GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1897 . 327 
received due acknowledgment) so that further abbreviation appeared 
inadvisable. 
The table on the next page, which embodies in a short form the views 
and facts already put forward, will probably help to make clearer the 
general conclusions arrived at. 
These conclusions are as follows :— 
(1.) One form of attack—raid—stands out prominently from the 
rest as being under all circumstances most probable—even most certain. 
The best means of meeting it, viz., with the lighter quick-firing guns 
assisted by obstructions, and at night electric light, is equally clear. 
It is therefore obvious that before and above all the most pressing 
demand made by the requirements of war on the conduct of Coast 
Artillery practice is for the provision of adequate opportunities of 
practically training all ranks in the use of these weapons. 
(2.) With regard to the other possible forms of attack we find on 
examination that each is subject to qualifying conditions, relating to 
maritime power, expediency, or opportunity, which renders its employ¬ 
ment by our opponents improbable. The means of defence corres¬ 
ponding to such attacks become therefore of relatively minor 
importance. But it does not follow that the necessity for them 
disappears; the following extracts clearly indicate their scope and 
uses:— 
“ Between permanent loss of the command of the sea, and the 
possibility of a temporary reverse which might expose some portion 
of our coasts to the risk of invasion, there is a very wide difference. 
As far as I know no government has ever contemplated—certainly this 
government has not—the neglect of any precaution which might tend 
to the diminution of such risks.” * 
“ Our coaling stations should be able to stand alone against any 
attack which is likely to be directed against them during the temporary 
absence of the fleet.” t 
“ Coast Defence in the narrow sense demands merely that purely 
naval attack shall be rendered hazardous. If this condition . . . 
is not fulfilled, results important, though restricted, can be attained 
by purely naval action.” J 
III. METHODS OF PRACTICE ADVOCATED. 
QUICK-FIRING GUNS. 
12 pr., 6 pr. and 3 pr. Q.F.—To obtain service conditions the most 
important requirements of practice from the lighter quick-firing guns 
are that :■— 
1. It should take place from a group or groups, each consisting of 
not less than two guns. 
2. It should be carried out principally by night. 
3. It should be possible to run two or more targets at the same time. 
4. The targets should be capable of a speed of not less than 20 knots. 
* Speech of the Duke of Devonshire in the House of Lords, 11th February, 1897. 
f Speech of the Marquis of Lansdowne in the House of Lords, 4th February, 1897. 
t “ Coast defence in relation to War.” 
