TORPEDO-BOAT RAIDS ON HARBOURS. 181 
alarm at night, and got the men out and on the guns within 3 to 4 
minutes of the bugle sounding. We thought it a pretty smart piece 
of work, and this would be about as fast as could be expected even 
with everything cut and dried as it was in this case. 
But during these few minutes, a torpedo-boat of the present class 
would have steamed 13 to 2 miles, and probably have been past the 
defences before she could have been picked up and a round fired at 
her, unless the warning had been given when she was still some miles 
away, and this could only have been done by a system of outposts. 
That such a system should be arranged appears to be of the first 
importance.} 
Eecrric-Lieuts. 
As regards electric-lights, fixed beams would be placed crossing in 
front of the boom or obstacles, and for this purpose dispersed beams 
certainly appear desirable, as they would give a larger illuminated 
zone through which the boats would have to pass and be under fire. 
Of course the more lights there are the better. 
The light being in their eyes they could not see the guns on shore 
or on the fixed posts firing at them. 
I have heard it suggested by an oflicer of great experience, that to 
further light up this area, while the boats were delayed under fire, and 
to prevent dependence being placed entirely on the electric-lights 
which might get damaged, occasional magnesium parachute lights 
should be fired from mortars. These would burn for about a minute 
and would greatly assist in showing the whereabouts of the attacking 
boats, and increasing the illuminated area, which with two lights only 
in use, for instance, would be at best comparatively narrow. 
Other electric-lights should be placed close to and behind the fixed 
beams, and in the case of any boat getting through the lighted zone 
they could get on to it and keep it illuminated ; for this purpose search- 
lights with parallel beams might be the best. 
By the above arrangement of lights in front of the obstacle, the 
chances should be all in favour of the defence; but, in the case of there 
1 Since writing, I notice the following in The Journal of the United Service Institution, 
which shows the importance that others attach to this point. 
“The Swedish Government intends to establish high watch-towers along the Baltic coast, on 
suitable islands, which will be in telegraphic and telephonic communication with the mainland, 
and from which all movements of hostile vessels can be immediately seen and reported. Prince 
Oscar, in command of the gun-boat Ivenskund has been employed in selecting suitable positions 
for the contemplated look-out stations.’—Die Reichswehr. 
