 A mixed force of 1,413 men, known as the Samoan Expeditionary Force (SEF) under the command of Colonel Robert Logan, plus six nursing sisters, sailed from New Zealand on 15 August 1914.After stopping in Fiji to collect some guides and interpreters as well as additional escort ships, the New Zealanders arrived at Apia on 29 August 1914.Germany refused to officially surrender the islands but with only a minimal military presence, there was little prospect for meaningful resistance.