Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 120
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[Page 120]
5am the enemy's guns Loosed off and we expended about 80 rounds before he was quietened. New guns opened up from the centre depression of Gaba Tepe. One of Browne's 8th Battery men wounded today by shrapnel. Visited D.A. Headquarters this afternoon. Had a long interview with Col Hobbs.
Obtained authority to select party of from 20 to 25 men for night sorties in connection with proposed demolition of enemy's guns. So far he will not consent for me to go, though I think I could be successful. General Owen came in while I was there and we discussed Artillery details generally. Obtained authority for 10 rounds of 6" How. Ammunition to be expended on Gaba Tepe target if they should open fire tomorrow morning. Navy did a fair amount of shelling, enemy very quiet all the evening and night.
Tuesday 15th June
A few shell over us this morning. No damage done. Col Hobbs went round the whole Artillery position with Capt Bean and gave him "first-hand" Artillery information. Cameron returned to duty with HeadQrs from Capt Trenchard's Howitzer Battery. Heard today that Col Legge had been made a General and appointed to the Command of our Division. Personally I am very gratified that an Australian Officer is to be our Commander. I believe he will be here in a few days.
Generally a very quiet day.
Wednesday 16th June
A few enemy's shell came in early this morning. Later in the day Major Browne opened fire on a target and in a few minutes the bulk of the Artillery on both sides was engaged. Three shell landed close to my Headquarters coming from a new direction, one bursting within 20 yards. We are accordingly putting up a few more sandbags today for extra protection. During the cannonade Major Hughes had his No 2 gun temporarily disabled. The shield was pierced by a shell, range drum smashed, and sundry other damage done. Luckily the detachment had been withdrawn a few minutes earlier. Another gun was promptly exchanged for the damaged one. Major Hughes has now had 3 guns knocked out since the action commenced. The 3rd Inf Bde sent out a party last night to fill in some enemy trenches and if possible get the infantry digging them.
I have not heard the result.
Heavy cannonade down South all day. A very quiet night.