ALARMING WAR SCARE.
GUNBOAT ALBERT SENT TO THE HEADS.
VICTORIAN FLEET READY FOR ANY EMERGENCY.
TWO EUROPEAN SUBMARINE CABLES CUT.
A PROMPT RESPONSE TO THE CALL
A COUNCIL OF WAR HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
The Age July 2 1888
A war scare has seized the Victorian naval and military authorities. It was flashed along the telegraph wires late on Saturday that both the submarine cables laid between Banjowangie and Port Darwin had either been cut or broken simultaniously and communication with Europe interrupted. The intelligence in process of time filtered into different channels, and was communicated to His Excellency the Governor. A breakage in one of the cables is not ordinarily regarded as an event of such tremendous signifigance as to be made the subject of a special report to the Governor of the colony. Interruptions in one or other of the cables is of almost weekly occurrence, but the fact that both cables were out or broken simultaneously gives the occurrence an importance, to say the least of it, well calculated to alarm in these critical times, when the air is filled with rumors of war, the naval and military officers with whom rests the duty of being vigilant in protecting the colony against a surprise from a foreign foe.
Rumor had it that a secret despatch had been telegraphed by Admiral Fairfax to Sir Henry Loch, warning him of the interuption in the cable communication with Europe. Sir Henry Loch simply states that he was made aware of both submarine cables communicating with the Australian continent being disconnected on Saturday, but that he has not been informed whether the cables were cut, or whether they had been destroyed by submarine convulsions of nature, or whether the breakage is only a common accident. But it would be no common accident for two cables four hundred miles apart breaking at the same time. It is much more reasonable to assume that the breakage was caused either by some convulsions of nature, or by the hand of an enemy. Time alone will reveal this secret.
The manager of the Electric Telegraphic Department, Mr. T.R.James, states that from reports received from Port Darwin both cables ceased working at the same time, 10p.m. in Friday. From tests subsequently made by the officer in charge at Port Darwin, it would appear that the break in the new cable is about 900 miles from Port Darwin, which will locate it at 100 miles from Banjowangie, and that in the old cable about 500 miles. The shore ends of the cables are fully 200 yards apart, and immediately deep soundings are reached, the distance is increased until they become ** miles apart. The great distance between the two breaks precludes the idea of an earth-quake being the cause, and the simultaneous breakage of both cables leads to surmise that the breakage is part of a preconcerted scheme. If this surmise is correct in all probability the line has been cut in other places, and therefore communication with Singapore, where the cable breaking steamer is stationed, may also be interrupted. If, however, a telegram was sent to Singapore at the time of the accident, it is anticipated that the repairing steamer would reach Banjowangie late this evening, and if the weather served, communication by one cable might be restored by Wednesday or Thursday.
A special meeting of the Cabinet was held on Saturday afternoon, and some little time afterwards extraordinary activity began to be displayed at Williamstown amongst the naval authorities, and about the streets of this otherwise peaceful town there was soon whispered, with ever increasing pertinacity, a rumor that war had broken out in Europe, and that the Victorian fleet had been ordered to be in readiness for any emergency. Rumor even went so far into details as to particularise how the intelligence of an outbreak of hostillities in Eurpoe had reached Melbourne. Admiral Fairfax was said to have telegraphed the fact to Captain Thomas, directing him to be prepared with the Victorian fleet for attack.
Captain Thomas does not state whether any such telegram has been received by him, but the fact is indisputable that on Saturday evening he telegraphed premptory instructions to his chief engineer, Mr. Hayman, directing him to get up steam in the Cerberus, Albert Victoria and the torpedo boats, and to put the vessels in readiness to go to sea. Thereupon all was bustle for some time, and a crew was hastily collected on board the Albert, which, at 11.40p.m. on Saturday,steamed away from her moorings at Williamstown to Queenscliff, in charge of Lieutenant Hely-Hutchinson. The other officers on board were - Gunner Drewitt, Engineer Brank (of the Victoria) and Second Engineer Harrow. The vessel was fully manned by a composite crew. Owing to 48 hours' leave having been granted on Saturday, there were few men on board when the order was recieved to proceed to the Heads. Patrols were sent out to hust (sic) up the required number to man the fleet. The Albert had on board two guns, crews, and also a full compliment of magazine and shellroom men.
After the Albert had got under way the attention of Mr. Huyaman and Lieutenant Heath, the officer in command of the torpedo boats, was concentrated in getting these boats off their cradles and into the water with all possible despatch. A supply of fresh water was first put into the boats, and then a number of dockyard laborers were engaged to remove the Childers, Nepean, Lonsdale and Gordon from the Government dockyard cradle, where they had all been snugly (sic) stored up, into the Bay. The work commenced about 11 o'clock on Saturday night and was completed at 3 o'clock Sunday morning. Some delay in the launching of the boats arose from the wheels of the cradle becoming jammed. The Childers was undergoing some temporary repairs, and is still supposed to be in the contractors hands.
Simultaneously with the launching of the torpedo boats, the work of charging the torpedoes with compressed air proceeded. Chief Torpedo Gunner Dann superintended these operations. There were ten Whitehead torpedoes to be charged - four for the Childers, and two for each of the other boats.
About 11.30 Mr. Gillett, the representative of Messers. Paterson and Son, coal merchants, recieved orders to have his men ready on board the hulk Sarah Ann, lying at the Williamstown railway pier, to supply 20 tons of coal - 10 for the Childers and the balance to be equally divided between the three smaller boats. On this quantity the latter can steam some 500 or 600 miles, and the Childers 1000 miles or about 100 on a ton of coal. Near daylight on Sunday morning the charging of the torpedoes was completed, and the gunboats were brought round to the torpedo jetty, where the fishy - looking misiles were affixed to the tongs of their respective boats, ready for use at a moments notice. The flotilla looked truly formidable, bristling, as it now did, with its peculiar armament.
Captain Thomas went on board the Cerberus at 7 o'clcock on Sunday morning, and held a consultation with his officers. He remained on board for some time. He subsequently visited the torpedo boats, and then landed at Port Melbourne to attend a hastily summoned council of war held in Government House at 10.30 in the morning. The Military Commandant, Colonel Disney, also attended the council, at which most of the members of the Government were present.
Before the church bells had stopped ringing on Sunday morning the entire fleet was in readiness, but orders were recieved at 4 o'clock on Sunday afternoon for the fleet to moor off Williamstown for the night.
Each of the torpedo boats had a short trial of speed during Sunday about the open water off Williamstown, to ascertain if every thing was in working order. The fleet is now under orders to proceed to the Heads, on Tuesday morning. The whole of the Naval Brigade is to be called out, notions having been served last night on the members of that body to be ready at a moment's notice. The Harbour Trust battery has also been called on, and is to proceed to Queenscliff on Tuesday morning. The contingent of the Permanent Artillery Corps stationed in Melbourne is also under orders to go on duty at the fortiforcations at Queenscliff. Captain Joseph, commander of the Submarine Torpedo and Engineer Corps, has recieved instructions to take his corps down to the Heads today. They will assemble at 9.30 this morning, at the Port Melbourne orderly room. The corps will go to Swan Island and the South Channel fort to lay submarine mines, which are held in reserve at those stations. The electric light at the Heads is to be placed in readiness for use, and directions have also been given to extinguish, if necessary, the lights at the lighthouses, to prevent any navigation of the entrance to the Bay after nightfall at all. It is expected that the laying of the submarine mines will be completed by Wednesday morning. The work is to be carried out without intermisssion, night and day, until all the mines are laid.
The fluster into which the whole naval and military service has been thrown, and the submarine service as well, is valuable, as conducing towards efficiency of each. A principal result is that every soldier in the colony is standing at attention, ready to be called out at a moment's notice. Up to the present time only the fleet have been despatched on active duty. The Infantry Battalions are at present omitted from the scheme, but should they be called out they will no doubt be sent to Langwarrin to defend the Peninsula, with the mounted rifles to hold their front, the field artillery playing their due part in the proceedings.
If the Minister of Defence is availing himself of the break in the cables to show how efficient are the means of resisting aggression, he is evidently thoroughly in earnest to rehearse his piece. Major Cairncross on whom devolves the supply of ammunition at least as important as powder shot, is in full activity, and is making preparation to fill 2000 mouths.
The Governor desires it is to be distinctly understood that he has no information warranting him to believe that the breaks in the cables are intentional, or due to political complications, but he admits that the breaks, if simultaneous in both, appear to him a somewhat curious coincidence,. Sending the gunboats and torpedo boats to the Heads was decided upon by the Cabinet Council as a mere test, in a practical manner, of the rapidity with which they can be ready for service. The same with regard to garrosoning the forts and placing them in a thoroughly efficient condition.
MOVEMENTS OF THE FLEET.
The news which reached the city shortly after midnight on Saturday, to the effect that the Victorian gunboats were getting up steam under immediate orders to proceed to the Heads, was to say the least most startling. It was suspected at first that the Government had unexpectedly recieved intelligence, apart from the mere fact of there being an interruption of cable communicaton, which rendered the prompt and instant departures of the vessels necessary. Nothing more definate was known than that Captain Thomas had preemptorily ordered the fleet to Queenscliff and that the matter was one of emergency. When our representatives reached the Port Melbourne railway pier rumor was still more alarmng. The cable interruption, it was generally understood, was not the result of any accident, but the deliberate act of some foreign power, whose warships might at any moment heave in sight at the Heads. The Victorian gun and torpedo boats were consequently being rapidly prepared, and were expected to take their departure during the night for Queenscliff. Over the water, in the direction of Williamstown, the red light of a steam launch rushing from one point to another could be distinctly followed, indicating activity on the part of those in charge of the boats. The night was clear, and as the boat shot past the Sandringham baths smoke might be seen escaping in dense volumes from one of the gunboats. The vessel was in a few minutes actually under weigh, and the lights slowly moving round, and the Albert, under full steam and shaping for the West Channel, passed on to the Heads. There was nothing following in her wake, but both the Cerberus and Victoria could be made put through the haze which has gathered on the water, still lying motionless at their moorings. On the turret ship they were evidently awake and busy. On board the Cerberus there was no intention of getting under weigh before morning - everything was ready, and the officers were simply waiting orders. Captain Thomas was ashore at Williamstown, but the engineers were busy below. There was much cleaning and oiling going on, and it was the general impression that at daylight a start would be made for the Heads. There seemed to be a very shorthanded crew on board, but this was soon explained by the circumstance of there being a large number of liberty men ashore with whom it had been difficult to communicate. It thus happened that the crew to man the Albert were selected variously from the vessel itself, the Nelson, the Cerberus and the Victoria. At daylight the Cerberus and the Victoria still swung at their moorings, their (sic) being apparently no intention of weighing anchor.
From the smoke stack of the Cerberus there were indications that her fires were banked, but a muster of the crew revealed the fact that if a departure were made there would not be sufficient hands to man the ship.
Several officers attached to various departments were still absent, being off duty, but after breakfast they began to go on board at intervals until 11 o'clock when the staff was complete. The men, too, having in various ways heard of their ship's getting up steam gradually put in an appearance from Williamstown, and Sandridge, and at 12 o'clock a fair muster were paraded on deck. Captain Thomas went on board the boats at 7 a.m., but was unable to say what the movements of the fleet would be. At 10 o'clock he attended a council of war at Government House, at which His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, the Minister of Defence and Colonel Disney, of the military forces, were present. When he returned he was able to state definately what was to be done, but until then there was nothing to do but await orders. Personally Captain Thomas saw no reason to fear that the breaking of the cable was anything but the result of an accident, but at the same time he conceives it to be only right to make provision against even the remotest contingency. Consequently the despatch of the Albert to Queenscliff, with the other boats to follow, and placing the torpedo fleet under steam, are very necessary precaustions, seeeing that, at the best, eight or ten days must elapse before the cable can be repaired and communication with Europe restored.
So far as the boats are concerned; they are virtually ready for action - the magazines are full, the proper quantity of coal is on board, and if there was anything wanting it is only a few more additional hammocks. During the forenoon there is some signalling between the Nelson, the Cerberus and the Victoria, but the message was merely of a routine character, and had no relation to any proceedings that may be adopted. It was after 2 p.m. before Captain Thomas returned, and it was then ascertained that the boats would not proceed to Queenscliff, at all events that afternoon. The probability is, however, that the fleet will rendezvous (sic) off Swan Island tomorrow morning, and provisional instructions to that effect were given out. Later on there was an order issued for the vessels to steam round their mooring grounds, and an arrangement was afterwards come to whereby the fleet shall leave for Queenscliff on Tuesday morning, carrying in addition to their respective permanent crews the men from the Victorian Naval Reserve, who are invited to accompany the vessels. The torpedo fleet will also, as a matter of course, follow the ships, and take up a station at Swan Island.
THE NAVAL BRIGADE CALLED OUT.
Yesterday afternoon Captain Robert Fullarton, the officer commanding the Naval Brigade, appeared at Williamstown, armed with instructions from head quarters , and at once placed himself in commumication with Governor Fraser.
Accompanied in the work by Gunners Richardson and Johnson, that officer divided the town into sections and the trio started to knock up the members of the Williamstown contingent of the briade, with an intimation that their services would be required, and that they would have to be distributed over the various vessels of the fleet by noon today.
They were further directed to repair to their drill room, Pascoe street, in the evening, to recieve their clothes, bags haversacks, &c. Last night over 150 of the men turned up. They were in the best possible humor.
Commander Dennis was present at the muster. He proceeds by first train to Queenscliff this morning to take charge of the gunboat Albert, which left the Bay at a late hour on Saturday night.
Like other officers, Captain Fullarton is reticent, but from some remarkes he let fall it would appear that the defence authorities will seek to satisfy several objects in connection with the present scare. He says that the cutting of the cable might or might not mean internecine trouble. It is possible to be the result of accidents such as a volcano eruption. The defence authorities, however, had a fear that mischief might be brewing, and were anxious to be prepared for it.
Another object in calling out the Naval Brigade was to obtain line as to whether the men could be mustered without the aid of a proclamation or other public display. Captain Fullarton, during the afternoon called personally on members of his contingent to turnout. In conversation with one of his gunners, he ventured the opinion that there was a possibility of a Chinese fleet, backed up by a Russian cruiser, causing the colonel(sic) trouble.
