Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 133
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[Page 133]
Tuesday 20th July
At 5AM made a thorough reconnaissance of country in vicinity of Tasmania Post with a view to finding possible good gun position. At 11.30 AM took Colonel Hobbs round same position and told him I wished to make a tunnel through Bolton Hill to give access to Poppy Valley for future Artillery advance. He thought the scheme good and obtained the G.O.C.'s sanction to having it carried out. Discussed names of men worthy of notice in Orders with Col Hobbs and specially recommended 3 from 7th Battery and 3 from 8th Battery. Left my Headquarters about 8.30 PM to visit Colonel Hobbs at Headquarters. Called at 1st Field Ambulance and just when leaving there was hit by a rifle bullet. It entered my left leg beside the knee and came out behind the knee. Strangely enough, bone, tendon and Artery were all missed. They carried me in a stretcher to my Headquarters and now I shall have to take things quietly for a time.
Wednesday 21st July
Have had to spend a quiet day in bed. Col Hope Johnston called to see me during the morning and this afternoon Col Hobbs brought Col Shepherd of City of Glasgow Lowland How Brigade.
We shall have plenty of Howitzers in action very soon. Arranged to commence tunnelling through Bolton Hill. Sent cable to Nell which will probably not leave Alexandria for a week. Aeroplane series again this afternoon. Head Quarters beds have commandeered a black donkey to carry their water each day. One of the two that have been roaming about since we landed was killed by shrapnel yesterday.
The Olive Grove 6" Howr opened fire again this afternoon, but Burgess silenced him. New Howitzers registering targets, and getting ready generally for action. Remaining 2 Hows of City of Glasgow battery moved to Shell Green.
Thursday 22nd July
Plenty of Howitzer shell falling today. Our new Batteries registering. Enemy's 5" How again fired a few rounds also some of his field guns but nothing serious. Aeroplane series during afternoon. Aeroplane had about 50 shells and plenty of machine gun fire directed at it, but without doing any damage. New 5" Howr late in evening registered Bastion and works on Pine Ridge. It was expected that attack might develop tonight or tomorrow being Turkish Constitution day, and in consequence all necessary preparations