Captain Brian Pockley
Captain Brian Pockley was a doctor in the Australian Army Medical Corps (AAMC) and a member of the Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force. This Force was raised in Sydney, specifically to destroy the wireless stations in German New Guinea (now Papua New Guinea).
![Dr Brian Colden Antill Pockley NRS-9873-1-[2/753A]-R3414](../../../../sites/default/files/Collection/Photos/Dr%20Brian%20Colden%20Antill%20Pockley%20NRS-9873-1-%5b2-753A%5d-R3414.jpg "Dr Brian Colden Antill Pockley NRS-9873-1-[2/753A]-R3414")
During the battle, Able Seaman William Williams was shot in the stomach. Dr Pockley gave his red cross armband to another naval seaman who helped to carry Williams to the rear of the battle. Pockley was shot soon afterwards as he went about his duties and died on board the HMAS Berrima.
By the end of the Battle of Bita Paka seven Australians were killed and another five were wounded. Both Williams and Pockley are now buried at Rabaul War Cemetery.
In the NSW State Archives
We hold:
- Dr Pockley’s photograph from when he registered as a medical practitioner
- his probate packet (NRS-13660-7-1-Series 4_67576), and
- his deceased estate file (NRS-13340-6-811-[AF00211093]).
The Australian War Memorial holds a number of photographic items related to Brian Pockley which can be viewed on their website.
Many thanks to our Volunteer Sally Easterbrook who recently found Dr Pockley’s deceased estate file during our rehousing project.