Similar tactics are understood to have been adopted in connection with the Port Melbourne contingent. The Gannet, Batman and Fawkner, hopper barges, will not so far as is know, be pressed into service.
THE GARRISON ARTILLERY CALLED OUT
The Harbor Trust Battery is called upon in advertisement in our columns to practice at the orderly room this day, at 12.30, in full marching orders, with kits complete. Leave has been granted by the trust, and each member is expected to attend.
THE BROKEN CABLES.
Mr. T.R. James, the manager of the telegraphic department, has recieved information that the break in the old cable is 500 miles from Port Darwin, or nearly midway between the mainland of Australia and the landing place at Banjowangie, in Java. In the new cable, the break is 900 miles from Port Darwin and only about 100 miles from the land at the other end. The location of the break is discovered by the use of an indicator, which show with tolerable accuracy the distance the electric current travels before finding an obstruction. The second cable was laid in 1879, the idea being to have a second one to depend upon in the event of interruptions to the original one, which rendered useless on numerous occasions throughout the circumstances that it passed over a number of coral reefs, which were gradually but constantly undergoing change. The two lines are about 10 miles apart in their submarine location, but where they are brought on shore there is only about 200 yards space between them. The new cable was laid down with the view of avoiding the coral reefs as much as possible, and it has nitherto always proved reliabale, while the other one has on several occasions given way. It is expeected that the repairing steamer from Singapore would at once be despatched to put the cable in order. She would reach the locatity of the breakage in about three days, and will thus be there by tomorrow. If it is found that the cable is simply parted in one piece it will not take long to repair the damage, as the sea is not deep, comparatively speaking, and thus no great difficulty is presented to picking up the cable. If there is only one break, and the cable is lying in its ordinary position, it may be possible to restore communication by the end of the present week. But if the cause of the severance should also have been the means of some parts of the cable being lost or removed, it will take some time to lay another to take its place. If nothing is heard during the next 10 days or fortnight by cable from Singapore it may be taken for granted that the break is a serious one, which will take some time to set right. The idea entertained by Mr. James and other officers of the Victorian Telegraph department is that the interruption is caused by volcanic action, as it is known that such events frequently occur on the locatlity. The fact that the breaks are some 400 miles apart, however, shows that if there has been any upheaval it must have extended over a considerable area. Should it be found that the damage will take some time to repair, arrangements may be made by the Australian Governments to run a steamer between Port Darwin and Banjoewangie, to convey messages over the part where the electric connection is interrupted.
AT THE HEADS.
( By Wire. - From Our Correspondent. )
QUEENSCLIFF, Sunday.
With out either sign or warning, Queenscliff is suddenly plunged into a war scare. About 9 0'clock last night, Major Daniel, the officer in command of the forts at the Heads receSved information of the interruption of cable communication, and the necessity for exercising vigilance in guarding the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Shortly after "lights out" had been sounded, and the men in the garrison had retired to rest, they were suddenly awakened and told that everything had to be prepared for action immediately. Rifle ammunition was served out, and a number of men told off to man the Crow's Nest fort, and to prepare for action. The men, who were under the impression that something was pending which would relieve the monotony of garrison life, carried out all directions with cheerful alacrity.
Today the Queenscliff fort has been the scene of great activity. Every available gun has been placed in position and ready for action. The men were paraded at 3 0'clock and told off for gun practice. Civilians were prohibited from entering within the walls of the fort, and the leave was stopped of all men belonging to the artillery. The same vigilance has been exercised on all the batteries round the Heads. About 2 0'clock this afternoon the railway authorities in Melbourne telegraphed to the stationmaster here to have an engine under steam. The Queenscliff line is a single one, and worked under the staff system, and as the staff is here the engine would have to go to Geelong with it to meet an expected train from Melbourne, but the order was countermanded about 5 0'clock this evening. Tonight the electric light is flashing across the waters from both the gunboat Albert and the Queenscliff battery, and will be kept working all night. A number of Victorian Artillery will arrive from Melbourne tomorrow to re-inforce the men in garrison here. Eighty men from the Harbour Trust battery are also under instructions to proceed to the Heads on Monday. The latter will be under canvas during their stay. The men belonging to the Victorian Artillery, who man the different forts at the Heads, number about 150, the remainder being in town. This number is not sufficient to work the guns, and it is stated that it is the intention of the department to increase the numerical strenght of the Victorian Artillery from 200 to 250.
About 2 0'clock this morning the gunboat Albert arrived, and took up her position close to the pilot schooner's anchorage, under cover of the Queenscliff battery, immediately on her arrival Major Daniell went on board. The usual Sunday church parade of the Victorian Artillery was not held today, the men being hard at work filling shells, and otherwise preparing for active service. Tonight extra sentries have been placed on the slopes of the Queenscliff battery, and tomorrow men will be told off to man the South Channel fort. It is unfortunate that, the present war scare should arise at a time when both the Point Nepean and Port Franklin forts are almost entirely dismantled, only one 9 inch gun and two 80 pounders being in position and ready for action at Nepean fort. Certainly one of the most recent pieces of artillery as been placed in the latter fort during the past week, but it is stated that the proper ammunition is not ready for it. One of the best sites for the battery is the proposed Eagle's Nest fort, situated along the range about half a mile from Nepean fort. A gun placed here covers both the Bay and out to sea. Tenders are to be in for this fort by Tuesday next, and as illustrating the urgency the Government sets on this work, a well known engineering contractor stated that he had inspected the locality, and that the department expected the work to be finished in about the same time as it would take to get ready to go on with.
INTERUPTION
OFCABLE COMMUNICATION.
BOTH CABLES BROKEN
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TEST-
ING THE DEFENCES
THE ARTILERY AND NAVAL
RESERVES CALLED OUT.
A PROMPT RESPONSE TO THE CALL
THE GUNBOATS AND FORTS READY
FOR ACTION
The Argus July 2 1888
When news arrived in Melbourne on Saturday that cable communication with Europe had been interupted under circumstances of a somewhat unusual character, it naturally became a matter for surprise that the one cable should have been severed within 100 miles of Java at the same hour apparently as the duplicate line was interrupted 500 miles away from Port Darwin. During the day the Minister of Defence, Sir James Lorimer, and the Premier, Mr. Gilles, discussed the circumstance, and bearing in mind the fact that the interruption of the cables under these peculiar circumstances was exactly was exactly what might be anticipated in the event of an attack upon the Australian ports being meditated, it occurred to them that the opportunity was an excellent one for testing the capabilities of the defence force in the event of an actual war scare at any time occuring, and at the same time of taking some action to allay any fears that might be aroused by the peculiar circumstance of the cable being simultaneously at two points distant from each other, and by an assumption that the double breakage must have been the result of some designing enemy. With regard to the Garrison Artillery and the Naval Reserves, which are required to undergo a certain amount of drill annually, which for this year has not yet been given, it was thought that an opportunity now presented itself for combining with a test of readiness some sound practical work which would otherwise have been spread over the year. All these considerations induced the Premier and Minister of Defence to take the somewhat unusual step of putting the whole of the permanent naval forces into the vessels of the fleet, the permanent artillery into the forts, and reinforcing each branch with men from the Naval Reserve and Militia and Garrison Artillery respectively. Practically the precautions taken are very much those which would be observed in the event of hostilities being actually apprehended, except that the wider course of calling out the militia by proclamation would be followed, and every efficient member would then be required to present himself for service, while in the present instance no compulsion of any kind is exercised, save in the case of the permanent, naval, and garrison forces. The naval forces are of course constantly on the ships, but a section of the Victorian Artillery are invariably quarterted in the Victoria barracks, for such work as mounting guard at Government house, firing military salutes, and other formal ceremonies, and these have for the time been sent. With respect to the Garrison Artillery and Naval Reserve, the course followed will simply be to invite the men on their mustering for work this morning to go to the forts and ships for a week or a fortnight's drill and if they are not inclined to do so no pressure of any kind will be used. The advantage of having so many men of both branches of the service employed by the Harbour Trust enables this step to be taken without any very great difficulties being presented, and in their action the defence authorities have the cordial co-operation of Alderman O'Grady, the chairman of the trust.
In face of all these preparations, the fact must, however be borne in mind that at no recent period have the confidential advices received by the Government from home been of such a character as to warrant in the slightest degree the supposition that this break in the cable is anything more that an accident. The action taken is such as will lead interfere as slightly as possible with the ordinary routine of labour, and while men who may wish to go into the forts will be taken from the North Melbourne and Williamstown garrison batteries to the number of 200, inclusive of the full strength of the Harbour Trust battery, no action will be taken in connection with the infantry militia. The fleet will be worked during the week as Captain Thomas may direct, and the three forts, Queenscliff, Nepean, and South Channel, will be manned under the direction of Colonel Walker, who will be in command at Queenscliff. Major Rhodes, with the permanent section of the Submarine Mining Company of Engineers, will go into quarters at the South Channel fort, and will lay out a complete mine field in the South Channel. This work has been mediated for some time past, and the ground mines were recently charged and the lengths of cables cut in readiness for laying out, so that in due course the work would have proceeded, altogether apart from present circumstances, which, indeed, may be said of every operation cotmplated during the next fortnight or now in progress.
As far as the test of vigilance and readiness can yet be judged it has proved entirely satisfactory. The Albert, for instance, was directed to go to the Heads as a patrol at 6 o'clock on Saturday evening, the vessel being then at anchor in the usual way. She had left her anchorage at 11 o'clock, and was in the channel off Queenscliff at 4 on Sunday. The Albert went down with explicit instructions that the routine of drill and movements for the other vessels will be determined to-day. The permanent forces are, of course, insufficient in number to fully man the ships, but the men were distributed throughout the fleet in proportion to the requirements, and early yesterday the whole of the vessels were in fighting trim, while the torpedo boats, with torpedoes charged and in the slings, were also ready for active service had they been required. No use will be made of what is known as the auxillary fleet, viz., the Harbour Trust boats, which, in an emergency, are convertible into gunboats. Work has been inprogress for some time past in the re-armament of the Point Nepean fort, and, in anticipation of the arrival during last week of the first two guns ordered by the present Minister of Defence upon his accession to office, emplacements were prepared for them. These guns, on arrival, were placed in barges and sent down the Bay on Saturday, and it is expected that they will be in position on Tuesday, when with the nine-inch breechloader already mounted, the fort will be one of the best equipped in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, also, proof is given of the manner in which work can be expedited when necessary. The armament of the South Channel fort is entirely modern, and of very effective character. The defence authorities will watch with much interest to-day the result of the experiments upon which they have entered.
Further details of the action which has been taken are appended:-
Major Wardill, the officer commanding the Harbour Trust Battery, has made arrangements for his men to fall in at half past 12 to-day at their orderly-room, in full marching order, with kits complete. The embarkation of the permanent naval forces at Port Melbourne yesterday naturally caused some excitement, and many rumours as to the reason for it were in circulation, one of them being that the sudden call to quarters was owing to the appearance at the Heads of a supposed hostile force. The call upon the permanent naval forces was very promptly expedited, and steam was got up on the ships very shortly after the men embarked.
CALLING OUT THE NAVAL RESERVE
The work of calling out the Naval Reserve, which numbers 381 officers and men, including 20 engineers, devolved upon Captain Fullarton, who was busily employed upon it during the greater part of yesterday. Captain Fullarton states that the object of the preperations now being made is to test the capabilities of the naval and military forces, and not to provide against the possibility of hostile invasion. The men of the reserve are scattered over Melbourne. The majority of them reside at South Melboune and Williamstown, and the remainder are located at Yarraville, Footscray, North Melbourne, and Richmond. The men cannot be compelled to come on duty at any time excepting by a proclamation by the Governor in Council. No proclamation has yet been issued; and all that Captain Fullarton could do was to invite as many of the men that found it convenient to muster. He did this by communicating in the first instance with the various instructors. They then requested the petty officers to find out the men and convey the news to them, which they did. Considerable excitement was caused by this action, which was quite unexpected, and a rumour very soon found credence that war had actually been declared. No official explanation was assigned. The order was simply given to the men that they were wanted to go on board the boats at noon to-day, with arms, acoutrements, and full kit; and they quickly drew their own conclusions. The Williamstown division was the first to get the news. Officers and man assembled in the evening at the drill-room to the number of 163. The total strength of the division is 190, and the absentees were chiefly men who resided at a distance or who were at work. Amongst the officers who attended were Commander Dennis and Gunners Frazier and Richardson. Commander Dennis explained that it was intended that all hands should go afloat on the following morning, and considerable enthusiasm was exhibited by the men at the possibility of active service. Gunner Frazier served out to each man his kit-bag and haversack. This morning kit-bags, haversacks, and arms were issued at Williamstown and Port Melbourne, and any member of the force who chooses to attend will be welcomed. The embarkation is to take place from Williamstown and Port Melbourne punctually at noon. The men are to distributed among the Cerberus, the Nelson and the Victoria, and it is probable that these vessels will afterwards proceed to the Heads. The Cerberus carries four 10 in. 18-ton guns and four Nordenfelts; the Nelson 20 64lb. muxxle-loaders, two 7in. guns, and four Gatlings; and the gunboats Albert and Victoria an 8in. gun forward, a 6in. gun aft, two Nordenfelts, and two 12-pounders. The Gannet, Batman, and Fawkner, which are each armed with a 6in. gun, two Nordenfelts, and a quich firing 6-pounder are not to be called out at present. The ships have what is considered to be a full supply of ammunition and torpedoes. Our principal weakness lies in the fact that we are without a means of manufacturing our own supplies of ammunition. The Government have instructed the pilots to anchor any foreign ships of war that may arrive at the quarantine station. Other precautions have been taken, and it is evidently the intention of the Government to be prepared for all possible contingencies.
