Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 270
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[Page 270]
Company Commander. He lost his way – got into the Boche trenches and with the orders and Artillery programme was captured.
In consequence the operation is "off" and Gen. Cox is highly incensed, as well he might be. An enquiry is to be held tomorrow.
Sunday 3rd December
Wrote letters all day. Cleared off all correspondence. Enquiry held re yesterday's episode. The Battalion Commander, Col. Dare, has been relieved of his Command and returned to A.I.F. HQrs. London. Very sorry for him, but in my opinion the Infantry Brigadier was most to blame. Boche artillery very active. Gen. Cox and Col. Bernard dined with us. The former will soon be leaving us. My Brigade Major had just received some grouse from England, so we had an enjoyable dinner.
Monday 4th December
Had Colonel Vernon to see me re DAC salvage work. Not running too smoothly with 1st DAC Complaints from Infantry regarding short shooting. Found one 1st Div. 18 pr. shell had fallen in our lines. Shell a "dud" and identity yet to be established. Enemy artillery very active during day and on our flanks he was especially busy during the nights.
Again a very cold night.
Tuesday 5th December
A bitterly cold day. I was out riding during the morning and for the space of an hour the driving rain, sleet and hail was very biting. Conference at Bernafay Wood with General Budworth MGRA 4th Army. All CRAs. present (excepting Gen. Hobbs) and 7 group Commanders. He drew attention to points concerning training, ammunition, construction, Boche killing etc. and asked us all to do our best to have the best possible trained Artillery for the offensive operation when launched. I walked to the Conference and back again, about 6 miles of muddy road, but I was glad to get my feet warm.
Wednesday 6th December
Stayed in all day, worked on maps and Artillery Schemes. Received two parcels from Nell,