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GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1897 . 
many phases, and probably include some of the measures of offence 
referred to under the remaining headings. If mines existed they 
would have to be cleared away by countermining, the conditions ot 
which are almost identical with Kaid. 
(b) Bombardment may be either Persistent or Desultory. Persistent 
Bombardment could occur only under such conditions of sea power as 
admit of and with such objects as call for Deliberate Attack, of which 
it would probably form a part. It need not therefore be considered 
separately. 
Desultory Bombardment of the port or shipping guarded by the 
defences, for the sake of destruction or moral effect, is perhaps barely 
possible at any time from the commencement to the close of hostilities, 
and in any state of sea power ; but the advantages to be gained, where 
defences are moderately well equipped, appear so very doubtful that 
its use is highly improbable. In order to produce appreciable effect 
the ships must anchor. Guns of large calibre, admitting of long 
ranges and heavy bursting charges, would be required, and an immense 
expenditure of ammunition would be necessary. Ships carry com¬ 
paratively few rounds for their heavy guns, and will not risk engage¬ 
ment with hostile vessels when short of ammunition. Neither are they 
normally provided with the means of employing high-angle fire, by the 
use of which alone full effect can be given to bombardment. 
* “ It may be safely asserted that no serious bombardment of 
properly grouped, gunned and garrisoned forts is possible without 
especially constructed vessels and much preparation. . . . Such a 
preparation involves complete command at sea. Without this condition 
the attack is limited in its nature by (1) time; (2) coal; (3) ammunition; 
and is only likely to be undertaken by a small squadron.” 
(c) Forcing a Passage—that is with a view to operations in interior 
waters not commanded by coast defences. This is possible in any 
state of sea power except where the defenders hold complete command. 
Where open waters do not exist inside the defences such an operation 
could only be attempted under the same conditions as are required for 
Deliberate Attack. 
The American Civil War afforded many examples of forcing a passage, 
but their lessons are of little value to us in this connection from the 
fact that interior waters of any extent are of very infrequent occurrence 
in the British Empire. Port Phillip alone appears to offer any 
inducement for such tactics. 
Where the attempt is made—if vessels of any size are to pass—it 
will be by day, possibly immediately after a night reconnoissance by 
small craft which, if the passage is mined or obstructed, may be sent 
in to clear it. The ships will steam past at their highest speed and 
endeavour to avoid all conflict with the forts, probably only using their 
lighter guns, quick-firing and machine, to pour in as rapid a fire as 
possible, with a view to causing losses to personnel which may impede 
* Silver Medal Essay, 1893, Major R. F. Johnson, R.A., who quotes in this connection 
Naval Prize Essay, 1892, Journal of R.U.S. Institution, Vol. xxxvi. ; and “ Attack on 
Lissa,” Lewis. R.E. Occasional Papers, Yol. ix. 
