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[Page 101]
The work of organising, clothing, arming, equipping, and training was proceeded vigorously, and within one week the Force was embarked on board the Transport "Berrima" at Sutherland Dock, Cockatoo Island, Sydney, as a complete self-contained unit, ready to proceed to sea on active service.
The Naval portion of the Expeditionary Force was recruited from the States of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, and reported for duty at the dock as a complete unit, under Commander J.H. Beresford, R.A.N., at the same time as the Infantry.
The Officers and Ratings of the Naval Force were as under:-
| Brigade Staff: | Battalion Staff: |
| Commander Stevenson. | Lieut. Commander Browne. |
| Paymaster Livesay. | Lieut. Commander Elwell. |
| Petty Officer Blackmore. | |
| Officer's St. Gosling. | Company Officers: |
| Lieut. Commander Lambton. | |
| Naval Staff: | Lieut. Bowen. |
| Commander Beresford. | Lieut. Read. |
| Lieut. Bracegirdle. | Lieut. Gillam. |
| Mr. Hunter, Signal Bosn. | Lieut. Cameron. |
| Mr. William, Midshipman. | Lieut. Bond |
| C.P.O. McDonough. | Sub-Lieut. Webber |
| P.O. Dyer. | Sub-Lieut. Hext. |
| P.O. Instance. | M'man Stirling. |
| M'man Sage | |
| M'man Hicks. | |
| M'man Veale. | |
| M'man Buller | |
| M'man Cock | |
| Gunners & Petty Officers: | |
| Mr. Yeo | |
| Mr. Gordon | |
| Mr. Pettersen | |
| Mr. Young |
The "Berrima" commenced her voyage from Farm Cove, Sydney Harbour, at 12-0 p.m. on 19th August, and after a delay of some days off the Coast of North Queensland and at Port Moresby, the Expedition escorted by the Ships of the Royal Australian Navy under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir George Patey, arrived at Blanche Bay, New Britain, at about 7-15 a.m. on 11th September.