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[Page 45]
I wish to again express my gratification at being selected for this command, which I quite agree with you is engaged upon a mission of Empire building and extending in a few more places on the map of the world those red colored spots of which we Britishers are all so proud. I also again wish to place on record the fact that Colonel Wallack and his staff did their very utmost to meet me in every way to expedite the dispatch of the Expeditionary Force of which I am so proud, and which I feel sure will give a good account of itself in the very near future.
Perhaps I may be pardoned for mentioning following personal matter:- In view of the importance of the Command and the mixed force of which it is composed and also the fact that the whole of the responsibility of the Expeditionary Force and the work it is expected to do devolves on me, I was a little disappointed that before leaving Sydney I did not get a step in rank, if only while holding my present position. It is with some diffidence that I now mention the matter, but it does seem to me that the circumstances justify the Commander holding the rank of Brigadier-General. It you can see your way to do anything in this matter without forming a precedent that may be inconvenient I hope, in view of the services I have rendered in the past and my selection for this present Expeditionary Force, that you will do so.
With very kindest regards,
Yours Sincerely,
(Sgd.) WILLIAM HOLMES, Colonel.
Commanding Australian Naval & Military Exped.