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[Page 34]
H.M.A.S. "Berrima".
12th September 1914.
The Officer Commanding,
Naval & Military Expedition
I have the honor to report the results of operations of the troops under my command on the 11th and 12th September.
The force consisting of Head Quarters Infantry, No. 2 Machine Gun Section, one 12 pdr. Naval detachment, and 'E' 'F' 'G' and 'H' Companies, acting under your instructions, landed at Herbertshohe to relieve Naval Detachment previously landed, and to co-operate with Commander Beresford's force at Kabakaul. On landing, Lieut. Finlayson, R.N., informed me that his party, sent forward to locate wireless station towards Toma, had not returned at 3.45 p.m.,so I ordered his party and the ammunition guard of 30 men from the "Berrima" to garrison Herbertshohe until my return. At 4.15 p.m. my force moved off due East via Coast Road to co-operate with Commander Beresford's party at Kabakaul. 'H' Coy. under Major Martin, Advance guard with instructions to get in touch with Commander Beresford's party by means of Patrols and to inform him of my intentions. Half of 'F' Coy. was despatched to Cross Roads South of Herbertshohe, one mile from Grunapur, and to Patrol to Grunapur. A patrol was also sent along the road leading South, 1100 yards East of Wunapape; these troops were ordered to retire before dusk.
When Advance Guard reached Matanata Wal Creek, Patrols and Cyclists were sent forward to pick up Commander Beresford's party. At 5-10 p.m. I received a note from Advance Guard Commander that heavy firing was heard towards the South, and Advance Guard opened fire on some Natives who retired in a Southerly direction at 5-41 p.m. At 6-0 p.m. sent forward another Patrol towards Kabakaul, at 6-15 p.m. retired to Herbertshohe conforming to Admiral's instructions to Commander Beresford's force, arriving at Herbertshohe at 8-30 p.m. At 9-45 p.m. Patrols returned and reported that Cyclist had seen Commander Beresford, and at 11-57 p.m. I received your concurrence of my plan of operations for the 12th instant. At 4-30 a.m. I received a message from Commander Beresford stating that the wireless station had surrendered and at 4-40 a.m. another messafe verifying the first. I signalled the "Berrima" Beresford's news and asked, in view thereof, would I carry out the previously approved orders and I received answer "Stand fast". At 5-0 a.m. the force was ready to move off in accordance with orders enclosed herewith. During the 11th and 12th on three separate occasions my outposts opened fire on stragglers crossing the road from Herbertshohe - Ranicolo. Lieut. Cooper and half Company 'F' captured 6 prisoners unarmed, but partially attired in Military uniform; these men were handed over to Guard at Herbertshohe, when my force embarked on the "Berrima". I wish to draw the attention of the Brigadier to the excellent scouting, reconnoitering at night by Ptes. Finlayson and Hawkes of 'D' Coy.