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SUGGESTED READING

As an example, Colonel W Holmes, Administrator of German New Guinea, noted in the Government Gazette of 15th October 1914:

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“The Sydney Newspapers which have so far reached us, by some mischance, appear to indicate that to the Royal Australian Navy, alone, is due the credit  for the successful occupation of the German Possessions in the Pacific, and I know that this has engendered a feeling of deep disappointment throughout all ranks, but too much importance need not be placed upon the published articles, which were written upon necessarily brief telegraphic messages from the Admiral.  Since that date, however, despatches containing full particulars have been received by ordinary mail in Australia which, together with the facts I have herein stated, will place matters in the correct light and cause honour and credit to be rendered where due”

For further reading I suggest:

  • S.S. Mackenzie, The Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918; Vol X – The Australian in Rabaul, University of Queensland Press, 1927.

  • Greg Raffin, Australia’s Real Baptism of Fire, Five Senses Education Pty Ltd, 2013

  • Frederick S Burnell, How Australia Took German New Guinea: An Illustrated Record, Penfold and Co, 1915

Click here for the full Gazette containing Col Holmes' detailed account of the Force’s action to date

The above are all historical tomes.  If you want to a more personal account, I would suggest you read Australians in Action by Signaller L C Reeves, W.C. Penfold, 1915. Lyle Comyn Reeves was a member of D Coy of the AM&MEF.

Click here for the Australians in Action by Signaller L C Reeves, W.C. Penfold, 1915

The 

Click here for How Australia Took German New Guinea- By F.S. Burnell

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