Hydrographic Surveys for the Selection of Places of Imperial Naval Bases in 1883

Abstract

Concerning the selection of places of Imperial Naval Bases, the survey team led by Lieutenant Commander Kimotsuki carried out hydrographic surveys at Kure and Sasebo in 1883. Although these surveys were conducted without any supports from naval vessels, it is misrepresented that a warship “Dai-Ni Teibou” led by Lieutenant Commander Togo brought the survey team to the sites and supported the hydrographic surveys.

This paper shows that the hydrographic surveys by the team led by Kimotsuki were conducted completely separately from “Dai-Ni Teibou” based on the descriptions in the historical naval documents.

“Dai-Ni Teibou” certainly conducted a hydrographic survey in Omura Bay. But, it is thought that the result of the survey was probably not so reliable that the Hydrographic Office could not use for compiling nautical charts.