Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 128
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[Page 128]
a little later 8 rounds of 11" shell came over from the direction of Maidos and landed near the Beach and Army Corps Headquarters. As Fort 24 on the other side of the Dardanelles (the Narrows) has three 11" guns mounted we conclude it came from that Fort. A strange incident happened today which May later be explained. All our trawlers and mine sweepers had made a circle round our shipping and had possible laid mines. At about 4.30 PM a huge column of water was lifted up, resembling the effect of a mine explosion, then something moved rapidly close under the surface of the water, getting gradually slower and then stopped, apparently sinking. For some time smoke and what appeared to be air bubbles kept rising to the surface. I am of opinion a Submarine has struck a mine and foundered. A huge column of smoke was seen south at 6.18AM in the enemy's country. Looked like an Ammunition dump being blown up.
Tuesday 6th July
An exceedingly quiet day. Emplacement for 4.7" gun commenced and 6" Howitzer moved to a new position on Right Flank. Conference with Col Hobbs and Col Johnstone re use of artillery in case of attack by enemy if using asphixiating gas bombs. Decided to leave matter in hands of Brigade Commanders to act as they think best. A little shelling of shipping late this afternoon. Arranged with Engineers re construction of 4.7" roadway. Received late this evening note from Mr Pengelly, enclosing a letter from father and another from John Halford which had gone to Heliopolis Hospital. Also received letter from Nell dated May 11th, enclosing Alvords and Chris' letters.
Wednesday 7th July
Around No1 Section with General Birdwood inspecting gun emplacements. He informed me 5" Howrs from Australia were approved. Col Christian's Brigade is to be attached to the three new Infantry Brigades arrived in Egypt from Australia and with a Howr battery this will be their total artillery for the present. He told me scheme for us was to advance, establish ourselves across the neck from Gaba Tepe to Maidos, and then force the Turks on the Southern end to either attack us or surrender. Our submarines are effectively preventing the enemy using the town of Gallipoli, and stores and men have to be ferried over at Chanak.
Generally a quiet day as far as the enemy was concerned.