Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 124
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[Page 124]
Alexandria resting he is endeavouring to get a Light Horse Regiment. I cannot understand a man wanting to leave gunners, but I gather some of his friends are getting promotion over his head and this is not to his liking.
Lt Edwards had to go to Hospital ship today – indications of fever. Capt Rogers is far from well and Col Hobbs appears really ill. He was wise enough to stay under cover today and rest, otherwise he will most certainly collapse. Headquarters Telephone staff well dug into face of hill today. Should ensure immunity from shell fire. Enemy's Artillery opened vigorously during afternoon, our guns responding. Mackworth and Anderson spent some time with me at my Brigade Observation Station. Good news from Cape Helles. Our troops made a substantial advance.
Thursday 24th June
At 7AM the enemy gave us a brisk artillery reception. Burgess and Hughes responded, also the Mountain Battery but took some time to locate and silence guns. Again about 8.30 the enemy opened. One shell caused 9 casualties in 9th Battalion lines, adjoining my Head Quarters, one man being killed. This morning with Col Arnott I examined L. Horse trenches on "A" ridge. They are getting gradually nearer Gaba Tepe. Howitzers opened again from Gaba Tepe on shipping. Col Arnott wants to "Scotch" Olive Grove guns. I told him I was after that job, so now he wants to take on "Wine Glass Hill" guns and us "Olive Grove". We shall try to work out a joint scheme for Headquarters approval. Getting telephone exchange into new "Dugout". General Legge arrived today to take over our Division. Colonel Johnstone reserved duty with 2nd Brigade after atrip to Alexandria and Major Brown resumed Command of 8th Battery. Lieut Garling temporarily attached to 8th Battery. A Scottish Territorial Howitzer Battery arrived today and is attached to my group. Strange it should have the same number as my old Howitzers; the 5th.
Friday 25th June
Interview with Col Hobbs and Major Stewart (5th How battery) regarding positions for 5" Howr. Accepted the spot I had been reserving for the Australian Howitzers. Showed Major Stewart round the position. He and his officers had lunch with me. During then afternoon he commenced terracing for his men. Damaged gun of 7th battery having been repaired was put back in position.
Br Macfarlane of 7th Battery badly wounded by machine gun fire. No 4 gun got onto a group of staff and did good work. Showed Colonel Arnott