GERMAN FLAG

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 141, 14 May 1930, Page 5

GERMAN FLAG

FOUND AT RANGIOTU. OCCUPATION OF SAMOA RECALLED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) RANGIOTU, May 13. A flag somewhat age worn and more or less moth-eaten, but nevertheless of interest to New Zealanders, was located in Rangiotu recently. It is said to be the German flag which was hauled down at Apia when the Now Zealand troops under Colonel Logan occupied Samoa on August 29, 1914. Moreover, with tho Samoan question looming much on the horizon at the present juncture, in connection with New Zealand’s mandatory powers over the occupied territory, further interest will no doubt be attached to its re-appearance if it should ultimately be proved to bo this historic flag. For practically 15 years the flag has occupied a most insignificant hiding place in remote Rangiotu, and the circumstances under which it arrived here during those early war days is history in itself. It appears that a certain sergeant-major conceived the idea of smuggling it as a highly valuable souvenir, and on his return to New Zealand brought it with him. Whether the authorities or the powers that be missed it or not, your correspondent does not know. However, the N.C.O. referred to eventually joined up with the Rifle Brigade, “Lord Liverpool’s Own,” and it will be remembered that several battalions of that grand brigade wero camped at Rangiotu. The departure of these battalions for the front caused a deal of worry to the possessor of this extraordinary souvenir, and he finally decided to leave it in the safe keeping of a local resident with the request, “not to divulge the secret.” Since then the soldier has not returned to claim the coveted trophy. Quite recently tho resident who had the flag stored away from prying eyes died, and as far as ho was concerned the secret died with him. However, your correspondent was told about the flag by the deceased’s sons, and at his instigation —realising the national and sentimental importance attached to tho flag if the statements made about it should prove to be accurate—lie advised and urged them to have it sent to the National War Museum or to the Palmerston North R.S.A. As a result the flag was handed over last week to the secretary of the Palmerston North R.S.A. In the meantime, the club is making all necessary inquiries and communications with Defence Headquarters concerning the flag. It will be interesting to many readers, and particularly to those mon who participated in the occupation of Samoa, to read the official narration of the incident closely leading up to tho hauling down of the German flag: “At daylight H.M.S. Psyche, at tho head of the line, had drawn ahead and soon became a speck in the distance. In an hour, however, she could be picked up from the transports (Monowai and Moeraki) standing off the coast at Apia, and flying a white flag. . . . A landing party from the Psyche, under a flag of truce, passed through the reef entrance and headed for the landing in front of the Government offices, over which the German flag still flew. They carried a despatch from the Admiral demanding the immediate surrender of the territory. ..... Disembarkation commenced forthwith. The troopships took up stations about a mile outside the harbour. Motor launches, motor surf-boats and ship’s boats were launched, and the men began to drop down the rope ladders into the tossing boats Finally they reached and landed on a sandy strip of beach at Matautu Point. .... The main

beach road of the town, tho cross roads and bridges were quickly in the possession of the New Zealanders, the German flag was hauled down On tho following morning, Sunday, 30th August, the British flag was formally hoisted and the occupation proclaimed by Colonel Robert Logan, A.D.C., N.Z.S.C., at the head of his troops and in the presence of the naval pfficers and many of tho white and native inhabitants, while tho warships boomed a salute from the bay. Tho occupation was complete To tho Samoa Occupation Force of 1914 remains the honour of being the vanguard of New Zealand’s army in the Great War, and the part of the British troops to wrest from the enemy a portion of his territory for His Majesty King George V.” It is to be hoped that the local R.S.A. will be able to retain tho flag for some considerable time at least amongst its treasured collection of war trophies and souvenirs before it ultimately finds its last resting place in the National War Museum. R.S.A. ENQUIRIES. Investigations made by a “Standard” reporter at the headquarters of the R.S.A. disclosed that inquiries wero being made concerning tho flag, which is tho worse for wear and frayed at tho edges. It is in the German tricolour but has not the eagle crest, and it was stated that a flag on tho official buildings at Apia would be more likely to be the German Imperial ensign. However, it was understood, no claims bad been advanced by others to the distinction of possessing the flag. Tho flag may perhaps have been the property of a private German’resident and not the one claimed by the soldier who owned it.