Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 421
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[Page 421]
Monday 20th May
With Bde. Major, staff Capt. and Sigs. officers rode forward to reconnoitre new Brigade front immediately north of Villers Bretonneux which we are to take over from 12th Bde. tomorrow night. Called on Brigade HQrs., saw Gen. Gillebrand of 12th and Gen. Brand of 4th Brigades. I have not seen these officers for some months, both are very fit and well. Rode forward almost to line Battalion HQrs., inspected all Battalion HQrs. and found nearly all finished – deep tunnelled system. One of our planes came down in flames while we were in the locality. The pilot was so badly burned that he jumped out while the plane was still some thousands of feet up. A very sad death. Staff Captain arranged details re rear HQrs., Transport lines and location of "B" teams.
On my arrival at my HQrs. about 3 PM I was immediately rung up by my Divisional Commander and instructed to report to 2nd Aus Div and assume command from Gen. Smyth who has been ordered to assume command of 58th Division vice Gen. Clayton invalided. I was also instructed to hand over command of 8th Aus. Inf. Bde. to Colonel Goddard. This had been completed by 5.30 PM, at which time I left for 2nd Aus Div, calling on General Monash en route. Arriving at 2nd Aus Div HQrs. I at once went into details with Gen. Smyth and after dinner motored out to see his three Brigadiers. They are fortunately holding the line recently held by 3rd Aus Div, and therefore I know every inch of the country. Gen. Smyth leaves tomorrow morning.
Tuesday 21st May
Gen. Smyth said goodbye to his staff and left at 8.15 AM, proceeded to Corps HQrs. where he breakfasted then went on to 58th Division and took over command. In morning went through various matters with AA & QMG and GSO I. After lunch motored to my old Brigade HQrs. and there said goodbye to the assembled battalions and their officers, also to officers of 9th Field Ambulance, 9th Field Co., 9th ALTM Battery, ASC Company and the Brigade staff. In afternoon went through A & G papers, and generally took up the "threads" of command of 2nd Aus Div
Wednesday 22nd May
During morning went through many papers and maps. Camp Commandant rode over to General Smyth's HQrs. and took his two horses over, bringing back two suitable for my weight.
In afternoon called on D.A.G. at Vignacourt and discussed with him various matters concerning promotion of officers, staff etc. On my return journey