Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 50]
H.M.A.S. "Berrima"
12/9/14.
To/
The Officer Commanding,
Naval & Military Expedition.
I have the honour to report the result 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 Pounder Naval detachment and "E" "F" "G" "H" Companies, acting under your instructions, landed at HERBERTSHOHE to relieve Naval detachment previously landed, to Co-operate with Commander Beresford's Force at KABA KAUL. 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 KABA KAUL; "H" Company 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 intention.
A half of "F" Company 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 at dusk. When Advance Guard reached MATANATA WAL Creek, Patrols and Cyclist 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 Southely direction at 5.41 p.m. At 6 p.m. sent forward another Patrol towards KABA KAUL, at 6.15 p.m.retired to HERBERTSHOHE conforming to Admiral's instructions to Commander Beresford's force, arriving at HERBERTSHOHE at 8.39 p.m. At 9.45 p.m. Patrols returned and reported that Cyclist had seen Commander Beresford, and at 11.57 p.m. received your