Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 127
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 127]
Friday 2nd July
Howitzer Battery registered "chess Board" target in morning, and in evening got into new work on Pine Ridge, followed up by two surprise rounds at 10PM, and two rounds from Hughes Battery.
Long interview with Col Hobbs, Col MacLagan, Col Ryrie and Major Burgess, concerning prematures. Decided that when warning is given men must take cover. Col Hobbs inspected sites I had selected for Howr Batteries and approved same. Enemy's shell got into Hughes No 1 gun pit this afternoon, killing one man and wounding another. Major Burgess had a man wounded with rifle bullet. Major Hughes very sick. He must get away for a month.
Saturday 3rd July
A fair amount of Artillery fire today. The enemy's 4" gun from Olive Grove fired several rounds, one of which burst close to Hughes Battery, killing one man and wounding another. Heard from Col Hobbs that we were to get 4.7" guns on this flank. I have been urging this for some time and am pleased to see approval at last given. We shall be able to take on long range guns of enemy. Selected site for them. Howitzers again shooting on "Chessboard". Heavy Artillery fire down South. Activity on the part of enemy manifest on Hill 600 – getting ready for their retreat I expect. Received letter from Nell dated May 16th, with photos of Chris and Shirley, one Daily Telegraph of 8th May, 5 British Australasians from A.T. Sharp, and letter from Edith Halford.
Sunday 4th July
Very quiet day. Col Hobbs inspected site selected by me for 4.7" gun and approved same. I am to commence work on emplacement on Tuesday morning. The 5" Howr fired a series on No 2 section of Enemy's front. Had a good rest doing afternoon and read papers sent by A.T.Sharp. Interview with Major Brown and Burgess re appointment of officers. Major Hughes left for Hospital ship, very thankful I am that I have good health.
Monday 5th July
A terrific artillery cannonade opened this morning at 4AM. I was awakened by shrapnel bullets and fragments of shell falling at the entrance to my dugout. Very little damage was done generally, but one shell burst over 8th Battery, killing a Corporal and wounding three other men. We located two of the enemy's guns near Gaba Tepe and firing 8 rounds with the 5" Howitzer registered them. Cannonade ceased about 7 AM.