Item 02: General William Holmes operation orders, 1914-June 1916 - Page 191
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[Page 191]
outbreak of Dysentery occurred among the Natives around Rabaul and it was found necessary to prevent them entering the Town.
Provisions. There has been a scarcity of vegetables, sugar, flour, and jam, due to non-arrival of expected supplies.
Discipline. The conduct of the troops generally has been very good indeed.
The Garrisons at Madang and Manus were relieved by the Tropical Force, and returned to Rabaul on the 13th and 28th January. Capt. Morrison and 51 men from Madang were transhippes from the S.S. Siar to the S.S. Morinda to Sydney on the recommendation of the P.M.O.
Colonel Pethebridge accompanied the relieving force to Manus and appointed me Acting Administrator from January 17th to 29th.
J. Paton. Colonel
Commdg. N & M. Exp. Forces in New Guinea.
The men have picked up somewhat on the voyage home but they are quite unfit to resume their ordinary avocations yet. There is no doubt that a large number of them will be affected with malaria and under the circumstances I would strongly recommend that a reasonable amount of leave be granted them, say to end of the month, to compensate for the time they will be likely to lose later on.
[Handwritten note]
Col Holmes DSO, VD I beg to enclose copy of my brief report at expiration of term of Service
18/2/15 [Signature indecipherable- Paton?]