Page:The Next Naval War - Eardley-Wilmot - 1894.djvu/20

 to show that the operation, besides being one of extreme danger at such a time, could not be undertaken, in view of other services which the fleet would be required to perform.

The Navy, on the other hand, seeing the danger to which we were exposed from the French holding certain commanding positions on two of our trade routes, had counted upon despatching immediately on the outbreak of war a combined force to occupy them. But they had omitted to work this out with the military authorities, and now found that the organisation of the Army did not readily admit of the prompt embarkation of such a force. Carried away by some desire to emulate Continental Powers, we had directed all our efforts to form three army corps of about 35,000 men each, and now could be seen the result of much hard work. The Cabinet was informed with triumph that the 1st Army Corps could be embarked in a week's time. But the Admiralty did not want a Crimean expedition; their modest demands were only for 5000 men, complete in all respects, and this could not be done. It would dislocate the whole military organisation. Why not take the marines? That was all very well, but this body was mcorporated as an integral part of the Navy, to assist in manning the ships, and those not afloat in time of peace were a portion of the reserve we counted upon when additional ships were manned. It is true they had been utilised on many occasions