The system of Submarine Mining as a harbour defence measure was developed in the mid-19th century and used extensively in the last two decades of the Victorian era. Britain’s Royal Engineers made arrangements to mine all British main ports and the major overseas bases used by the Royal Navy. Primary on this list was Halifax.
The presentation will address the general concept of “Submarine Mining” and will explore how it was organized in the defence of Halifax Harbour, including what visible elements of this highly secretive, technologically advanced but ultimately flawed defensive system remain in Halifax today.