Item 06: General William Holmes correspondence, 1900-1915 - Page 56
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 56]
I ommitted to mention that ten minutes before I was wounded Surgeon Pockley was called to the rear to attend one of the wounded men who had been sent with the first reinforcements. I took the precaution to send three armed men to prevent him being attacked as it appeared from what I could gather from the German officers that the safety of no one could be guaranteed meaning, no doubt, that the armed natives were ignorant of Red Cross arrangements but I heard later that he had been shot while attending to the wounded Blue jacket. After the capture of these four officers there was a lull showing that they must have been the leaders of the natives.
I have not heard since whether these officers duly reach the beach also if the guard arrived safely. Up to the time of my being wounded I am glad to say I lost none of my party.
The ambulance brought me to the rear about four hours later and I was transferred by "Yarra" after medical treatment ashore to "Australia".
R.G. Bowen.
Lieutenant R.A.N.
No. 4. Company.