Memoir of Arthur Ross Bramwell Bollard, 1914 - Part 4

Fighting for Wireless Station.
Herbertshole.
Sept. 11^th.
laying in ambush for them; to set them
free. They were driven off with heavy losses
thirty niggers being killed, and a few more
taken prisoners. None of our boys were
killed, but several seamen were wounded;
one Chap had nine bullets in him, but refused
to Die. The Wounded were patched up as
well as possible under the Circumstances,
and then sent aboard the Flagship for
Medical attention. The Prisoners were 
also sent aboard the "Australia" where they
too received attention; only of a different nature.
The Fighting ashore went on all night, and
during it we lost Dr Pockley, who was binding
a German's Officer's arm, when with the
other hand the German drew a revolver and
shot Dr Pockley in the back and killed him,
needless to say the "Hun" didn't live long after,
although he did throw up his hands.
Sept 12^th.
Wireless station captured during
early morning after a hard fight.
All Seamen who took part in it were
returned to their respective ships and their
places filled by "Soldiers" from the "Berrima".
"Encounter" and Convoy arrived about noon.
also hospital ship "Grantella".
Had a slight mishap with our "2^nd Cutter"
just before noon; which nearly proved fatal
to two Seamen who were in it making it
"fast", whilst it was being hauled up one
of the "Guys" gave way, and down went the
boat with a rush into the water, of course

Hebertshole.
"Simpsonshafen".
Sep 12^th
throwing the two men out of the boat. One
Chap a sturdy swimmer soon swam alongside
and clambered in-board again. And the
other chap not being a swimmer was weighed
down by his Clothing and began to sink and
would doubtless have been drowned, had not
his mate seeing the other's peril; leapt back
into the water, and succeeded in saving
him, hardly had the two been safely hauled
aboard, when a shoal of ugly blue sharks
came swimming along. we all shuddered when
we realized how narrow had been their escape.
About 2.p.m. the Collier came alongside, and
we took in 1,600 tons of Coal, also oiled from
the Oil ship "Murex", got a nice lot of cigars
from the "Japs" aboard her, gave them "Flannels"
for them in exchange. Coaling continued all
night, accompanied by showers of rain, no
watches kept at Guns on account of "Destroyers"
and "Submarines" patrolling outside.
Germans make an attempt to recapture the
Wireless Station, but fail owing to a small
party of Bluejackets taking them by surprise
in the Rear. The Bluejackets were
from the Gun-boat "Protector".
Sept. 13 ^th
A large number of the "Black Prisoners"
were converted to British. "Capt Jackson " took
five of them for Duty in a Motor Boat which
he had captured, the remainder went ashore
and helped the "Native Police" who had also
turned over.  2.p.m. The Band of H.M.A.S.
"Australia" landed at the Pier, and proceeded

Herbertshole.
Sept 13^th
To march at the head of about nine hundred
of the Troops, Naval & Military; playing patriotic
airs, hundreds of Natives and a Number of
Germans stood by the Road-side watching us
as our triumphant little Brigade marched
through the Town, they never interfered with us
at all, but simply let us march up on to the
Parade Ground, on entering the Grounds the
Naval Division wheeled to the Right, and
the Military to the left, and by another couple
of turns formed a square. At a warning
from the "bugle" and crisp word of Command
from the Officer in Charge; the "Brigade" came
smartly to attention as "Admiral Sir Geo Patey
came on to the field followed by the "Brigadier
General" commanding the "Military Forces".
"Sir Geo Patey" took the Salute and at 3. p.m
the "Union Jack" was hoisted, whilst the Band
struck up "God Save The King". The Proclamation
was then read out proclaiming the place
"English Territory, and putting it under "Military
Supervision, Governed by "Governor Walk" late of
"Royal Marines Portsmouth". Three hearty
Cheers were then given for H.M. The King.
After this the Troops marched past the
"Governors Residence" saluting the New Governor,
as they went. Shortly afterwards they marched
back to the pier, and were taken of in boats
to their respective ships. "Melbourne" sailed
under sealed orders, towards evening.
Midnight another attack was made by
Germans to Capture Wireless station, but they
were Driven off with heavy losses. 13 prisoners

being taken, and transferred to "Flagship."

Simpsonshafen.
Herbertshole.
Sept 14^th
First thing in morning "Encounter" went
around the Coast a few miles to a small place called
"Kahabaul" where some German Officers
had been inciting the Natives and generally
causing trouble, after a short bombardment
the place surrendered, troops ^then landed and took
charge, sending the "Australia" a few more prisoners.
Great anxiety was caused by the non return
of Submarine A.E.I. which left harbour with
its sister ship the previous evening, day rolled
on without any news of the missing "Sub".
One of Capt Jacksons niggers was shot
by mistake to-day, whilst taking a message
to the "Governor's House", he had been given a
pass word by "Jackson", but when the
Sentry on Duty challenged him with fixed
bayonet, he was so frightened that he forgot what
to say, and straightway took to his heels, he
hadn't gone far before the Sentry fired and he
dropped in his tracks. We were all sorry to
hear of his Death, Because he was rather a decent
"Johnny", only the day before we had presented
him with a Medal, made out of a "cigarette
tin lid, we put a hole in it and hung it around
his neck with a piece of string, and he
swanked about with his Chest cocked out
as though he had won the "V.C."
Take in provisions during the afternoon,
receive a buzz of going to "Sydney" to escort
troops to "Colombo". no faith put in the
Buzz however. 

