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Buoyant mines float in position and are held in place by a 1,000-pound anchor. They were fired electrically from the Control Huts. Since the mines were in a fixed location their function was purely defensive. They were also susceptible to enemy raids so rapid-fire shore batteries were needed to prevent tampering and to guard against fast moving torpedo boats. .................................................................................................................................................................... |
| In
October
1941 Navy
personnel had begun installation of submarine nets, booms, and gates in
the various passages of Casco Bay. Whitehead Passage (south edge of Peaks Island) and Chandler Cove (just north of Long Island) were permanently closed, and gates were installed at Hussey Sound (north edge of Peaks Island), Littlejohn Passage ( north of Chebeague Island), and Drinkwater Passage (between Cousins Island and main land). Navy guardships were established at each location. Hussey Sound was restricted to naval vessels. The main channel to Portland was protected with mines. The Navy also laid underwater cable loops to aid in submarine detection, while the Army laid fields of bouyant mines. |
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