much use in diverting 
the attention of the garrison from an assault on the land side if this 
can be managed without risk to friend as well as foe. 
(6.) Blockading the fortress on the sea side. —This is a very important 
duty, as, if it be efficiently carried out by land and sea, a fortress, 
however strong, must ultimately fall, owing to lack of supplies and 
reinforcements. If not carried out properly the result will be a pro¬ 
tracted siege, probably lasting many weeks, and possibly resulting in 
failure. 
(7.) Carrying out a regular siege on the land side. —Want of space 
prevents us from discussing this very important duty, about which 
many pages might be written. The operation would be identical with 
that of besieging any corresponding inland fortress and carried out in 
the regular manner by means of parallels, earthworks, &c. 
The number of men required would depend on— 
(1.) The strength of the garrison and extent of the fortress. 
(2.) The strength of the enemy's land forces which are likely to 
be encountered. 
Conclusion. 
In conclusion we would point out that the limited space at our com¬ 
mand has prevented us from dealing with the subject in any but a very 
general manner; in fact, we fear that we have already exceeded the 
allotted number of pages. 
Note. —Amongst' others, the following works have been studied by the writer 
of this Essay, who is under an obligation to the various authors :•— 
“ Naval Warfare,” ... ... By Admiral P. H. Colomb. 
“ Development of Navies,” ... ,, Capt. Eardley-Wilmot, R.N. 
“Fortification,” ... ... „ Major Gr. S. Clarke, C.M.G., R.E. 
“Fortification,” ... ... ,, Major Lewis, R.E.” 
Also, papers and lectures from the “Journal of the R.U.S. Institution;” K.E. 
“ Professional Papers ;” “ Proceedings,” R.A. Institution; “Aldershot Military 
Society,” &c.; by Admiral Colomb; Colonel Waif or d, R.A.; Captain May, R.N.; 
Captain Jackson, R.N.; Lieut. Sturdee, R.N., and others. 
