Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 129
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[Page 129]
Thursday 8th July
Around all stations with Col Hobbs. Gen Legge met us at 4"7 emplacement. Matter of drugs brought before the General. The 5 How. Battery bombarded "Johnstone's Jolly" during the evening, many shell failing to detonate. N.Z. Howr shelled 'Lone Pine", and my batteries were active over the whole front. A good deal of fire drawn from enemy's guns. About 50 reinforcements of sorts arrived today and were posted to the B.A.C. temporarily. Some wounded and sick men also returned to duty.
Friday 9th July
A big crowd working on 4".7 emplacement and roadway. Timber and bags obtained from Engineer stores. Round the guns during the day. Several shell fell close to our Headquarters, one shrapnel shell putting bullets through the waterproof sheet awning to my dugout. Batteries of Brigade putting in casual rounds all day to harass enemy.
Saturday 10th July
General Birdwood with Col Hobbs made a complete inspection of all Artillery in the Section. I was with them at 4".7 emplacement but left them to indicate to some naval officers the position son Hill 600 and 706 which require shelling. At 2.30 PM HMS Lord Nelson commenced a vigorous bombardment and did good shooting. All the time the enemy's field guns bursting shrapnel over her. Later in the evening a cruiser came along with the balloon ship. The balloon was sent up and the cruiser carried out a shoot, but we could not ascertain target. At 6PM an aeroplane series with 5' Howr was carried out.
Work continues with 4".7 emplacement. Gun arrived during night.
Sunday 11th July
A quiet day. I wrote about 12 letters for mail leaving this evening. Terribly hot day. Roadway to 4".7 continued. Very slow progress with Infantry. 4"7 placed on beach during morning from barge, and at night moved along to gully below Burgess' Battery. Received letter from Nell dated May 26th, also one from Charley.
Monday 12th July
At 4.30 AM we commenced Howitzer bombardment of enemy's position preparatory to a demonstration here, in order to hold enemy