Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 122
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[Page 122]
of all sizes arrived from all directions. Very quiet night. Heard today that although 150 bags of mails had arrived no artillery mails were included.
What has happened to Postal Staff.
Sunday 20th June
A very heavy trying day – the worst we have had since landing in Gallipoli. Spent the morning writing Nell and the three boys. Bligh went to Imbros yesterday to get me a few things from the "Cardiganshire" including some interesting photographs and should return today.
An artist, Murray Jones, who is attached to general Birdwood's staff called this afternoon to see Benson's sketches. I introduced Benson and sent them off together. General Birdwood and Staff called here about 3.30PM, had a talk about the situation generally and then went on to see Col Ryrie, who is taking over the extreme right flank.
The General expressed appreciation of sketches which happened to be on my table. From all accounts I gather my Brigade Headquarters are the most up to date in our Army Corps. Every body who calls here congratulates me on the design, but then, I am an architect, and even if our Headquarters are "dug out" in the side of a hill, there can still be some semblance of order about their construction. I heard today that we are at last to have some high explosive ammunition for our 18 prs. This will give friend Turk something of a shock. General Sir Ian Hamilton is to inspect this position at an early date.
Up till now his personal attentions have been directed to Cape Helles end.
Col Hobbs, Major Hughes, Capt Rogers and myself out of sorts today. Possibly something wrong with our water Supply.
Monday 21st June
During last night a terrific fusillade lasted for some time rather as a prearranged scheme to draw enemy's fire. We hear that last night the French at Helles after expending about 10,000 rounds of Field Artillery Ammunition advanced a mile and despite a Counter attack, this morning held the position gained. General Owen and General Knox came round our position this morning. General Sir Ian Hamilton was to have inspected today but did not arrive. We have had very little Artillery fire today.
Mail in at last. I received from Nell dated April 5th and May 2nd, also one from Arthur King dated April 25th. All our letters have apparently not come to hand. The news of our doings has evidently just filtered through to Australia, and casualty returns are beginning to make the Australian people think. Capt Jopp gave me two London Weekly Times, which gave very good details