AUSTRALIAN ADVANCE CONTINGENT.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13573, 14 September 1914, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN ADVANCE CONTINGENT.

SEIZURE OF NEW BRITAIN

OPPOSITION AT SIMPSONHAFEN.

WIRELESS STATION ENTRENCHED

(Received Sept. 13, 5.20 p.m.)

Melbourne, Sept. 13.

Senator Millen, Minister of Defence, has issued the following telegram from Admiral Sir George Patey, of the flagship Australia, dated September 12th:

"Herbertshoo (New Britain) was occupied and the British flag hoisted at 7.30 on the morning of September 11th, there being no opposition.

"Simpsonhafen was swept ready to be entered on September 12th. A naval force landed by Commander Beresford to destroy the wireless station met with vigorous opposition. The advance party at dawn established a landing before the enemy was aware of their intentions. Within a few hundred yards of the landing place fighting commenced and continued for almost four miles. "The roads and forests were mined in places, and the wireless station was entrenched.

"The German commander, who was entrenched on the seaward side of the tireless station, surrendered unconditionally. The forces have now reconnoitred the strength of the enemy at the wireless station. Twelve-pounder guns have been landed, and unless the station surrenders I shall shell it tomorrow. "The following casualties occurred: Two officers and two seamen killed, and an officer and two seamen wounded. The German casualties are not known. "Two officers, five non-commissioned officers, and thirty native police were ciad© prisoners."