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[Page 44]
BRITISH ADMINISTRATION OF GERMAN NEW GUINEA:
Rabaul,
New Britain,
8th October 1914.
To - Lieutenant Commander John Metcalf Jackson, R.N.
"I hereby order you to take command of the Armed Yacht "Nusa". She is to be known as H.M.A.S. "Nusa" and will, until further instructions, act under my orders only.
You will have under your command such Officers and Men as may be required, from the Naval Brigade attached to the Expeditionary Force under my command."
(Sgd.) William Holmes, Colonel.
Administrator:
Up to this time "Nusa" was armed with 3 pr. Guns; I directed that one of these be taken out and replaced by a 12 pr. which had been handed over to me by the Navy on a field carriage for land defence. The 3 pr. which was removed I arranged to have placed in position on a Motor Lorry for quick transport anywhere.
Lieut. Commander Jackson was then directed to proceed to sea and search the North Coast of New Britain, and effect the capture of the "Komet". He was provided with a Maxim Machine Gun and a small force of Infantry under the command of Lieut. Col. Paton.
The "Nusa" left Simpsonhafen at midnight 8-9 th October. At 8-10 p.m. on the 9th October I received the following message from Navy Board, Melbourne:-
"Thursday Island heard signals in German plain language 4-45 a.m., 7th Octr,. reporting that "Australia" and all large Men-o'-War had left Rabaul going Eastward. Did you hear this signal and can you estimate where it was made from?".
I replied at 9-30 p.m. same day:-
"Message not intercepted here; Station believed to be working Tawanakus Bay. Expedition has been despatched".
At 8-45 a.m. yesterday, 13th instant, I received a wireless message from Lieut. Commander Jackson that he had captured the "Komet" and expected to arrive with her at Rabaul during the forenoon.
The "Nusa" with her capture arrived at 12 Noon.
Attached hereto I forward copies of reports by Lieut-Commdr. Jackson and Lieut. Col. Paton, detailing the operations of the expedition.