Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 132
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[Page 132]
Divisional Headquarters, after removing the fuse which is most interesting. Party of 26 from 3rd FAB left at daylight for Imbros for a few days rest. The 5" Howr put some shell into Valley of Despair during the afternoon.
We evidently made things uncomfortable for all their guns opened on us, doing however no damage. Late in the evening a chance shell fell into No 1 Pit 8th Battery, killing two men and wounding another. Another shell fell into 7th Battery no 4 gun pit, damaging a wheel but causing no casualties. Lent horses to assist in placing newly arrived 5" How battery, and lent men to assist in moving 4".7 on to platform in actual emplacement. Should be ready for work tomorrow. Man wounded in BAC also 9th Battery. Col Hobbs discussed rewards for our Artillery with me. Adjutant Mountain Artillery Brigade brought me a confidential letter from his O.C. re operations on 28th June. Switchboard made for Major Stewart also Major Miles.
Sunday 18th July
Mr Forrest much better and resumed duty. Jopp overhead this morning conducting Aeroplane series with 5th How Battery. Terribly hot day. Burgess had an Artillery duel with the enemy early in the evening. One enemy shell landed in the corner of one of 9th Battery pits slightly wounding one man. Burgess promptly ordered a few rounds of gun fire which soon "shut up" the enemy.
General Birdwood around with General Cox. Inspected 4".7 emplacement. Another 5" How Battery arrived tonight, thus completing Col Hope Johnstone's Brigade. Two guns of City of Glasgow Battery moved tonight into new position. Two men from BAC and 1 from 9th Battery wounded during day. Small mail arrived. Nothing for me. Big mail for 8th Battery, much to their delight.
Monday 19th July
Decent mail arrived today. Letter from Nell dated June 7th, Australasian May 29th and Daily Telegraph of 15th and 16th May. Arranged with Major Gregson RFA to let him have use of my Telephone poles. Received advance issue of new maps of Gallipoli Peninsula.
Some N.C.O" and gunners belonging to the Brigade arrived from Alexandria this morning, also about 120 gunners from D.A.C. of which number 62 are detailed to us. H.M.S. "Humber" took on guns at Olive Grove but did little good. 5" Howr fired an aeroplane series during afternoon. Handed cigars to Col Arnott. Smart Artillery duel during evening. A few Infantry casualties just above my Headquarters. Glad to learn Col Coxen is to command Heavy Brigade from Australia.