[Page 152]
Col. Holmes
Copy for your private information
F.A.M.
A.Q.M.G.
2nd Military District.
Captain Pockley left the "Berrima" on 6th., September, 1914 at Port Moresby and went to H.M.A, "Sydney". He took some things with him and left the remainder on the "Berrima". These heavy goods were left in the cabin occupied by him and remained there as far as I am aware, till immediately before the departure of the "Berrima" for Sydney on 4th October 1914. Then they were sent ashore by Lieut. Col. Howse V.C. who was then P.M.O. All the goods received by me were packed and returned to Dr. F. Antill Pockley, Sydney by me and receipt was acknowledged.
I later received letters from Dr. Pockley stating that certain articles were missing. I then instituted enquiries for them with the following results:-
Binoculars. No trace could be found of these ashore at Herbertshohe, although I was informed that Captain Pockley wore them ashore on landing from H.M.A.S. "Sydney". They were not on him when he was brought aboard H.M.A.T. Berrima on the 11th September.
Silver-mounted Spirit Flask & Instrument Case.
These were handed into the keeping of Captain Donaldson at Herbertshohe and were looked after by him with the intention of returning them personally.
On his departure for Nauru they were handed to me. I returned the instruments to Dr. Pockley personally and informed him that the flask had also been handed to me. I regret to state that on looking through my baggage on returning to Sydney that I could not find the flask and am still endeavouring to trace it. I informed Dr. Pockley of this in January last.
Books. The only books Capt Pockley had with him were Military text books and a copy of the latest edition of Castellani & Chalmer's textbook of Tropical Medicine. and he (Dr F Antill Pockley) asked me to retain it as a memento. It is now in my possession.
Microscope. Captain Pockley had no microscope with him.
£20 in Cash. The only money that I know of was that found in Captain Pockley's uniform on his return to the "Berrima". This I returned to Dr. Pockley with all other articles found in the pockets.
Clothing. All the clothing that came into my possession was returned by me to Dr. Pockley in Captain Pockley's trunks. I know nothing of any other clothing. To the best of my knowledge Captain Pockley took on board with him his camp stretcher bed, mackintosh coat and great coat. These I have not seen since as far as I can recollect.
I would point out that Capt. Pockley was on H.M.A.S. Sydney from 6th to 11th September, then went ashore, was wounded, and returned to the "Berrima". He carried certain articles with him to the "Sydney", and others ashore. I do not know exactly what he had with him. All the articles that came into my possession, I either returned or informed Dr. Pockley of, of others I have endeavoured to trace them, and have informed Dr. Pockley by letter and by word of mouth of all I have done.
[F.A. Maguire]
Major A.A.M.C.
Staff Officer for Medical Services.
Military Encampment, Broadmeadows
Late P.M.O. A.M.& N.E. Force.
M