Item 02: General William Holmes operation orders, 1914-June 1916 - Page 104

[Page 104]

Precisely at 3-0 p.m. the Flag was broken by Lieut. B. Holmes A.D.C., and solemnly saluted by the troops, the ships in Simpsonhafen at the same time co-operating by firing a Royal Salute.  The National Anthem was sung by all present, and Three Cheers given for His Majesty the King.
The proclamation of Military Occupation on behalf of His Majesty the King, issued by the Brigadier, was than read by the Brigade Major after which the troops marched past in column of route and again saluted the Flag.
It was ascetained that the seat of Government had about a month previously been removed from Rabaul to Toma, in the interior, where the Governor was located along with the remainder of his Military Forces and his principal Civil Officials.
As he had not surrendered in response to the Admiral's, and subsequently the Brigadier's request, and moreover the replies received from him being considered unsatisfactory, Lieut. Colonel Watson was ordered to march with one 12 pr. Field Gun, one Machine Gun Section, and four Companies of Infantry at 5-0 a.m., 14th September, from Herbertshohe to Toma and effect the arrest of the Governor and clear up the situation generally.
At daybreak on the 14th September, H.M.A.S. "Encounter" shelled the ridge in the direction of Toma for about an hour.  Immediately afterwards Lieut. Colonel Watson commenced his advance, and reached Toma about 3-0 p.m.
This Expedition was most successful as Lieut. Colonel Watson made arrangements for the Governor to attend at Herbertshohe at 11-0 a.m. on the following day to meet the Brigadier for the purpose of discussing terms of capitulation. The force returned to bivouac at Herbertshohe at 9-0 p.m. At 11-30 a.m. on the 15th September, the Brigadier had his first interview with the Governor at Herbertshohe and discussed