In accordance with this order all Halifax Units were immediately mobilized and remained on duty in defence of Halifax practically for the duration of the War. The 94th Regiment was also mobilized for the defence of the Canso cable station, Cape Breton wireless station, etc., and other detachments were placed on active service at various points in the district.
2nd—The importance of Halifax as a Military and Naval Station in British North America in the eyes of the Imperial and Canadian authorities is borne out by the following facts:
(a) The immense amount of money spent in fortifications.
(b) The inauguration of an examination service, whereby all vessels were examined before being allowed to enter the harbor.
(c) Halifax was the examination port for North America, and at times there were upwards of 200 large ocean-going vessels lying at anchor in the harbor.
(d) The manning of the Port War Signal Station, by which all British and Allied warships were passed in under secret signals and codes.
(e) All guns in the various forts were kept loaded, and the crews were kept standing by day and night, ready for instant action.
(f) The infantry continually patrolled the coast, guarding the approaches to the city, and protecting cable landings and wireless stations.
(g) When orders were issued to reduce the strength of the defences in September, 1914, the British Admiral on the Station informed Headquarters that if this order were carried out he would withdraw his fleet and mine the harbor, which would mean closing the harbor to all shipping.
(h) A Hydroplane Station was established, and patrolled the coast daily during the latter part of the War.