Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 126
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[Page 126]
Artillery Ammunition in my Section. Some of our troops moved out to feint attack. There were a number of casualties, but how many I do not yet know. The Southern troops made a fine advance and took a new position. General Cunliffe Owen lunched with me. Howitzer Battery registered more targets.
Tuesday 29th June
Assisting Howitzer Battery with emplacements and registration of further targets. Generally a quiet day, though at night the Turks attacked on our Left and were badly beaten off. Down South good work has been done, and advanced positions taken.
Wednesday 30th June
Early this morning I went out with Major Stewart to register further targets. Aeroplane Series from Major Burgess' Battery against Olive Grove at 7.30 AM, afterwards series with Major Browne and Caddy. Major Miles accompanied the Pilot as observer. He had one shot fired at him. Located 2 new batteries behind Achi Baba ridge firing South and reported them. Received message from 8th Division thanking for the information which they stated was very valuable. Unpleasant remarks with Mountain Battery concerning operations on June 28th. Major Burgess had another premature, making twelve in all out of 2600 rounds. Two 5" Howrs set in emplacements. Lines of fire for night work laid out on "Johnstone's Jolly" and "Lone Pine". Heavy thunderstorm tonight and heavy rifle fire. As large columns of dust were seen during the day north of Achi Baba I thought enemy might be preparing a special attack against us and therefore ordered the Artillery of my section to be in readiness. Lt Glendinning reported from Alexandria.
Thursday 1st July
After all a very quiet night. A 4" gun opened on us today but luckily did no damage. Have been unable to locate it up to the present time. As soon as we do the 5" How shall have a "go" at him. No further Howitzer registration today, Major Stewart being ill.
Major Ferguson, Mountain Brigade, apologised for his remarks re 28th work.
Gen Owen and myself accepted apology. Col Hobbs confidentially informed me that more Howitzers would soon be here, and asked me to look out suitable positions for two Batteries. This I have done. How battery still on their work for digging in. Men are very slow. Wrote to Robert re taking over Australian 5" Hows and to chief Inspector Woolwich Arsenal, recommending alteration in No 3 Director to admit of vertical angles of 45o being read. War Diary forwarded to Base.