AUTO-SIGHTING. 
131 
The weapons which coast artillery can now call to its aid are the 
6-pr., 12-pr., 4*7-in. and 6-in. Q.F. and the 9‘2-in. and 10-in. B.L. 
I believe that the 9*2-in. B.L. of latest type with a muzzle velocity of 
2,700 f.s. represents the maximum power necessary for the defence of 
our ports, and that a sacrifice of the immense advantage of speed of 
fire receives no adequate compensation in the employment of a heavier 
projectile. At the same time, I consider that the weapon par excellence 
of coast artillery is the 6-in. Q.F. gun with a muzzle velocity not 
less than 2,800 f.s., supplemented by the 12-pr. Q.F.* The slightest 
study of the recent bombardments of San Juan and Santiago, con¬ 
firming all previous experience, serves to show how moderate are the 
requirements of coast defence. Quality of ordnance and training of 
men are the matters of real importance. Half a dozen 6-in. Q.F. 
guns capably handled would have more than sufficed for every require¬ 
ment of Santiago attacked by a fleet containing five modern battle¬ 
ships. Whatever view may be adopted in regard to this larger 
question, it will, I think, be generally admitted that in discussing the 
advantages of auto-sighting, we must take into consideration modern 
ordnance rather than converted 64-prs. on blocked up platforms, or 
9- in. R.M.L. on switch-back racers. How, therefore, do we stand as 
regards the mountings of what are entitled to rank as modern guns ? 
Existing H.P. mountings may be put aside as, except in cases of 
temporary aberration, their sites are too low for effective auto-sighting. 
For them the best method of laying at present available is evidently 
the straight edge foresight and V back sight employed with elevation 
indicator and D.R.F. or P. F. . sed as range-finder. Their present 
need is a non-recoiling carriage sight. All Q.F. guns, 3-pr. to 6-in., 
are free from the incubus of the “ platform,” to which Colonel Watkin 
refers, and all can be levelled without difficulty. The 6-in. B L., 
Mark I. and Yavasseur C.P. stand upon cast steel roller paths which 
admit of correction. The Mark I. and II. 9‘2-in. and Mark III. 
10- in. are not hopeful subjects for adjustment if their racer paths are 
out of level. I have described my recent designs,f and it will be 
noticed that in every case I have provided a solid cast iron pedestal 
with the special object of securing rigidity. These mountings can 
always be adjusted for level if settlement occurs after the pedestals 
have been fixed. In addition, it is possible to provide a simple 
mechanical arrangement, which corrects throughout 360° of training, 
for any ascertained deviation from the vertical. Summing up, there¬ 
fore, Colonel Watkin-’s objection does not apply to any 3-pr., 6-pr., 
12-pr., 4*7-in. and 6-in. Q.F. guns, or to any 6-in. B.L. and 9'2-in. 
B.L. or mountings of recent design. If, as I contend, it is the future 
and not the past that we must take into consideration, the application 
of auto-sighting is hampered by no restrictions. 
It is pleasant to pass from the domain of theory into that of 
ascertained fact. Two of my auto-sights went straight from the R.C.D. 
* As a protection to confined interior waters against torpedo-boat raids, the 6-pr. Q.F. may 
suffice. 
f “Proceedings” It.A, Institution, November, 1897. 
