Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 142
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[Page 142]
The work done by the 7th Battery during the last 36 hours has been absolutely splendid. Enemy's attack on Lone Pine this morning very vigorous. We estimate the 7th Battery accounted for over 500 Turks.
My forward officer in new trenches (Mr Turner) is doing good work. Quiet afternoon. Work on new gun emplacement continued and roadway being improved. Inspected 7th Battery during evening. Found parapet and gun emplacements demolished, 5 enemy's guns having concentrated on them during the day. They were all rebuilt during the night. Worked at new gun emplacement till midnight. Received two letters from Nell dated 28th and 29th June: also one from Father and two from A.King.
Tuesday 10th August
A very quiet night. Very heavy fire early this morning. Our Left Flank heavily engaged. 2nd Artillery Brigade did great execution among massed enemy. Gen Hobbs informed me we captured 1000 rounds of 75M Ammunition. Capt Waite carried out two series in conjunction with Lieut Turner, just in front of new position Lone Pine and in gullies Northward. General Hobbs at 9th and 7th Batteries. Conveyed General Birdwood's thanks and his own to all ranks and to myself personally. Generally very quiet on Right Flank during day. Enemy has evidently all he can do on the left. Assisting N.Z. Artillery with horses. Had four wounded yesterday moving their guns on left Flank. Aeroplane series for Miles this afternoon against Boghali. While this series was in progress a hostile Taube came over but was promptly chased and forced to the ground by our machine. I think my Adjutant was up spotting. I shall be pleased to hear his version. Laid down platform for No1 Gun 7th Battery. Emplacement now practically completed. Sent in full report of previous 3 days operation. Recommended Capt Waite for the Military Cross.
Wednesday 11th August
A very quiet night. Got a very acceptable sleep. Had a look at our newly captured trenches on Lone Pine. Notwithstanding the fact that our men have been cleaning up and rebuilding since 6th August the place is still in ruins and still gives an excellent conception of the damage caused by the bombardment on 6th August. The place is full of dead Turks. We have had large parties on day and night extricating bodies from damaged trenches and burying them, but there are still hundreds to get out. The smell is pestilential. My Head Qrs are distant about 750x and life is hardly bearable at that distance. It will take