Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 137
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[Page 137]
Saturday 31st July
Hostile aeroplane over at 7.10 AM. Dropped many darts in gully just below our H.Qrs Camp, and also 3 bombs, one close to Burgess' Headquarters, one in valley to Westward and one on razorback ridge. Apparently they were trying for Burgess' battery. Late last night received part II orders from Base, showing our casualties.
During afternoon "D " battery 69th Brigade Howr shelled Snipers Ridge preparatory to venture at night by 3rd Infantry Brigade. Gen MacLagan, self and Major Brown with also Major [indecipherable] of How battery thoroughly examined country. The General explained project for the evening, which was to capture Turkish "Despair" trenches. At 10.15 PM operation commenced. Howrs put in a few rapid rounds, mines were exploded under enemy's trenches and all guns of 7th Battery as well as one gun of 8th Battery engaged various objectives with the object of keeping down enemy's fire. We were very successful. Olive Grove and Wine Glass Batteries put up a heavy fire but it was generally badly aimed and 9th Battery, helped by Lowland 5" Howrs kept them under. I watched the operations from my observing station. Very pretty sight and an awful din. Infantry took trench and commenced to reconstruct it. I went to bed at 1 AM.
Sunday 1st August
Enemy's artillery opened a brisk fire at 4.15AM. particularly on trench taken by our Infantry. The 9th and 5" Batteries soon got on to them and eventually silenced them. New work being strengthened. Total casualties in Infantry 75 wounded and 20 killed, while Light Horse lost Col Harris killed. Many dead Turks could be seen in front of trenches, and generally we feel they had a very bad time. Lyddite shook them up. This afternoon How battery registered Southern end of this trench which is still in the hands of the enemy. Another operation will shortly give us the remainder of the trench. Our artillery fire proved most effective and Gen MacLagan tendered us today his best thanks and congratulations as also did General Hobbs. All guns being manned tonight in case of Counter attack.
War Diary for month of July sent to AAG Third Echelon.
Pitiable to see dead men today laid out for burial tonight. Wrote Nell. Twelve months today since Charley appointed to H.M.S. Charybdis.
Monday 2nd August
Enemy did not counter attack during night as expected. Very quiet. Visited Divisional Headquarters during morning, discussing mails and men's rations. Had Gen Walker's periscope repaired