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[Page 113]
[Transcript of Court of Inquiry - Presumed to be continuation of page 111]
Col. Paton, What orders did you give for the advance on that evening.
I assembled all the Officers comprised in the Troops for the occupation of Rabaul on board the steamer and issued general instructions to them particularly in regard to looting, the entering of houses under any pretence whatever.
As far as you know where these orders carried out.
Yes the Coy Commanders assembled their men and spoke to them on the notes they had taken from me.
What was the condition of Gov. House when you arrived there.
I reached there with Capt Maguire about 6.30 am on the morning of the 13th. Several rooms were open two men of A Coy were there one on the verandah and one in the southern room. I ordered them off the premises, walked into other rooms with Capt Maguire noticed some bottles and glasses on the table with chairs around showing that someone had recently occupied the building and had been taking drink there. As the leading troops of the vanguard had only just then reached the vicinity, I opined that they had no connection with the liquor on the table.
Up to this time did you reckon that the troops had not had anything to do with it. Yes.
What time was this. About 630.
Were the tactical positions of the advanceguard carried out.
Yes up to a certain point. The instructions to the advanceguard Commander, Major Beardsmore, were upon landing to proceed along the road running easterly from the Pier and make good the high ground on the North East of the Town. I received a message from him at 9 pm on the 12th. Have established an outpost about 1¼ miles from Rabaul in vicinity of main road. I further instructed him that the Burgomaster, who I had taken along with me to the Gov. Office, had assured me no resistance would be offered, but to make dispositions for defence in the position he occupied and at the same time told him where my Headquarters were.
What instructions did you give to ensure protection of Gov. House.
I personally placed a sentry in the Grounds close to the door, gave Lieut Bruce specific instructions that no houses were to be entered and more definite instructions to the same affect in regard to Gov. House. I also showed him the sentry which I had placed there, and I instructed him to push forward his Patrol to the higher ground on the North East. I then returned saw Major Beardsmore about 100 yards south of Gov. House, informed him what I had done and repeated the instructions to him which I had given to Lieut. Bruce. Was Major Beardsmore then sober. Yes Sir.
What damage was done. Was the furniture broken
No there was nothing broken. On leaving Gov. House I called the Blackboy to lock the doors, took the keys and put them in an envelope at Garrison H. Qrs. They remained there until I handed them to Major Heritage two or three days afterwards.
[Signature] J Paton Lt Col