Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 119
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[Page 119]
Saturday 12th June
The day opened with a lively cannonade from the enemy's guns, replied to by our own Artillery. The enemy is using percussion shell, and is trying to break down our earthworks and trenches.
Shooting commenced before 5AM and continued till 6 AM. We have now taken over our new Brigade and Naval Observing Station, and just as well we moved. At 11 o'clock today a shell burst over the old position and killed two men. Enemy's Artillery got on to 7th Battery during the evening and our old friend the 6" Howitzer also spoke, firing 5 rounds. As indicating the enemy's difficulty in concealing their guns and still being able to bring effective fire to bear, two of his rounds today from "Gun Ridge" hit his own crest. Colonel Johnstone left for a week's rest, Major Bessil Browne taking over from him. A very quiet night.
Got letters ready for tomorrow's mail, to each member of the family and one to the old folks and Emma.
Sunday 13th June
This morning at 5AM the "Bacchante" and "Dartmouth" came off our position and shelled various positions of the enemy till 7AM, when they both went South. Lt Richards on No4 gun of 7th Battery, located the gun behind the forward slope of Contour 400, which has given trouble lately. It was behind the false crest I had previously indicated to him. As soon as the ships saw Richards' bursts they swept the place right and left with their shell, and I think they must most certainly have knocked out the gun, though from our position we cannot see. Generally it was like the early days of the war here, to hear Men O' War Loosing off their broadsides. Major Hughes returned to duty this morning also a Sergt Bow of this Battery in addition to the Q.M.S. of 3rd BAC. Generally a quiet day.
In the evening as usual the Olive Grove Battery opened on us, with our usual reply. Destroyer firing on what we think is a Head Quarters for a Section of Coast Defence. I wish I could be allowed leave to make a night sortie in that direction. I believe it could be successfully carried out. Capt Harris at my Headquarters re visual signalling. Line to D.A. duplicated and laced. Our mail has for some unaccountable reason been sent back to Alexandria – for sorting I understand. Only a few papers came across, and every body is incensed at the delay.
Monday 14th June
A lively cannonade heralded daylight. Just before