[Page 320]
[Duplicate of page 286]
MONDAY - 28TH DECEMBER 1914:
Commander Jackson reported that his Wireless Telegraph Officer heard a ship calling up 'BX' from 'AN', pure telefunken note. Rabaul Station also heard this, but the Administrator is of opinion that the signals are being made by Japanese Warships. This continual jamming has been going on by Japanese Ships for the past 2 or 3 months.
Japanese Warships were sighted at 11-0 a.m. by 'Mt. Mother', which arrived in Simpsonhafen at 2-0 p.m. They were:-
Cruiser....."Chikuma" - Capt. Sakamato.
do... "Yahagi" - Capt. Chio.
Destroyer..."Yamakaje" -) Capt. Kuwashima
do . .."Unikaje" - )
Capt. Sakamoto visited the Administrator at 4-0 p.m., and the Administrator, accompanied by Captain Travers, returned the visit at 5-30 p.m.
An Official Dinner was given by the Administrator in honor of the three Japanese Captains, toast being - His Majesty, the King, coupled with that of His Majesty, The Mikado. The Japanese Warships above referred to have been right through the East Indies and Indian Ocean as far as Colombo, participating in the general search for the German Warship "Emden".
The "Lorengou" returned at 4-0 p.m., bringing back garrisons relieved by "Eastern" from Kaiwieng and Namatanai. She will return to Labore with provisions for the natives, which were depleted owing to the large number requiring to be provided for at Xmas time.
Sub-Lieut. Sparling was brought before the Administrator. He was informed by the Administrator that he would be relieved from duty forthwith, and would be required to leave Rabaul. He was further informed that a recommendation would be passed forward to the Navy Board that his name be struck off the list of R.N.R. Officers.
Patients in Hospital are making satisfactory progress.