BENDIGO boy J.R. Clifford was a “wireless operator” on board HMAS Sydney during World War I.
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A letter to his brother relating events surrounding the Emden saga along with his photograph were published in The Bendigonian on Thursday August 12, 1915.
It read: “You were asking if it was I who read the signal from Cocos Island on the morning of our fight with Emden. Well, it was I who heard the signal.
“I had the morning watch and at 6.25am I heard the Emden make a coded message followed immediately by a signal from the Cocos Island wireless station informing us of an enemy ship being at the entrance to their harbor. Hearing this signal, I told our captain.
“Two minutes later HMAS Melbourne ordered us to go at full speed and investigate and you know by now the outcome.
“Last week we were presented with two gifts, one from their Majesties the King and Queen, and the other from her Royal Highness Princess Mary.
“The present from the King and Queen was a polished cartridge case which had been fired during the present war on the battlefield.
“The present from Princess Mary is a postcard with a photo of the King and Queen on the front.
“On the back of the card Princess Mary has wished us a safe and speedy return home. This is written in her Royal Highness’s own handwriting. Each member of the ship’s company has both these gifts.
“So you see it will be something to look back on in later years”
Welcome home celebrations conducted by Bendigo’s mayor and other dignitaries honoured Clifford and his Emden involvement.
fenselau@bigpond.com
