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[Page 182]
(3)
six months period of service, viz. 18th February. Lieut.Col. Watson will command the troops returning by the "Eastern", and Lieut. Col. Paton those which will be sent later on by the larger Troopship.
The whole of my personal staff, viz. Major F.B. Heritage (Military Secretary), Captain R.J.A. Travers (Intelligence Officer), and Lieut. B. Holmes (A.D.C.), will remain here with me.
The following Officers who are holding important administrative positions at present, have elected to continue their services here, viz :-
Captain C.G, Manning - Judge of local Court.
Captain W.A. Fry - Treasurer.
Captain L.B. Ravenscroft - Provost Marshal.
Lieut. J.S. Whittle, R.A.N.R. - Director of Works.
Lieut. G.O. Manning - Native Affairs.
Lieut. K. Heritage - Supply & Transport Officer
Lieut. J. Lyng - Govt. Printer & Interpreter.
Sergeant G.W. Moore - Post-master, Rabaul.
I also propose retaining Major E.F. Martin as District Officer, to represent me in administrative matters at Kaiser Wilhelmshafen, and Captain R.G. Thorold in a similar capacity at New Ireland.
With regard to Captain C.G. Manning, who is a Sydney Barrister, and who has done invaluable work in the Law Dept. here. This Officer has agreed to remain at my special request, because I have no one to take his place, for a period of 3 months, on the understanding that I shall recommend to you that someone with legal knowledge, and preferably a Barrister, should be selected in Australia and sent here to take over the duties from him, as it is his desire to return to Australia with a view to further military service with future drafts for the Imperial Expeditionary Force in Europe. It is absolutely necesary for the proper administration of this place, that a gentleman with legal attainments should be sent here, and I now ask, in conformity with my promise to Captain Manning, that consideration be given to this matter with a view to a suitable person being sent here at the earliest possible date.
The Naval portion of the force will proceed as a complete Unit to Australia on the larger Troopship. They will be under the command of Commander R.S. Lambton, who will be accompanied by Lt. Commander Bracegirdle, whom I am anxious should return here to Rabaul, unless his services are required for other more important Naval duties in Australia, to take up the duties of King's Harbour Master, in lieu of Commander Lambton. Lieut-Commander Bracegirdle is seized of all the details in connection with the Naval Forces, and will be able to settle up quickly all matters and queries that may arise, while in Australia.
I think it desirable that when he is returned here he should bring with him 31 selected men of the Naval Forces, for service on the Steamers "Madang" and "Nusa" and the Harbour Master's Motor Boat, as well as to perform other Naval duties on the harbour front. I trust this will be acceded to.
The ratings recommended are, 1 Chief Petty Officer, 6 Petty Officers, 1 Engine Room Artificer, 6 Leading Seamen, 3 Leading Stokers, 3 Able-Seamen, 1 Leading Signalman, 1 Officers' Steward (2nd class), all fully armed and equipped for land service, including mosquito nets.