Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 297
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 297]
Saturday 24th March
Major Bates and Capt. Forrest went up to 2nd Aus Div Arty re information concerning taking over. In morning I visited Corps and discussed with R.A. matter of exchange of guns with 2nd DA.
Visited Battery lines.
Sunday 25th March
Took Colonels King and Waite to 2nd Aus Div HQrs. at Baupaume. Gen. Johnston provided horses, and took us to Col. Lloyds HQrs. at Benagtre. From there we rode on to Battery positions in the vicinity of Vaulx-Vraucourt. From the Battery positions we walked on midway to Morchies. From the ridge East of Bois de Vaulx we obtained an excellent view of the country. The ride across open fields exceedingly enjoyable. Called at Corps HQrs. on the journey home. Had tea with the Corps Commander and General White. Urged the Corps Commander to allow us to take in our own guns and wagons complete. Understand we go into the line about 30th inst.
Monday 26th March
Stayed in all day. Major Bates and Capt. Forrest called at Divisional HQrs. at Fricourt Farm, then on to 2nd Aus. Div Arty HQrs. Capt. Forrest arranged site for "A" Echelon D.A.C. Both these went on and reconnoitred country for battery positions in the vicinity of Vaulx and Lachicourt. Baupaume Town Hall destroyed during the night. The Boche had laid a mine under it, and whether it was operated by a time arrangement or by means of a trip wire etc. will never be known. Some men killed including two French Deputies, and many men buried. Just what one might expect of the Boche.
Tuesday 27th March
Paid a surprise visit to early morning stables (6.30 AM) of 37th and 38th Batteries. As a consequence I placed the Orderly Officer of each Battery under arrest for absence from the parade.
Called on Gen. White at Corps HQrs. re taking guns into line, and relief generally. Paper chase with Col. Waite's officers over about a 10 mile course. Many jumps included. Some officers came to grief but my old horse saw me through safely. Ride rather long and fast for horses in present soft condition. A little more of this kind of thing would be good for our officers who owing to trench warfare conditions have of late had little opportunity for riding.