Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 136
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[Page 136]
damage done. Visited Chatham Post, with Col Harris and Mountain Battery officers regarding shelling of new Echelon Trenches. Decided Howitzers could do best work. Arranged for Howrs to shoot during afternoon.
Thursday 29th July
Provided 8 horse team last night for use of Lowland 4th Battery. Lt Edwards ordered to Cape Helles as Capt 6th Battery. Lt Garling attached to 8th Battery. Howrs did not shoot last night against Echelon Trenches but werr to have a series at 8AM today. I waited some time, but no sign of shooting. About an hour later I was advised shoot was postponed. Clerk from 7th Battery repated for duty at D.A. HQrs. Handed over working parties to Major Clougstone for Artillery road, from Shell green to valley between Bolton Hill and Tasmania Post. Electric bulbs for torch received from England, also boots from Callaghan & Son. Sydney. Colonel Hobbs promoted Brigadier General. I extended him my Brigade's hearty congratulations. Watched Howr shoot at 5 P.M. on Echelon Trenches. Only five rounds fired which did not register target. Waste of ammunition unless a good series authorised.
Discussed situation with Gen MacLagan. Hostile aeroplane overhead about 7 o'clock. Appeared to volplane down to earth East of Gun Ridge. Our aeroplane up at same time, but as she is not armed she discreetly kept out of the way. Miles gave enemy first taste of his long range gun today against Infantry drilling on Kilid Bahr plateau. More reinforcements arrived for Brigade.
Friday July 30th
An Aeroplane over at 6AM. Thought at first it was hostile, but later discovered it was one of our own. Two batteries of Lowland Brigade now in action. My section now contains my Brigade of 18 prs, Major Miles Heavy Battery, two mountain guns, two 5' How batteries, Lowland Brigade and one 5" Battery 69th Brigade, a total of 24 guns. Hostile aeroplane flew over during afternoon, dropping two bombs on the edge of water at Brighton Beach. Howr Battery shooting at Echelon Trenches at 5PM. At same time three cheers ran along the line because of victory before Baghdad. Provided working party of 75 for 58th Division guns, Miller on H.Q. switch and phones all day. Arranged for new lines to new D.A. Station in case of an advance. Interview with general MacLagan re bombarding Snipers Ridge works – Lt Teare transferred to 2nd Brigade. Capt Crisp sent off last night to Hospital.