Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 240
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[Page 240]
long we shall remain there if we do go. One cannot be sure of one's movements for 12 hours at a time.
Bombardment down south very distinctly heard.
Saturday 29th July
Left Croix de Bac at 6 AM, taking Benson with me. Went into Ypres. Benson made sketches of the Cloth hall and also of the Cathedral. While he was doing so I walked round and through the City. It is a mass of wonderful ruins, not a house having escaped the effects of shell or fire. Then went to Armentieres, where Benson made a sketch of Church of Notre Dame, which was badly shelled about a month since. During the afternoon Fleurbaix Church was shelled and set on fire. Some families were driven out of the town, and it was rather pathetic to see them trudging along the roads westwards with their remaining worldly effects in wagons. General Metcalf, CRA 18th Div. called on me and discussed his taking over.
Sunday 30th July
Went with Capt. Forrest to look out Billets at Eecke. Went on to Cassell. Had an interview with Major General Frank's 2nd Army HQrs re future movements and training. Definitely settled we are to go at once to training area West of St. Omer.
Rode to EstAire during evening. Wrote letters to members of family. Wire from George Halford stating that his discharge had been granted.
Monday 31st July
Rode to Estaires during morning. Gen. Metcalf and his Brigade Major went round our gun positions with Major Bates. We are to move into temporary billets at Steenwerck till our Brigades move. Am trying to get move ordered direct to St. Omer not via Eecke. Heavy firing during last night. Received letter from George stating that he must enlist in England in A.I.F. before he will be allowed to come over.
Tuesday 1st August
Capt. Forrest arranged for billets at Steenwerck into which we were to move tomorrow, but on calling at 2nd Army HQrs. today for maps I was able to complete arrangements to move direct to training area via Wallen Capelle. This will save us much trouble.