Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 273
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[Page 273]
all around very persistent, luckily nothing in Guedecourt while I was there, but commenced soon after I left. Much aerial activity this morning, the day being very clear and bright. About lunch time it became overcast and later rained. Got home at 5 PM very tired and wet.
Tuesday 12th December
Stayed in all day. Worked on plans and wrote letters. Fine fall of snow.
Wednesday 13th December
In early morning went out to Front. Inspected 45th and 46th Batteries. With Capt. Ellis went through Flers and pointed out to him proposed O.P.; then on through Grove Alley to front line or within a few yards of it. The Boche rigorously shelling the front line trench. At Junction of Grove Alley we waited for ¾ of an hour. As however shelling continued I decided to return. Got a splendid view of the country. Condition of trenches indescribable. In many cases well up to the thighs in sticky mud. On one occasion I got stuck and it took me 10 minutes to pull myself out. Capt. Ellis also got stuck but could not extricate himself till he withdrew his feet from his boots, the latter remaining stuck in the mud. He walked a few yards in his socks and these too were left stuck, so he came back some 300 yards to a Field Ambulance barefooted and there received a pair of gum boots. I was exceedingly tired when I got home. Bates, Fox and Halford out at Naours and T.M. School. Bates staying there a couple of days. T.M. School not satisfactory. Firing must be arranged for. Got breeches from Amiens. Issued with pair of brown Field Boots.
Thursday 14th December
Went out this morning with Col. Vernon to look at site allotted for wagon lines for DA at Buire.
Called on Dados at Albert, Div HQrs at Rubimont, and Corps at Heilly. Gen. White strafed a little re School at Naours. Came on to Buire. Areas are not consolidated but generally are well chosen. Watering arrangements good. Hope to get