Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 293
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[Page 293]
Thursday 8th March
With Major Bates rode to Rubimont during morning to witness an attack by 4th Infantry Brigade. We had a wretched ride through heavy snow and sleet squalls, and when we reached the Rendezvous found the Infantry were just returning home, the operation being postponed. In consequence we had a 7 mile ride back again in the cold, not too well pleased. Watched 37th Battery during afternoon also T Mortars. Dined with officers of 38th Battery at night. The 11th Brigade and 110th and 112th How. Batteries marched into Behencourt during the afternoon.
Friday 9th March
Intended to watch attack (in cooperation with planes) of 13th Brigade, but when ready to leave we had trouble with the cars and so missed the show. Owing however to bad weather planes could not cooperate so again we missed nothing. Visited Divisional Head Quarters during day. Reconnaissance with Col. Bernard.
Saturday 10th March
All Brigade and Battery Commanders accompanied me to witness attack by 13th Infantry Brigade. Very well carried out but again due to bad weather aeroplanes could not cooperate. Looked around Batteries during the day. Dined at night with Trench Mortar Officers. Lt. Peel a wonderfully clever elocutionist, a couple of items given by him after dinner being especially enjoyable. Orders received for all batteries to go into the lines on 12th inst. to assist 2nd Aust. Div.
Sunday 11th March
With Major Bates took Brigade Commanders to 2nd Aus. Div Arty H. Qrs. thence on to Martinpuich, in the vicinity of which the Batteries of 4th Aus Div are to be placed. We saw one of our planes brought down by a Boche, but fortunately made a good landing, the pilot being shot through the leg. A few minutes later the Boche himself was brought down, and fell straight to earth like a stone. Bates and myself reconnoitred the country and from Gird Trench obtained a splendid view of enemy country. Found General Coxen at my HQrs. when we returned in the afternoon. Halford completed a four days course on reconnaissance duties.
All battery commanders, signallers, linesmen etc. went forward to day.