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[Page 52]
Government House,
Rabaul,
New Britain,
13/9/1914.
Dear Sir;
I regret that it is my duty to inform you that your Son (Captain Pockley) of the Army Medical Corps Unit which accompanied the troops under my command, was killed in action on the 11th September at Kabakaul. At the same time I am pleased to be able to say that he displayed conspicuous gallantry in action, and as a matter of fact forfeited his life for those under his command, as I am informed that he deliberately removed the red cross badge from his arm and handed it to one of his own men who was without one, and unfortunately your gallant Son paid the penalty with his life.
I am informed by Lieut.- Colonel Howse that his injuries were so severe when brought on board H.M.A.S. "Berrima" that his case was regarded as hopeless. I was with him immediately before he died and he was then quite conscious and knew and spoke to me. His body was interred in the cemetery at Herbertshohe at sundown, along with an Able-seaman who fell with him, the burial service being read over the graves by the Chaplain from H.M.A.S. ''Sydney''. I shall take care that a suitable cross is erected over the grave, and endeavor to forward you a photograph.
I offer you my sincerest sympathy and condolence in your sad bereavement
Yours very sincerely,
Colonel.
Commanding Naval & Military Exped. to New Guinea. Dr. F. Antill Pockley,
Macquarie Street,
Sydney: