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S.S. 'Komet' at Sea
13th Oct 1914
The Administrator
Rabaul
Sir
I have the honor to report that pursuant to your instructions I proceeded in the 'Nusa' with Lt Comdr Jackson and a party of Naval & Military members of the Expeditionary Force at 4 am on the 9th inst for the purpose of (1) clearing up the situation in regard to the Wireless Station working on the Island, and (2) effecting the capture of the "Komet".
The 'Komet' has been captured undamaged and the wireless plant is aboard and in working order.
The vessel was located at Talassia a small plantation on the North Coast of the Island about 160 miles S.W. of Rabaul. The "Nusa" anchored at dusk on Saturday 10th Octr., close up to a small Island near Talassia and received there definite information of the "Komet's" hiding place. At a conference between Commander Jackson & myself that evening, the plan of attack for the next morning was decided upon. Meanwhile a strict watch kept that no communication could reach the "Komet" from the Island or the Steamer leave her position without being noticed and coming under the fire of our guns. As we steamed along at half speed in the haze at dawn on the 11th the masts of the "Komet" were observed through the trees at a range of 1500 yards. The "Nusa" went full speed ahead & rounded the point behind which the "Komet" was sheltering (until then unobserved) and stopped broadside on at a distance of 400 yds. I proceeded in a boat with Mr Whiteman as Interpreter under a white flag. The Captain was dressing when I reached the "Komet" and surrendered the ship in response to my demand. The necessary steps were at once taken for the protection of the wireless room, engine room and all on board disarmed. Commander Jackson then came on board and made all arrangements for the 2 vessels to leave for Rabaul, and this was accomplished at dawn next day -Monday 12th.
I desire to specially bring under your notice the zeal initiative and indomitable energy of Commander Jackson, who is mainly responsible for bringing to a successful issue this expedition. His keenness is infectious and has been reflected in the whole of the small party. I need hardly add that the negotiation of the innumerable small reefs on the uncharted coast required all the care and skill of an experienced navigator. He has been ably assisted in this respect by Mr Komini (Japanese) who volunteered his services en route.
The preliminary information which enabled us to locate the approximate position of the captured Steamer was supplied by Mr Whiteman who accompanied the expedition as Intelligence Officer and has been very useful in many ways.
I would also like to mention Lt. Marsden, who fixed the Machine Gun in position on the"Nusa", worked the range finder, overhauled the Hotchkiss gun on the "Komet" and acted as Executive Oficer (Military) when the prize crew was placed aboard the "Komet"
I am sending under separate cover
(1) List of prisoners (German) 5
(2) List of crew 52
(3) Particulars of engagement of crew shewing wages paid and owing.
(Sg J. Paton
Lt. Col.