Item 11: General William Holmes papers, September 1914-January 1915 - Page 104

[Page 104]

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As to any intention of reflecting on the Sister Service, of course the idea is quiet absurd and may be dismissed at once.

I fear the whole of Commander Beresford's trouble has arisen through his having mistaken  his position.   The office he was occupying was Officer Commanding the Garrison at Herbertshohe, and not Senior Naval Officer, no such appointment having been made.   However, he was well aware at the time of the steps I had taken in  connection with the despatch of the "Nusa" to Kaewieng, and the "Komet" to Sydney on 16th October, but took no exception to such action until 9th inst., although before my departure for Nauru on 28th October  Commanded Beresford had a long interview with me on matters connected with his Garrison.   Moreover, while he was in Hospital here awaiting the departure of the "Matunga" for Sydney, Major Heritage, who was temporarily acting as Deputy Administrator during my absence, called upon him and remained quite a long time, but he made no complaint whatever; on the contrary he expressed thanks for all the kindness and consideration that had been extended to him.

I have nothing but kindly feelings for Commander Beresford, and regret exceedingly that serious illness should have necessitated his return to Australia; our relations have always been cordial and I trust his restoration to sound health may be speedy and permanent.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(sgd.) William Holmes, Colonel,
Administrator.