Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 224
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[Page 224]
all Stores and Horses. The 12th Brigade left for Hazebrouck. Ordnance here has done splendid work and Officers have given my units every assistance.
Saturday 17th June
Left Havre at 11.30 AM by car for Hazebrouck with Capt. Richards. We travelled via Fecamp to Dieppe where we had a late lunch and looked round the town. Then on to Abbeville which town we reached at 7 PM. Reported to Advanced Base Commandant. Met Capt. Asher who has an anti aircraft Battery. Stayed at Hotel de la Tete de Boeuf. The roads and scenery are magnificent. For many miles beautiful trees skirt the road sides, making fine shady avenues. The country is closely cultivated and looks its best. Flowers of all kinds, scarlet poppies especially skirt the road sides.
Sunday 18th June
Had a look at Asher's Battery. Motored on via Aire to Hazebrouck thence to Caestre where our Divisional Artillery Head Quarters are situated. Beautiful roads again and splendid scenery. Found Capt. Forrest had made good arrangements for Head Quarters and myself. Informed by Divisional Head Quarters that I am to Command the Division during the absence on leave of General Cox. Lieut. Gen. Plumer who commands the 2nd Army of which we form part wants to see us tomorrow so the two Brigades who have arrived here will "March Past" on some suitable road.
Monday 19th June
Arranged for inspection of 11th and 12th Brigades by Gen. Plumer. They made a very good showing and he appeared pleased. During afternoon I motored to Ballieul, located 2nd Anzac then motored on to Armentieres. Called at HQrs. of N.Z. Division also D.A.H.Q. Arranged for some of my Battery Commanders to be attached for instruction (also men). Motored on to Croix de Bac, the HQrs. of 2nd Aust. Division. Saw General Legge and arranged with him for attachment of officers and men for instruction.
Called at DAHQ. but Gen. Johnstone was not in. Motored on to Sailly sur la Lys to HQrs. of 1st Aus Div There saw General Walker, who had with him at the time Col. Bessel Browne, who is acting