Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 380
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[Page 380]
Wednesday 9th January
Trudged through heavy snow to the School. Again lectures and demonstrations this time on the main range. Barrage fire especially interesting. In the afternoon visited Training Centre for drivers. Harness in fine condition, and we saw several classes being trained in riding and driving. Later we visited the main parade ground where plenty of work was going on, and we finished up by inspecting three Service Companies who are ready to leave for France at once.
Thursday 10th January
During the morning the class moved out by R.F.C. tenders to an exercise ground some miles out of the town. Here a scheme was illustrated and explained having special reference to machine gun tactics. After lunch a conference was held at which many points were discussed. Altogether the course was very interesting and instructive.
Before attending the School in the morning I visited the Church, which in part dates back to the 11th century. It is a very interesting building with a fine spire. Returned to London at 8 PM and immediately went to Hyde Park Hotel to dine with Mr. & Mrs. Pope and Miss Cowlishaw.
Friday 11th January
Spent the day in shopping visiting the tailor etc. Very wet and muddy in the streets. Called on General Griffiths. Found a line for me there from Gen. Monash stating that a car would meet me at Boulogne on evening of 12th inst. Stayed at Whitehall during evening.
Saturday 12th January
Completed purchases, called at Commonwealth Bank, lunched at Whitehall Hotel and left in car (kindly provided by Gen. Griffiths) to catch 2.15 PM train to Folkestone, arriving at the pier about 4.45 PM Several crowded boats well escorted by several T.B.Ds. crossed in convoy and we arrived at Folkestone about 7 PM The Field Marshal C in C was on board. Car was waiting for me at the pier – and I arrived at Meteren at 9.30 PM I received a note from General Monash telling me the reason for my recall and informing me of my movements. He spoke to me personally on the phone and told me to suit my convenience when I reported to 1st Aus Div I have arranged to be there at 10 AM tomorrow morning.