[Page 44]
No particular incidents worthy of mention occurred up to our arrival here. We met the "Sydney" off Sandy Cape and the "Encounter" was here on our arrival. At the present time these Ships are standing by, and we are awaiting the arrival of the "Aorangi".
The health of the troops has been excellent; a few slight colds and stomach disorders, but nothing whatever of any consequence. I keep the men employed as much as possible as far as the deck space on board will permit, and since we have been here they have been ashore each day at Palm Island. The bush does not lend itself to very much in the way of manoeuvres, but it is good practice in teaching men to maintain touch in this class of country. Yesterday three Companies of Infantry were exercised on shore at rifle shooting, grouping practice at short ranges, etc. Taking the troops ashore each day relieves the monotony of life on board, exercises them, and also gives the Naval portion of the Contingent most excellent practice in boat work.
Although your letter ot me indicated there might be some delay on the coast, I did not anticipate the delay would have been as great as it is. The inaction in proving rather irksome as all hands are anxious to get to the front as early as possible.
I have had Conference with the Captains of the "Sydney" and "Encounter", the latter of whom informed me that the 500 men who were sent from Townsville to Thursday Island are already at Port Moresby. It does not therefore seem as if there would be much to gain now by calling at Thursday Island, and I am hoping when we get a start that we will be able to go straight to New Guinea. Our destination must, of course, be Rabaul in Pomern, and Frederick Wilhelmshaven in German New Guinea. Although the "Sydney" and two Destroyers have been into Simpsonhafen, it is hard to say what we have to meet, as it seems to me until the two big German Cruisers in these waters, viz. the "Scharnhorst" and "Gneisnau" have been accounted for by the Navy, there is a risk. The harbour at Rabaul and Simpsonhafen is very large with water enough to accommodate the whole German Fleet.
I assume it will be necessary to garrison both the places rather strongly, as in view of the importance of Blanche Bay as a harbour, it must have an important future before it, particularly too as it is really the head quarters of the whole of the German possessions in these waters. No doubt it may be necessary also to place an Officer and a Sergeant's guard at one or two other points as evidence of British occupation. A flag will be hoisted at each of these places, and I propose at present to keep as many men as possible on the Ship in preference to sleeping ashore, so as to mimimise risk of Malaria. But all this is perhaps a little premature, and the steps to be actuall taken must depend upon the circumstances of the moment. I may say that Captain Glossop seems rather sanguine and optimistic and does not anticipate very much trouble at either of these places. However, this remanis to be seen.