MAKING THE GUNBOATS READY
THE SCENE AT WILLIAMSTOWN
Some excitement was created in Williamstown on Saturday evening by a rumour to the effect that hostilities had broken out in Europe. Colour was lent to the report by the secene of bustle and activity in the main streets. Officers in naval uniform were hurrying to and fro on the look-out for members of the naval force who might be taking their usual Saturday night stroll, and it was explained that an order had been issued summoning every man to immediately return to duty. Messengers were despatched to the homes of the marines and some of the men were even hunted up from the theatres in Melbourne. The chief engineers of the Victorian Navy received telegraphic instructions from the Defence department in Melbourne to immediately get ready for sea the torpedo boats, the two gunboats, and the ironclad turret ship Cerberus. The necessary steps were promptly taken to muster the men, and the work of preparation was set about with alacrity. The torpedo boats were, as usual, drawn up on their slips in the shed near the railway pier. They were speedily launched and their fires lighted. On board the gunboat Albert steam was up, and she was on the way down to the Heads by midnight, under the charge of Lieutenant-Commander HelyHutchinson. She is to remain at the Heads till further orders. About the same time steam was up on board the torpedo boats Childers, Nepean, Lonsdale and Gordon, the preparatory work being carried out on these boats under the direction of Lieutenant Heath, torpedo officer. The whole night was spent by men and officers in putting everything into fighting trim, taking in coal &c. Throughout Sunday all hands were still engaged, operations being viewed by the usual concourse of Sunday visitors from Melbourne. The people congregated in thousands, viewing the scene of activity from every vantage point, from the Alfred Graving Dock along the whole length of the railway pier, and from the decks of the mail steamer Rome and a coal hulk which was moored to the pier. In the afternoon a very animated spectacle was witnessed. The four torpedo boats were lying out with steam up, and as the Childers, with a torpedo fully charged hanging in each of the four dropping gear backed out into the stream, there was some dangeropus crowding amongst spectators anxious to obtain a glimpse of the boat's movements.
Everything on board the boats, including engines, torpedoes, and their dropping gear, and machine guns, was found to be in excellent order and ready for action. As soon as they had been tested the boats were moored to the piers, the instructions being that they were to remain alongside all night with fires banked, so that in less than an hour's notice they could steam away. To-morrow morning it is expected that they will proceed to the Heads. The fires of the gunboat Victoria and of the Cerberus have not been lighted, but they are all ready to get up steam at once. Captain Thomas, the naval commandant, is on board his floating fort, the Cerberus. The Cerberus and Victoria proceed to the Heads to-morrow morning, the latter probably under the command of Captain Fullarton. The Nelson also will most likely go down. All the vessels had only skeleton crews on board. To man them fully necessitates calling out the Naval Reserve.
THE PREPARATIONS AT WILLIAMSTOWN
The Argus July 3 1888The preparations continued yesterday at Williamstown. Early in the morning men of the Naval Brigade could be seen wending their way to the Ann-street pier from all parts of town, while two's & three's arrived by nearly every train. By half-past 11 nearly 200 men & officers were asssembled on the pier fully armed & accoutred.
The Australasian July 14 1888
A large concourse of people had also gathered to see them off, & as the Royal Oak, which was to convey them on board the fleet was seen approaching a stampede was made to gain convenient spots from which to view the embarkation. The sailors, at the same time, moved forward at the word of command to march on board the tug. As they did so their wives & children & friends pressed forward to bid them good-bye. Such a scene has never before been witnessed at the Ann-street pier, although for years it has been the point of departure for the naval forces when going on board the fleet for training. This time the sensation of the men going out equipped for war was slightly different.
The Australasian July 14 1888
In a short time all were on board the Royal Oak, and as she backed out from the pier large numbers of those on board were singing and hundreds of men, women, and children who covered the end of the pier, some of the former climbing into the rigging of vessels moored to the structure were waving hats and handkerchiefs and bidding "Goodbye." Meanwhile, all was energy and bustle at the torpedo yard, where final preparations for the outgoing of the torpedo-boats were being pushed on. The boats had lain all night, in accordance with instructions, with their fires banked. During the morning each one took a spin, to see that all was well with the machinery. Additional provisions and stores of various kinds were shipped, and a six-shooter breachloading revolver, with belt was put on board for each man. The Childers is the largest, and she is in the immediate charge of Lieutenant Heath, who may be termed torpedo commodore, seeing that the whole of these little vessels are under his command. The Childers has 12 persons all told. The Gordon is in command of Mr. Burgess, with 10 hands; the Nepean of Mr. Dann, who came out with the Childers; and the Lonsdale under Mr. Bruford. One satisfactory feature observable yesterday was that all the torpedo men, from the highest rank to the lowest, appeared to be au fait with everything they had in hand. There was no fumbling or blundering; quietness and precision being the order of the day. During the afternoon the whole of the torpedo flotilla sped away down the bay to Queenscliff, followed in the evening by the ironclad turret-ship Cerberus, under the command of Captain Thomas, and the gunboat Victoria, under the command of Captain Fullarton. The duties of harbourmaster pertaining to the last named officer will in his absence be performed by Captain Thrussell, assistant harbourmaster.
THE INTERUPTION OF CABLE COMMUNICATION
LATEST PARTICULARS AS TO THE BREAKAGES.
A plan is given above showing the route of the cables laid between Austalia and Java, and indicating the localities of the breakages. A telegram was recieved yesterday by the Postmaster-General from Mr. C. Todd, Postmaster-General of South Australia, confirming the information supplied on the previous day, to the effect that the latest tests show that the faults or breaks in the new and old cables are situated 698 and 856 miles respectively from Port Darwin. This, Mr. Todd adds, would bring the broken cables off Sumbawa Island, and this fact seems to point to the idea that some local conditions have caused the injuries. The new cable runs through Rotti Straits and north of Sandalwood Island. The old cable runs south of both of these islands, both meeting in Balli Straits. The steamer Adelaide will leave Port Darwin on Thursday at noon, to convey messages from Australia to Banjoewangie. Messages will be despatched at sender's risk to await further transmission by means of the most rapid transport.
THE DEFENCE WORK AT THE HEADS
(BY TELEGRAPH FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT)
Queenscliff, TuesdayAll the Victorian fleet and torpedo boats arrived at Queenscliff this morning and anchored, the men apparently going through steady drill. The Submarine Mining Corps has been laying the ground and contact mines in the South Channel and preparing the mine fields for the West Channel. The Victorian Artillery have been distributed as follows:- Queenscliff Battery, officers and men, 76; Crow's Nest, 12; Point Nepean, 12; South Channel, 20; Point Franklin, 11; Swan Island, 15. They have all been busy during the day making up ammunition and filling and preparing the projectiles for the new breech-loading disappearing guns. The men of the Harbour Trust battery of militia have been distributed among the Queenscliff, Swan Island, and South Channel Forts, drilling at the 8in. breech-loading guns and generally assisting the Victorian Artillery in making up ammunition. The two 6in. breech-loading disappearing guns and all the ammunition and stores forwarded by the steam lighter Muriel to Point Nepean were discharged at the Point by 5 o'clock this morning. The contractors' men at the Point were kept at work all night for that purpose, and they are now busy getting the guns up to their positions. The steam launches Lion and Spray have been busy during the day conveying men and stores to the various forts. Colonel Walker and Major Daniells made a preliminary inspection of all the forts this afternoon, and have just returned. The electric lights from the fleet and the batteries are being flashed across the Heads and along the channels.
