The Gathering Storm: The Second World War - Plot & Excerpts
and others.1.II.39.It was arranged at a conference between the First Lord, the First Sea Lord and the C.-in-C. on Nelson, October 31, 1939, that the following arrangements should be made at Fleet bases:1. Scapa cannot be available, except as a momentary refuelling base for the Fleet, before the spring. Work is, however, to proceed with all possible speed upon(a) blockships in the exposed channels:(b) doubling the nets and placing them specially wherever required. They are to be at least as numerous and extensive as in the last war, plus the fact that the modern net is better. The routine of the gates is to be studied afresh with a view to briefer openings and greater security.(c) The trawler and drifter fleet on the scale used in the Great War is to be earmarked for Scapa, and its disposition carefully considered by Plans Division. However, all these trawlers and drifters will be available for the Forth until it is time to use Scapa as a main base, i.e., not before the end of February, 1940.(d) The work on the hutments is to proceed without intermission.(e) Gun platforms are to be made in concrete for the whole of the eighty guns contemplated for the defence of Scapa.
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