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[Page 46]
(P.S.)
It has just occurred to me that in the foregoing. I have said very little in regard to the Blue Jacket portion of the Force. I understand that the numbers have been drawn from the four States, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, and up to the time of their arrival at the transport in Sydney had practically not met each other, and the Officers also were not acquainted with each other, nor were some portions of the Contingent fully equipped. However, this has been to a great extent got over by a re-distribution of the clothing, equipment, etc. We had on board.
Although they have been recruited as Sailormen, I rather fear that a good many of them have never previously been to sea. This also applies to many of the officers, a large number of whom are very young and do not appear to have had any previous experience, as it seems to me to be the general practice to leave the training of the men entirely in the hands of Warrant and Petty Officers, instead of following the good old principle of the men being instructed by the Officers who are to lead them. Commander Beresford, however, has them well in hand, and with the assistance of Acting Commanders Browne and Elwell, R.N., he is doing good work.
I should also here lay particular emphasis on the enormous assistance Major Heritage has been to me in the organisation and work done by the Force up to date. His previous experience and knowledge of the world, combined with extreme loyalty to me and a great display of tact, has been beyond all question.
(Sgd.) WILLIAM HOLMES Colonel.