Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 290
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[Page 290]
Friday 23rd February
Operations early this morning again successful. Another 280 yards of trench captured and 32 prisoners. Conditions in captured trench indescribable. Men fought in thigh deep mud. Tonight connection will be finally established with Goodwin's Post. Met General Coxen at Brigade HQrs. and inspected Artillery Group HQrs. dugout. Col. Cohen also present. Arranged to hand over No. 2 Group at 12.30 PM tomorrow. Called on Gen. Robertson and congratulated him on the result of his operation. Saw his prisoners and had a few words with a Cadet who was to be made an officer in a few days. All seemed glad to be captured. Called at 5th Aust. Div. H.Qrs. on my way back. Arranged to hand over No. 1 Group at 12.30 PM tomorrow. Then my responsibility for the front will cease. Officer in charge of Wireless Station called.
Saturday 24th February
Called on Col. Vernon and inspected in detail Div. Artillery wagon lines. Col. Vernon has done excellent work. Met Percy Carruthers – now serving as a private in 2nd Battalion. He looked very well. His brother is with motor Transport at Rouen. Packing up. Officially handed over to C.R.A. of 1st and 5th Aus Div at 12.30 today.
Sunday 25th February
Head Quarters Div Arty marched to Bavelincourt reaching there at 4 PM. Major Bates and myself proceeded in car via Albert to Bavelincourt thence on to Amiens to purchase a number of personal wants. Met Col. Hughes who has just returned from the South of France and looks very well indeed. He lunched with us. Returned to Bavelincourt in the evening.
Monday 26th February
Yesterday the Boche commenced to evacuate his front line opposite 5th Army, and is now falling back on Baupaume. 1st Anzac Corps has advanced and occupied many trenches. Guns being moved forward. Major Bates and myself went to Army HQrs. at Toutencourt, saw the Army Commander, General Gough, who discussed the situation with us. Secured a number of maps. Then went on to