Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 403
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[Page 403]
CRA to 18th Division. With him discussed the necessity for the provision of Liaison Officers from Heavy Artillery to live with FA Groups, thus ensuring prompt action against targets beyond the range of Field Artillery. Discussed with Divisional Commander the proposed switch line and received instructions to get on with it at once. During afternoon in company with Bde. Major, COs of 34th and 36th Battalions and CO 9th Marchine Gun Co. I reconnoitred and fixed this line, and then got in touch with the C.R.A. for tools wire etc. Boche again shelling Cachy and Gentilles, causing several casualties in the latter town to 9th Field Ambulance personnel.
The 54th Brigade (18th Div.) improved its line north of Hangard as the result of a minor operation. The enemy put down a very heavy barrage on their part of the front and also south of Hangard. The French during the night took over northwards from British as far as and including Hangard.
Wednesday 3rd April
In the morning in company with Bde. Major visited the new switch line and found all units had work well in hand. I then went on to Villers Bretonneux to HQrs. of 35th and 33rd Battalions. Arranged for 35th Battn. to use all companies in the front line, while 33rd will be responsible for construction of support line. The 33rd Battn. is providing a party of 50 NCOs and men under Major Hunt of 35th Battalion as a picket for the town. Australian Corps Provost Staff and 1st Cavalry Division also providing personnel. The condition of this and every other town through which our British troops have returned is too awful for words. Looting and drunkenness has been the order of the day and in my opinion have been directly the cause of so much falling back. We are trying our best to straighten up the towns again but it is a Herculean task. General Monash called about noon but unfortunately I missed him, not having returned from front areas. Heavy Artillery Liaison Officer now located with Field Artillery Group and Infantry in Villers Bretonneux. We have thus established a record for the war. I have never known it to be done previously and we can now arrange for fleeting targets beyond range of field guns to be taken on immediately.
Thursday 4th April
We were all roused at 5.15 by heavy enemy shelling which extended right along the Divisional front as well as southward and northward. At 6.15 the enemy attacked our Brigade front and simultaneously north and south of us. Reports from my 35th Battalion stated they had beaten off the attack inflicting heavy casualties on the Boche,