Handwritten copy of letter from Brian Colden Antill Pockley, 1914

Copy.

H.M.A.S. Sydney

10.9.14

Dear Family,

Just a line to tell you the news.  As you see,

I am aboard the Sydney at present & Dr. Prevost has

promised to post this for me as they expect to

return to Sydney after to-morrow.  I have been on

board the Sydney for 5 days now, & am attached to

the 1st landing force under Lt. Bowen, & 50 of this

R.G.M Reserve.  The ship is cleared for action at

present & is accompanied by the 3 destroyers.  I saw

Alec 5 days ago.  He had a fine beard & at first

I did not know him.  We are only 5° from the

equator at present & it is jolly hot especially at night

as all the deck lights are closed to ensure a dark

ship & consequently there is not a breath of air.

I have just come out of the ship's surgery.  It was

95° there.

I don not think it will matter now to tell you that

our objective to-morrow is Raboul & Herbertstohe in

New Britain.  We make a night attack at 3 a.m.

to-night.  Probably there will be no opposition at all

as on a previous occasion when the 2 destroyers &

the Sydney entered Simsonhaven (Rabaul) & steamed

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peacefully out again after a landing party had

destroyed their post-office.  That was a month ago.

The Berrima is following us & should arrive about

a day later.

Our objective is 2 wireless stations close to

Herbertshohe.  One 4 miles away & the other about

7 or 8. We are not even certain that they exist &

much doubt if they are defended.  However we

shall see to-morrow. If they do exist & we take

them we shall probably mount guard over them for

about a week till relieved. I am the only medical

officer with the party & have one private.  We shall

each accompany one of the wireless station parties.

Of course it is just possible that we may meet with

naval opposition in entering the harbour, but if we

do you will either hear all about it from Prevost

or else you won't get this letter.  Personally I think

it will be a very pleasant little picnic.

We enter the harbour about 3 a.m. & about 5 a.m.

my party goes on board a destroyer & is taken to

Gazelle Point where the biggest wireless plant is

supposed to be.  I have had a great time on

board the Sydney & nothing much to do. Also one

is fed much better & more appetisingly than on

the troopship & I like the society better.  Rahilly is

 

(Copy)

is in the Sydney & Dennis an old Sydney

University man.  Well no more news & I must

turn in,  as I believe we are all going to be

hauled out at 2a.m.

Much love to you all

 (signed)  Brian