Sept. 15^th.
Search parties have been out after Sub. A.EI,
which has not returned yet, neither could any
trace of her be found. It is thought that she
must have struck a hidden "Mine" or "Rock".
1.30. p.m. We Weigh Anchor and proceed to sea,
pass the French ship "Montcalm" as we leave
"Simpsons-hafen". A strict Guard was kept
on all Prisoners, but they caused no trouble.
Wed. 16^th.
Steaming South, South East; at
fifteen knots. Rumours of going to "Sydney".
dont believe it though. Sharp Watch kept for
German Ships. no luck however, they appear
to be making for "South America."
Goodness help "Those Old Crocks" on The South
Atlantic Station if "Von Spee" bumps into
them. Receive news of Destroyer "Yarra" having
struck a Reef and injuring the Port Propellor.
Report made by Wireless that The Governor of
Rabaul has t given himself up.
Prisoners were allowed on Deck to smoke,
under the supervision of armed sentries.
Thurs 17^th.
Course altered 16 points, heading back
for "Rabaul." Official announcement made
of the loss of Sub. A.E.I. With all hands.
About forty in all.

September.
Friday 18^th.
On our way back to "Rabaul",
The "Melbourne" is on her way to "Sydney"
to escort Troops to "Colombo". Great talk
about an Australian landing being made.
Sat 19^th.
Arrived in harbour at 4.30 p.m. Collier
"Waihora" came alongside, starting coaling
5.45 and finished at 12.45. a.m. taking in
1,264 tons, at an average of 210.6 tons per hour
The French Ship coaled all day, and took
in 250 tons, having 2½ hours for Dinner.
Lieut Jackson reports having found the "Komet"
(a German Survey Ship.)
Sept 20^th
The "Sydney" sailed under sealed
orders. The "Phantom" (British Survey ship)
arrived bringing with it an "Oiler." We had
been expecting a Mail to come by it, but
we were doomed to disappointment.
Sunday 21^st.
Nothing startling happens,
usual Patrol out. We Patrol With "Warrego"
and "Parramatta". Notice several huge
fires burning on the Islands as we pass,
which were no doubt Signal fires of The
Germans.
Monday 22^nd.
Enter harbour at 8. a.m. but
leave again at 10.30 a.m. in company
with the "Montcalm", "Encounter" and
"Berrima". Course is set for St George's Channel
Fried Friederick Wilhelm Harbour. 

September.
Wednesday 23^rd.
Squadron Steaming
12 knots, sky very overcast, and
the air warm and oppressive,

big Tropical Storm appears to be
brewing. Pass land on our Starboard,
it is part of "Bismark
Archipelligoe".
At 9.45. a.m. the squadron
hove to while The Brigadier General
from the Transport Berrima came
aboard The Flagship for a conflab
with Sir Geo Patey, which lasted
about half an hour, after which he
returned to his Ship.
During the
afternoon The Picket Boats were made
ready for Mine Sweeping, for which
purpose they would be needed early
on the morrow, prior to The Squadron
entering harbour. Second Degree of
Vigilance Piped after Tea.
My Watch for the night in the
Turret, about midnight we had an
alarm, Orders came through from the
Transmitting Station for Gun's Crews
to close up. Stand by for Action.
All Guns were loaded in less no time
but we were not called upon to fire
as the cause of the Alarm turned out
to be a Beacon light on an Island. 

September.
Thursday 24^th.
During the night "The
Montcalm" had a slight breakdown."
Engine Trouble, we had to slacken
speed for her to keep up with us.

6. a.m. We arrived off "Wilhelmshafen".
and The Sweeping Boats go forward
sweeping for mines, when the harbour
had been properly swept, The Flagship
took up a position just inside the entrance
covering The Town with half her Guns,
and having the rest trained Seaward
in case of a surpise attack by The
German Squadron. The "Montcalm" stopped
outside Scouting, while The "Encounter"
and The "Berrima" made their way
up around the bend of the Stream for
purpose of landing Troops.
On seeing the huge force against
him, the "Chief Hun" surrounded the
Township, Te He with two other
Officials were brought as prisoners
to The Flagship, at the same time
a large force of swaddies was landed
to haul up The "Union Jack" and to
hold the Town. 5.30. p.m. The Fleet
put to Sea and Steam South 74 East
at 13 knots. We all feel thankful that
Our Objective has been gained without
loss of life on either side. Seventeen
Prisoners being taken altogether. 

Princess Street

Townsville
24/4/19.

A R. Bollard.
Torrens Street.
West Hilton. Adelaide.

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