Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 423
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[Page 423]
Saturday 25th May
A.D.C to Abbeville to obtain balance of Gen. Smyth's kit and to deliver same to him at Contay. Stayed at DHQ during morning and after an early lunch left with Col. Shepherd ADMS to meet General Birdwood at main Dressing Station. Here the General said goodbye to medical officers. Later I visited all Ambulance and inspected one Ambulance Transport. Fairly good only. Casualties in Querrieu to Labor Companies as a result of enemy shelling.
Sunday 26th May
Left DHQ with ADC at 5 AM Called for Gen. Wisdom and with him did his Brigade sector, returning to his HQrs. about 10.30. Then with Col. Raikes visited all Batteries of his Brigade. These batteries are to be relieved tomorrow night. Reached DHQ at 1 PM Gen. Martin and his BM of U.S. Army returned from attachment with 7th Bde. and lunched with us.
Monday 27th May
Stayed in during the morning. After lunch visited Col. Riggall's HQrs. and with him commenced an inspection of 2nd Aus Div Artillery. I had visited two of his own 18 pr. batteries and one Howitzer battery when I received a telephone message recalling me to Divisional HQrs. to meet the Army Commander – General Rawlinson. With him discussed matters concerning the Divisional Front.
General Glasgow and Col. Raikes RFA dined with us.
Tuesday 28th May
General Birdwood during morning called at HQrs. of 6th, 5th and 7th Brigades to say goodbye to officers. He called at D.H.Q. at 1.30, where he met Divisional Staff, Gunners, Trains, Engineers and Army Medical Officers. Gave us details of his new Command which he takes over on 30th June, leaving us on 31st inst. He gave me a few words of advice when leaving and wished me success with my new Command.
In afternoon with Col. Riggall & Callaghan visited batteries of 4th AFA Brigade and 13th Battery of 5th Brigade.
Wednesday 29th May
In early morning went for an hours ride. After breakfast visited Pioneer Battalion and small arms section DAC. Harness and vehicles only moderately satisfactory. At 12 noon attended a demonstration near Corps HQrs. Scheme involved co-operation of French troops with British Tanks.