C. Sweet. The French authorities are putting in the
foundations. The personnel is well taken care of and the work of
construction appears to be progressing favorably. It is hoped and
expected by those in charge that a four-tower unit will be ready for
operation about March 1, 1919.
[Sidenote: The naval railway batteries in France.]
_The 14-inch Naval Railway Battery_ was built and equipped by the Navy
and manned by naval personnel for service in France with the United
States Army. It arrived in France in July last under the command of Rear
Admiral C.P. Plunkett and was ready for service during August. A part
of the battery has been operating with the French against Laon and
vicinity, and is understood to have rendered what the French consider
very valuable service against the enemy. The entire battery is now with
the First United States Army, but data as to what it has accomplished
are not yet available. This test of our naval guns of late design and
large caliber in long-range firing and the opportunities given to naval
personnel to study and observe the artillery work on the western front
are considered to be of great value to the service.
[Sidenote: The oil pipe line across Scotland.]
_A United States Naval Pipe-line Unit_ has completed important service
in the construction of a fuel-oil pipe line across Scotland, and is
understood to have been asked for by the French to do some work of the
same kind for them.
(_a_) There are yet to be inspected and observed the following
activities, which have not so far been mentioned:
[Sidenote: Additional naval bases.
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