THE SILENCING OF THE CABLES
COMMUNICATION STILL INTERRUPTED
THE NAVAL AND MILITARY OPERATIONS
The Age July 4 1888Cable communication with Europe has not yet been restored and there does not seem to be much probability of telegraphic connection being re-established at the earliest before the end of the week. Under the most favorable conditions, supposing the weather is to be fine, and the breakage to be a simple snap easily repaired, and that neither cable has been broken in more than one place, the sundered lines could not be joined until Thursday, and the probabilities are, of course, in favor of a much longer delay occuring. Meanwhile, it is announced by the south Australian Electric Telegraph department that during the cable interruption, cable messages will be accepted only at senders' risk, and be transmitted to Port Darwin, there awaiting further transmission by means of the most rapid transport available. The steamer Adelaide will leave Port Darwin for Banjoewangie at noon tomorrow, for the purpose of conveying cablegrams over the interupted section, and will return with the messages which have accumulated at Banjoewangie. The latest information concerning the broken cables is conveyed in a telegram recieved yesterday by the Postmaster-General from Mr. Todd, the Deputy Postmaster-General of South Australia. This states that, assuming that the breakages occurred as the tests show, 698 and 856 miles distance from Port Darwin, they will be located off the Island of Sumbawa. This fact would point to some local conditions having affected both cables. The new cable runs through Roti Straits and towards Sandalwood Island. The old cable trends southwards, and both cables meet at Balli Straits. The Minister of Defence yesterday recieved a communication from Captain Thomas, detailing the movements of the fleet at the Heads. He stated that the whole of the available warships, excepting the Nelson, are stationed off Queenscliff. The Nelson is also under orders to rendezvous today with the remainder of the fleet. Captain Thomas adds that the vessels are manned by 263 men belonging to the naval brigade, in addition to the full strength of the permanent naval forces. The men are being put through drill, and everything is being done to test their efficiency. The military commandant Colonel Disney, also reported to the Minister that the Harbor Trust battery were stationed in the fortifications, and, together with the garrison artillery, were engaged in active duties. The submarine company of engineers at work at the Heads yesterday recieved an addition of 10 more men.
THE OPERATIONS AT THE HEADS
A SHAM ATTACK
(BY WIRE - FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER)
The Age July 5 1888QUEENSCLIFF, Wednesday,
This has been a day of quiet steady work, and some progress has been made towards putting the Heads in a position of defence. In the artillery branch there have been the usual exercises in the way of drill and laboratory works, and the Harbor Trust men have been taking their share at guard mounting and routine duty. The submarine engineers at Swan Island and South Channel have gone on with the preparation of torpedoes and the electrical apparatus. A number of mines were taken over the South Channel from that depot, and some work was done afloat towards laying the mine field. The crews of the torpedo boats have been spending the day quietly. On board the larger vessels the crews have been kept busy with regular duty. The Cerberus has spent a considerable part of the day in getting out her torpedo nettings, a proceeding which it would be thought would be one of the first precautions if hostillities were expected. The search lights were also put into working order. It appeared from the shore last night that the Cerberus had got the electric light to work, but it was really one of the gunboats, and the turret ship did not get out her lamps til today. The fixing of the torpedo net took a long time, and went to prove the general want of readiness in which our defences have been found. The netting and spare are kept ashore, and were hurriedly taken on board when orders were given to prepare for service. The net stretched out on several spars on each side of the vessel and hangs down 15 feet in the water, and is supposed to be strong enough to stop any torpedoes fired at the ship, and explode them before they touch the vessel. The ends of the vessel are not protected, as it is not the practice to fire torpedoes at ships standing end on, for it is not easy to hit a broadside, and of course far more difficult to strike the narrow mark of the stern or stem, and even if it were hit the torpedo might not take effect. The netting is made of metal rings linked together, and has been recently made to replace one formerly in use. Whether it does not work properly, or the men are unaccoustomed to its use, at the best it is a cumbrous construction. It took so long to put in its place that the Cerberus might have been caught at a disadvantage. There is a rumor of an attack tonight, and perhaps these preparations are the result of such an arrangement. The four vessels are lying off Queenscliff in the following order:- Albert, Cerberus, Victoria, and Nelson. They have their small boats out at night patrolling to about a quarter of a mile from the ships, and small arm parties are ready for action. The press boycott was pushed a step further to-day, by posting a sentry outside the Queenscliff battery to prevent all civilians going into any part of the premises situated on the bluff. Up to this time it was considered sufficient to place the sentry inside of the battery and allow access to the interior of the enclosure, but not inside the fence shutting off the space immediately in rear of the remparts. Now the military go out into the street, and mount guard over the two gates, leading both to the battery, and the civil establishments of the light house and signal station, which happen to be within the walls. The blockade was carried out with the indiscriminate rigor of military ***********, and a civil offiial who required to enter the place had to threaten a legal action before he was allowed to proceed on his business. The whole situation is adjusting itself to the only view consistent with the ridiculous conduct of the Defence department, and this is that free access to the forts would disclose the very unsatisfactory state of our defences and provide material for an emphatic contradiction of the statements of the department, that we were in a position to defend ourselves. The misrepresentations of the department are identical with those that have always been put forward on the same subject. It is exactly 6 years ago that the first 9-inch R.M.A.gun was mounted at Queenscliff fully a month after the Premier of the day had solemnly assured Parliament that the new armaments of the battery were complete and the works in an admirable state of preparedness. In the present case, there is a similar discrepency. The verdict on this experiment already declares itself that, when put to the test, our defences are found wanting, or that this has been no test at all. From the time orders were issued everything has been done with all speed, short of confusion and friction, and that is strictly the limit of speed in these matters; Yet it turns out that an enemy would have found us without enough guns in position to stop him, without ammunition supplied to a large portion of those guns actually in possession, without enough men to work the guns for which there was ammunition and without reliable means of communication between the positions; also, that to concentrate even a skeleton force has taken more days than it should take hours, and that, after all, the completion of the defence awaits the important addition of the channel mine field. When the alarm was given we had enough men on the spot to work only Queenscliff, the Crow's Nest and one gun each at Nepean and Franklin. This meant one 8-inch B.L. disappearing gun at Crow's Nest, three 9-inch R.M.L. guns, four 80 pounder R.M.L., one being on a disappearing carriage, and one 6-inch B.L. disappearing gun as the Queenscliff armament; one 80 pounder R.M.L. at Franklin, and one 8-inch R.M.L. at Nepean. The Queenscliff battery includes two 40 pounder Armstrong siege guns, two light field pieces and several Nordenfelts, both shell guns and rifle calibre, these being intended for use against landing parties. The present available artillery defence, ammunition and men having been supplied, consists of the Queenscliff and Crow's Nest guns just mentioned, a 9-inch R.M.L. and 80 pounder R.M.L., and 9.2-inch B.L. disappearing gun at Nepean; the 80 pounder at Franklin, two 8-inch B.L. and two 5-inch B.L. disappearing guns, and one light quick firing gun at the South Channel, one 9-inch R.M.L., one inch and four 80 pounders at Swan Island. This credits the Nepean work with the full value of the 9.2 inch gun just mounted, but not yet tested, and it must also be remembered that the whole system is undermanned. As for the disappearing guns, their advantages are discounted by liability to disorder. The rates of fire ranges from about one round in 45 seconds to one in 2 minutes, according to size; but so far as they have been tried here they have not fired more than about half a dozen shots in succession without something going wrong, and as there are very few men in the colony who understand the mechanism their repair cannot be immediately attend to. These weapons are known in the Armstrong factory, at Elswick, as the Victorian gun, because this colony has taken the lead in ordering them, and no doubt the Armstrong factory is duly grateful to us for carrying out these costly experiments on its behalf. As for the present experiment in mobilisation, it furnished distinct proofs of weakness, and supplied various suggestions which the military authorities will doubtless seize upon, with the object of having our position secured as rapidly as possible.
