Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 298
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[Page 298]
Wednesday 28th March
Attended 6.30 parade of 110th Battery. Again found matters very slack. No officer on parade. Orderly officer placed under arrest. 56 rank and file attended parade late. Their names were taken and given to their O.C. Visited 42nd parade at 7 AM. Parade correct, but harness in a filthy condition and horses not well cared for.
All battery Commanders with one Subaltern from each battery and Brigade Adjutant, also R.A. reconnaissance officer, journeyed per motor bus to new front. Col. King came with Bates and myself in car. Traffic very congested on Baupaume road. Thoroughly reconnoitred the country forward from Vaulx-Vraucourt to Lagnicourt and Morchies, also to vicinity of Noreuil. Excellent sites for O.Ps. commanding all Boche back country. I saw a good deal of enemy movements in rear, Transport, trains and troops. Several Boche observation balloons up. Saw General White on the return journey. Called on Gen. Glasgow while at Vaulx. Received orders re relief of 2nd Aus Div Artillery.
Thursday 29th March
Capt. Forrest on leave in Amiens all day. Bates and myself arranging orders for taking over from 2nd Aus Div Artillery and prepared sundry notes for issue to units regarding gun positions, ammunition supply, sanitation etc. Interview with Capt. Hodgens re 42nd Battery. Interview with Col. King re officers under arrest.
Friday 30th March
Inspected all Batteries of 10th Brigade. Horses apparently much improved. Manes all hogged. Harness only fair. Leather work appears to have had attention, but work on steel work only just commenced. Section of 110th Battery which came from 3rd Aus Div made a good showing. Col. King called re officers under arrest and further discussed matters. Major Edwards returned from Parisyesterday, and took over command of 11th Brigade during Col. Waite's absence on leave in England.
Saturday 31st March
Inspected all Batteries of 11th Brigade. Here again horses had evidently benefited since being in rest area. All manes hogged excepting those of 111th Battery. Leather work of Harness well cared for, but steel work only just being taken in hand. Section of How. Battery from 3rd Div. again the best. Discussion with Army R.A. re motor traction for guns. Bates to call and see staff. Army HQrs. moved to Albert.