On the Defence of England; Naval, Littoral, and Internal (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ...the light infantry regiments should be well trained to practice formations in open order, and the infantry battalions should be accustomed, in camps of instruction, to defend stockade works and lines of intrenchment. The present camp of instruction at Aldershot is admirably situated for thus training the militia regiments embodied in that part of the country. The chain of heights, extending in a serpentine line from Finchampstead in Berkshire to Guildford in Surrey, --comprehending the wide plateaux of Easthampstead and Hartford Bridge, the Chobham and Farnham ridges, and the range of chalk-hills called the Hogsback, --constitute choice positions covering Windsor and the metropolis against an enemy coming from Hampshire and the south-western counties. This line, presenting numerous salient points, is capable of being fortified by field-works, disposed so as to defend one another and the ground about them. The attack and defence of this position would afford excellent training for the young soldiers, in that part of military service, while the plains in the neighbourhood afford ample ground for the manoeuvres of large bodies of infantry and cavalry. The great naval arsenals-of this country--as Portsmouth and Plymouth--must be permanently fortified, as has been said; but few inland towns will require other fortifications than such detached works as may render each place anintrenched position, in which the defenders, if unable to keep the field, may find protection till they receive reinforcements sufficient to enable them to return to active warfare; and then, resuming the offensive, they should use every opportunity of acting upon the enemy's lines of communication, to harass him, and interrupt the supplies which he should receive from his depots....