The British recognised the need for anti-aircraft capability a few weeks before World War I broke out; on 8 July 1914, the New York Times reported that the British government had decided to 'dot the coasts of the British Isles with a series of towers, each armed with two quick-firing guns of special design,' while 'a complete circle of towers' was to be built around 'naval installations' and 'at other especially vulnerable points.' By December 1914 the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) was manning AA guns and searchlights assembled from various sources at some nine ports. The Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA) was given responsibility for AA defence in the field, using motorised two-gun sections. The first were formally formed in November 1914. Initially they used QF 1-pounder "pom-pom" (a 37 mm version of the Maxim Gun). COUNT 5
QSN1 When did the British see the need to add anti-aircraft capability? ANS1 8 July 1914 QSN2 Where did the New York times report say towers with guns should go? ANS2 the coasts of the British Isles QSN3 What was built around naval installations? ANS3 complete circle of towers QSN4 Who manned AA guns and searchlights? ANS4 Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) QSN5 Who used motorised two-gun sections? ANS5 Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA)