Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 139
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[Page 139]
Underwent secondary inoculation against Cholera. General Hobbs at my Headquarters during afternoon. Very dissatisfied with condition of gun emplacement 5th How Battery. Divisional Orders (Secret) issued giving details of attack on August 6th. Hostile aeroplane again overhead. Engaged by 9th Battery. General Hobbs offered appointment as Orderly Officer to Gen Cunliffe Owen to Lt Garling, Lieut Glendinning and Lieut Pybus. All expressed their desire to remain with guns. Gen Hobbs had to detail Lt Pybus temporarily to the position. Enemy's artillery quiet.
Thursday 5th August
Enemy's artillery very quiet until 4 o'clock this afternoon when Olive Grove opened briskly. Interview with Gen Hobbs and Brigade Commanders at 8th Battery at 12 noon. General Bombardment again carried out, more ammunition being used than was allotted. More men arrived last night (Kitchener Army) also more men for 3rd F.A. Brigade. Sent a message to Divisional Head Quarters that "North Lancashires" had selected a bad spot for Bivouac on the Southern slopes of MaCay's Ridge just under Burgess 3 & 4 guns. They will surely get Olive Grove, H.E, and shrapnel shell directed at these guns. Major Burgess warned them personally. At 9 AM this morning had O.C.s to my Head Quarters and went through Operation Orders with them. Received orders from 3rd Infantry Brigade at 5.15PM, and issued my own orders for tomorrows work at 7 PM. Had a little extra cover put over my "Dugout" in the shape of sandbags. Telephone Communication with new DA position established. Orderlies arranged for tomorrow for DA, Bde Hqs and Batteries in case of break down of Telephone lines. Gunner killed at 7th Battery.
Friday August 6th
Enemy did not wait for us to attack him today but commenced on us at daylight. I was awakened by heavy rifle fire and found the enemy was attacking Tasmania Post and Leanes Trench.
By dint of a very free use of powerful bombs the enemy got possession of a part of Leanes Trench, but was promptly turned out with the bayonet. I think we had a good many casualties but we also know the Turks suffered heavily. Fire was kept up all the morning. At 10 o'clock I interviewed General Hobbs at 8th battery. Arrangements completed for cooperation with Gen. Ryrie's Operations for tonight. Visited 7th Battery and carefully went through all orders with battery Commander. At 4.30 PM intense bombardment of Lone Pine was commenced. Ground fairly trembled with Lyddite