NEW BRITAIN CAPTURED.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 704, 16 September 1914, Page 5

NEW BRITAIN CAPTURED.

BY AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENT. AUSTRALIAN DEATH-ROLL. TWO OFFICERS AND FOUR SEAMEN. Melbourne, Monday. Admiral Patey supplies the following liat of six who were killed in connection with the capture of New Britain. — Lieut.-Commander Charles B. Ellwell instructor at the Royal Naval College, Geelong, who commanded the Royal Naval Reservistß with the eipedition. Captain B. C. A. Pockley.a brilliant medical student and an athlete, son of Dr Pockley, a well-known Sydney medical man. Seaman Williams. Seaman Courtney. Two reserve seamen were also killed. The list of six wounded includes the name of Lieat. R. G. Bow*n.

FIGHTING AT SIMPSONHAVEN. Melbourne, Sunday. Senator Millen, Minister of Defence, has issued the following telegram from Admiral Patey, of the flagship Australia, dated September 12th: "Herbertshohe occupied, and the British flag hoisted at 7.30 on the morning of September 11th. No opposition .was offered. "Simpsonshaven was swept ready to be entered on September 12tb. "A naval force landed under Commander Beresford to destroy the wireless station. "This force met with vigorous opposition. "An advance party at dawn established a landing. Before the enemy was aware of their intention they were within a few hundred yards of the landing. "Bush fighting was continued for almost four miles. The roads and forests were mined in places. "The wirelesß station was entrenched.

"The German commander, who wbb entrenched on the seaward side of the wireless station, surrendered unconditionally. "The forces reconnoitred, and ascertained the strength of the wireless station. "Twelve-pounder gunß were landed, the intention being to shell the station unless it surrendered. "The Naval Reserves captured the station after 18 hours' bush fighting over Bix miles from Herbertshoho to Rahaulb. "A garrisoned base has been established at Simpsonshaven. "Two German officers, including the commandant, 15 non-comrnissiond officers, and 56 native police have been made prisoners. The German casualties were between 20 and 30 killed. "Our casualties are two officers and three seampn killed, one officer and three seamen wounded."