Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 14
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[Page 14]
Sunday 4th October
Church service at 10 AM. Conducted by Archbishop of Melbourne. Good attendance. Guns flanked the hollow Square. Gun carriage draped with Ensign. Mrs Clarke and Registrar attended. Chief Engineer took photo of group.
At 2 o'clock parade the greater portion of 7th Battery refused to fall in because of lack of leave. I had three guards formed and issued instructions that ship was to be cleared of troops, and every man to parade on wharf. About 60 men ordered into arrest. I read out Governor General's Warrant concerning Court Martials and informed the whole parade of the Powers vested in me under the Warrant. I also read out to them the penalties awarded for Certain Crimes.
Exercised Squire John in the afternoon in Company with the Chief Officer. Had two hours conference with all officers after dinner re lack of discipline, instruction, etc, and generally was successful in straightening out some difficulties. The Chief Steward reported pilfering from bottled ale cases. An ensuing investigation.
Monday 5th October
Full muster parade at 6.30 AM. I had overnight carefully considered my course of action re Sunday's business and had decided that as the men had admitted their offence to the O.C. Battery, and had expressed their regret for the incident I felt the best interests of the Brigade would be served by publicly censuring the men, pointing out the seriousness of their position and releasing them. If I have erred on the side of leniency I must abide the consequences but I want to have a loyal command, and I feel an appeal to their honour will in the long run be more effective than fine or imprisonment. I have therefore dismissed the cases and the future must show if my confidence has been misplaced.
During the day Saddlery of Battery was checked with that of Divisional Column, which latter harness had been returned from Broadmeadows by order of Colonel Tunbridge. Capt Mc Gee was in attendance with Major Hughes. No less than 12 Battery saddles and other harness were found among Capt McGee's equipment. Brigade Headquarters unpacking and stamping Harness. Battery at Gun drill, Column teaming horses.
Received a hint from my Orderly that leave was being irregularly obtained by Brigade Headquarters men. I resolved on a Tattoo parade for Head Quarters details, with the result that it was discovered five men (including a N.C.O) were absent without leave. I decided to wait up and check.