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[Page 59]
At the present time my dispositions are as follows:-
Garrison at Herbertshohe under Commander Beresford.
4 Naval Companies.
2 Coys. Infantry.
1-12 pdr. Field Gun from H.M.A.S. "Sydney".
1 Machine Gun Section.
Detachment A.M.C.
Garrison at Rabaul under Lieut,-Colonel Paton:
1 Coy. Naval reserves.
4 Coys. infantry.
1 Machine Gun Section.
Detachment A.M.C.
The balance of my troops will be held in reserve on board ship in Simpsonhafen.
The Flag will be hoisted at Rabaul this afternoon at 3 o'clock, and my Proclamation read with as much ceremony as possible. The whole of the troops available will parade, march past and salute the flag, while the Warships in Simpsonhafen will co-operate by firing a Royal Salute. I have appointed an Officer to organize Native Police and have made necessary arrangements for proper administration of the Territory.
I propose for the present to make my head quarters at Herbertshohe and probably later at Rabaul.
Yesterday I forwarded by Motor Cycle Orderly to the Acting Governor of German New Guinea a formal demand for surrender. He is not either at Herbertshohe or Rabaul but had retired inland to a place called Toma (about 10 miles). About 8-0 p.m. my messenger returned with a letter from the Government Official stating that the Acting Governor would reply to my communication at 4-30 p.m. to-day. In the event of his reply not being satisfactory, or his not calling upon me in response to my request, it is my intention to despatch a force to effect his arrest.
I understand from the Admiral that he intends leaving with the Warships "Australia", "Melbourne", and "Sydney" to Sydney for the purpose of escorting the Australian Expeditionary Force to Europe, leaving at Simpsonhafen the Destroyers and Submarines for our protection. It seems likely, therefore, that my force will be in this locality for some considerable time. I therefore ask, seeing that I am supplied with provisions for only 60 days, that the necessary steps be taken in sufficient time to replenish. I will have an estimate of requirements prepared and forwarded to you.
The health of the troops is excellent, there not being a single case of sickness in the Hospital.
(Sgd.) William Holmes, Colonel.
Brigadier Commanding.