THE ATTACK ON THE FLEET
An attack was made on the fleet tonight by the torpedo boats, representing the torpedo branch of a hostile squadron forcing the Heads. The operatons began at about 9.15, on the firing of a signal rocket. The search lights of the Cerberus, Albert and Victoria instantly spang into motion, and swept backwards and forwards over the water like the arms of a huge monster. They soon fell in certain pale clouds of smoke, under which were found the long thin glittering lines of the torpedo boats, shining like the scales of a silver fish. The boats were then over towards the quarantine station, where the Childers remained most of the time, while the other boats made various trials up the channel. Again and again the swift little craft circled and darted in the darkness; but the three keen searchers found them out and they had to turn. The Queenscliff light was also used and caught them up as they came back and turned in the entrance. The attack was kept up with such rapid movement and persistency that the whole channel seemed to be alive with torpedo boats; but, the enemy did not succeed in getting within effective range of the fleet, especially for night work. After nearly three-quarters of an hour's manoeuvering an electric signal brought the operation to an end. A rumor is still alive that there will be an attack upon the batteries some time tonight or early morning. It is also stated that the artillery are to have some firing practice tomorrow.
H.M.V.S CERBERUS
(BY WIRE - FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER)
The Argus July 7 1888Sir, I have the honour to inform you that, after receiving your instructions on Saturday, the 30th ult, at 6.30 p.m., to make every preparation for active service with the Permanent Naval Forces and to despatch a gunboat to Queenscliff. I ordered Lieutenant -Commander the Hon. Hely-Hutchinson to recall all men from leave, and to proceed with all despatch to Queenscliff, with written instructions to board all foreign men-of-war entering the port, and to request their captains to anchor at the Heads pending further instructions from the Government.
In the event of their not complying with this request, he was ordered to wire to me, and immediately to retire on Hobson's Bay.
Lieutenant-Commander Messum was ordered to prepare the Cerberus, and the permanent crew of the Nelson, except for the necessary shipkeepers, were transferred to her, she being the most effective vessel of the two; and the crew of the Victoria was made up to 12 men - a sufficient number to fight her two heavy guns with reduced crews.
Lieutenant-Commander Heath was directed to launch the torpedo boats Childers, Nepean, Lonsdale, and Gordon, and to prepare them for active service.
The officers and men who were on leave returned to their ships and as quickly as possible, and special credit is due to the officers and men at the torpedo depot, who worked without cessation during the night, and were ready for action when I inspected them at 6 o'clock the following morning.
The Albert was smartly manned and provisioned, and left at half past 11 p.m. (Saturday) to carry out her orders.
On Sunday morning, at 10 a.m., I repaired to the Treasury, in compliance with the previous instructions, and was able to report that, so far as the permanent force was concerned, the ships were ready, with the fires laid, and that the torpedo boats were in all respects ready for immediate action.
A few of the permanent men, who were on leave from Saturday till Monday, and had left their homes for holiday, were still absent, but messengers were despatched in all directions, and they all returned as soon as they got the information.
At the meeting at the Treasury, at which the Hon. the Premier was present, I received your instructions to call out 10 engineers from the Naval Brigade, and to hire 28 stokers.
Captain Fullarton, who was also present, was directed by you to obtain as many volunteers from the Naval Brigade as possible, and to give them orders to embark on Monday; and he at once started to collect them, and to make arrangements to fill the places of Harbour Trust employees, so that the work of that department should not be interfered (sic) with.
It was estimated that about 200 of the brigade would be able to obey the summons, but they came forward so readily that soon after noon on Monday - which was the time appointed for them to embark- there were 270 men afloat, and the ships were fully manned.
At noon Monday I despatched Lieutenant-Commander Heath to Swan Island to await my arrival.
Mr. Huysmans, chief engineer, was ordered to engage 10 engineers and 28 stokers, The engineers responded readily to the summons, but considerable difficulty was experienced in obtaining the requisite number of stokers, which was doubtless due to the fact that the men who are generally able to come afloat at Easter and on other public holidays were unable to leave their employment without risking the loss of it; besides which, it being (unreadable) proves more difficult to find them or their substitutes
I trust that this will seem to you sufficient reason for increasing the permanent staff by two engineers and ten stokers, as I think that at least the Cerberus, the two gunboats, and the torpedo boats should be able to get up steam and start for the Heads without waiting for outside assistance in the engine-room.
There are now four ships and four torpedo boats, independent of the Harbour Trust vessels, and there are only five engineers to eight vessels.
I would also recommend that, in addition to the above proposed increase to the permanent forces, and instead of employing outside labour to make up the full complement of stokers, a certain number should be added to the Naval Brigade, who should receive the same retainer and be drilled in the same manner, but on being called out should perform the duties of stokers, as those who are temporarily engaged under the present system, though they perform their duties excellently, are not acquainted with the routine of the man-of-war, and are not under the Discipline Act.
During Monday the ships were watered and provisioned for the estimated numbers coming afloat for two days, though had there been sufficient stokers in the Permanent Force, there would have no necessity to wait for provisions, as a supply of dry provisions and preserved meats is always kept in stock in case of emergency.
The Cerberus torpedo nets and booms, which, in accordance with the custom of the Royal Navy, are kept in the marine yard during peace time (as the nets soon get damaged by use), were got on board, and at half-past 5 p.m., there being only two or three stokers short, I left, with the Victoria in company, and anchored off Queenscliff at 9.45 p.m.
Captain Fullarton left with the Nelson on Tuesday morning to join the squadron at Queenscliff.
Before leaving Melbourne, arrangements were made by telegram for the provisioning of the squadron at Queenscliff during their stay at that place.
I also sent written instructions to Lieutenant Tickell (the senior officer of the naval brigade, not embarked) as to the distribution of the remainder of the force in the Harbour Trust vessels, and made the necessary arrangements for their supplies in the event of the whole force being called out by proclamation.
On Tuesday morning the torpedo spars and netting were got into position, and constant drills were carried out in every ship, and I inspected the torpedo depot at Swan Island, and found everything ready for action.
The squadron were anchored in line N.W. and S.E. of the steamship pier at Queenscliff, two cables apart, with springs on their cables, fires banked, and steam ready at half an hour's notice.
On Wednesday drills were continued all day, and at 9 p.m. I made the alarm signal (a gun followed by a rocket), upon which all the ships were swung so as to bring their heaviest fire to bear on any enemy entering the port, whilst anchors were being weighed and steam got up, and at the same time the torpedo boats dashed out to attack inside the Rip.
The three electric lights of the squadron were used as search lights inside the fixed ray of light that was thrown by the military from Queenscliff to Nepean.
As soon as the torpedo boats had made their run, they were ordered to move rapidly backwards and forwards across the entrance, so as to give practice to the men at the electric lights in picking them up, and the men at the guns in laying their guns correctly, after which they were recalled, and the squadron swung to their anchors.
My object in going to Queenscliff was to get everything in working order, and to rehearse the usual plan of defence, as it is to be carried out when the whole forces of the colony are called out; but as I found it was not the intention to lay the mines in the channels, nor to fully man the forts, I deemed it advisable to retire to Hobson's Bay.
To have attempted to defend the channels with four ships and four torpedo boats - the Harbour Trust vessels and torpedo boats not being manned - without the support of the mine-fields and only practical support of the forts, I should have had to spread my ships and torpedo boats over the distance of eight miles; whereas at Hobson's Bay I was able to take up a strong position, where the whole force could act together, where the electric light could be used with the greatest advantage, and where the torpedo boats could find convenient shelter behind piers.
In order to carry out my intention of defending Hobson's Bay, I weighed at 5a.m. on Thursday, and returned to that anchorage with the squadron, the Nelson going by the South Channel; and after stationing the gunboats for the defence of the port, again proceeded down the bay, where the Nelson rejoined the squadron, which was exercised as fleet (unreadable) during the day.
On (unreadable) I was signalled by His Excellency the Governor from the (unreadable) and hove-to whilst he visited the ships, ** which the squadron took stationed in Hobson's Bay.
The position at Hobson's Bay was as follows:-
The Cerberus and Nelson at their moorings, their broadsides swung to the **** the Victoria anchored at the white (unreadable) the St Kilda Bank, with her electric lights playing a fixed beam on the Williamstown (unreadable) shore, bearing west by S. half S., the (unreadable) at anchor between Gellibrand lighthouse and Breakwater pier, Williamstown, with (unreadable) electric light playing as a fixed beam on the St Kilda bank, bearing E. by N. (unreadable).
This established two fixed rays of light across the entrance of the harbour, through which an enemy must pass, the distance ray to ray being about three quarters of a mile.
Two of the torpedo boats were stationed at the Williamstown pier, inside the (unreadable) with orders to attack any ship crossing them and the other two were stationed at the **** Melbourne pier with orders to attack any vessel crossing the inner ray.
All ships had steam up and were steamed for action, the Cerberus electric light being kept in reserve as a search light.
At 9p.m. the alarm signal was made, and everything was promptly carried out, (and as in the previous night) the torpedo boats, though strictly on the defensive, were used as targets for the guns.
On Thursday I inspected the Nelson and gunboats, and was well satisfied with their general efficiency.
On Friday the ships were exercised forenoon and afternoon as all drills; the torpedo boats under Lieutenant Commander Heath were exercised all day off Gellibrand firing torpedoes at a target, and some very good practice was made. The speed of the boats during practice was from 12 to 14 knots.
Eleven torpedoes were fired from different boats. Eight of them ran straight: one curved to the right, owing to the boat not being steadied accurately on her course before firing; the other two failed, owing to a portion of the air having escaped from one, which was therefore not sufficiently charged; and the other the water tripper failed to draw back the connecting rod.
Both torpedoes have been re-adjusted, and are now fit for use.
On Saturday I inspected the torpedo depot and boats , and found everything in thorough working order; and the pulling boats of the fleet were then manned and armed and exercising in the bay.
The cruise has been of great benefit to the whole force, and the ships, considering their class and speed, are as efficient as they should be.
The Naval Brigade were landed by 4 p.m., and I have issued an order that, in the event of officers and crew being required to embark suddenly by day, two guns will be fired from the Cerberus, and the blue peter hoisted in each ship. If at night, two guns will be fired from the Cerberus, followed by two rockets.
| I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, A.B.Thomas Captain of the Cerberus and in command of the Naval Forces of Victoria. |
CAPTAIN THOMAS'S GENERAL ORDERS.
The following general order has been issued by Captain Thomas, naval commandant-:H.M.V.S. Cerberus
11 July, 1888
General Memo,
The manning of the Victorian squadron was carried out in a very satisfactory manner and although it occurred at a very inopportune time, when one watch was on leave from Saturday to Monday, the officers and men of the permanent forces showed great zeal in returning to their ships as they did, and the executive officers, engineers, seamen and stokers at the torpedo depot deserve special credit for the willing manner in which they worked throughout Saturday night, and the rapidity with which the boats were launched and prepared for active service. The Naval Brigade responded in a most praiseworthy manner to the call for volunteers to man the ships, and Captain Fullarton's report on the subject, in which he points out that in addition to those who actually came afloat, there were between 30 and 40 more volunteers who were willing to come had they been required, is very satisfactory. A copy of Captain Fullarton's report has been forwarded for the information of the hon. the Minister of Defence. The officer commanding the Victorian naval forces, though recognising that there were several difficulties to contend with which have not to be encountered at ******* or other known occasions for drill **** (when ample time is given for preparation) and also that the proper brigade ship's companies were broken up, and had to be redistributed, as many of the men that were afloat belonged to the Harbour Trust vessels which were not ordered to be manned, while of those who did not embark, many belonged to the vessels ordered to prepare, poin** ** that this should have been an additional incentive to all who came forward, not only to show their readiness to assemble, but also to settle into duties that many of them were necessarily ordered to perform for the first time, in a comparatively strange vessel. Generally speaking this was the **** and officers and men were enthusiastic in their anxiety to prepare the ships for service. In the Cerberus, although the majority of the ship's company gave every satisfaction, there were some who hampered the work of the ship by not obeying as they should have done the orders that were given from time to time. In a ship like the Cerberus, where the ladders from deck to deck are few, and the passages very narrow, a few men may spoil an evolution as far as time is concerned, however willing the remainder may be; and though the drills were well carried out when the men were at their stations, the time taken to get to their stations was, during the first two days, in several instances far too long. The fact that after the officer commanding had expressed his dissatisfaction there was not only a marked improvement in all drills, but that the ship was in a very satisfactory state of efficiency during the remainder of the cruise, goes to show that the slackness at starting could have been avoided. Excepting on the occasion abovementioned, the gun drill, rifle and cutlass exercise, manning and arming boats, and other drills were smartly performed in the Cerberus, the turrets were quickly laid and the crew evidently well acquainted with their duties. All drills were smartly carried out in the Nelson and gunboats. Men were more silent and moved with the greatest rapidity. The guns were well handled - the 8in. gun of the Albert being particularly well worked and rapidly laid - and signals were better attended to, though there is still room for improvement in this respect in all ships. Sufficient attention was not paid to by the signalman of the Nelson to the hoisting of the ensign. In the Cerberus, the "affirmative" was hoisted to the senior officer's ship, and in the Albert the order to man and arm boats was carried out before the answering pendant was hoisted. The latter case showed slackness in the signal department, while the commanding officer was to blame for giving the order before the general signal was hauled down. The torpedo boats were well handled, and the crews thoroughly acquainted with their duties, and the **** at Swan Island and at Williamstown were well ordered and arranged. The petty officers of the Naval Brigade generally speaking performed their duties excellently, and did their utmost to see orders obeyed, but there were a few exceptions, and these are to understand that petty officers are to lead their men, whether it is a port, a sub-division, boat or gun's crew, and not to follow. Generally speaking the ships were cleaner, smarter, and the work was done in better time and more man-of-war style, than on previous occasions.
| A.B. THOMAS |
Many thanks to Stoker Cherylle Thurling (Victorian Navy) for typing most of the above.