Norwich bulletin., 1917-08-22
COAST ARTILLERY
 FIRST TO REPORT. Command Under Colonel Dorsey Now on Duty at Island Forts.

First ot the federalized National guard units of this state to report Tor active service at the post of duty are the 13 companies of the Connecticut Coast artillery, with their band and sanitary detachment. Under command of Colonel Henry S. Dorsey they were
 mobilized July 25 for the muster into the federal service, and are now on duty in the coast forts. At the time of the mobilization the 13 companies
 .ad 47 officers and 1,345 enlisted men. At war strength the comlnand should have 5S officers and 1,411 men, count ing 100 to company
 All the officers of the coast artillery appointed subsequent to June 3, 1916
 when the national defense act went ntO effect, have passed the federal ex- aminations. They were the first off
 .ers in the Connecticut National guard to be so examined and they made very creditable showing. Until Ma tional guard officers have passed the examinations their commissions are only provisional
 Details of the Connecticut Coast ar
 .illery guarded the principal bridges on the Shore Line of the New Haven road from Cos Cob to Mystic for sew era1 months. The Ninth company of Stamford was ordered out Feb. Is by Governor Holcomb through AdJutant General Cole at the request of Major General Wood. The Thirteenth com pany of Danielson was also ordered out
 ,n March 3.
 These artillerymen guarded the rail- road bridges al Cos Cob. South Nor walk. Saugutuck, Bridgeport, Stratford. Saybrook, Mantle, New London and Mystic, comprising the main bridges on the shore Line, and the highway cridge a SayprOok
 The work Of the Connecticut Coast artillery is divided into t1ree classes: To construct, arm and eculp perma- nent Notifications; to construct and maintain semi permanent works for nf l70 as from attacks in the rear by enemy raiding parties; to organize and to mobilize to resist the landing of large bodies of troops near cit.H and forti- fled harbors and to defend the semi permanent works.
 The coast artillery is also used uo repel submarine attacks on the coast. In this regard aeroplanes detection of submarines approaching in the waters of the sound a fact recognized by the navy department. At present the coast artillery has one aviator, Second Lieutenant Ralph L. Taylor, of Stamford, who has passed the tests at the Mineola and San Diego aviation training camps. He is liable to a call to the federal ser coast artillery. The posts of the fed eral forces now in the forts Of the New London district have no avia- tors. First Lieutenant Sunderland 4ldS pdSSeu the IlrSC tests TOT aV1a tion and expects to complete the course.
 The present organization of the Connecticut Coast Artillery was made in 1902, at the time of the general reorganization of the state forces It has had practical ser vice for ten days in June of each year since it organization in the four forts of the New London Coast Artillery dis trict. with practice at the working of coast defense guns of the latest type including those of the disappearing variety. The forts are situated as follows: 'Fort Terry, at Plum island; Fort Michie at Great Gull island; Fort H. G. Wright at Fishers island and Fort Mansfield, at Napartree point near Watch Hill.
 The coast artillery is very highly re- garded by Adjutant-G General Cole and is highly rated for it's efficiency by the federal government. It is one of the best prepared military organization in the state.
 The Connecticut Coast Artillery. Ma tional Guard, followed in the footsteps of one of the oldest military organiza- the summary of disbursements for ITS For so much to Raising Troops for De- fensse of Sea Coast, mounting cannon and Erecting Battery at New London G930-S-*"
 The general assembly, in December 1776, resolved. That for the defense and protection of the sea coasts of this state, there be forthwith raised by vol untary enlistment to serve for the term of one year from the first day of next the several companies of troops and forces" that were to be stationed at the coast towns" we