Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 150
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[Page 150]
from North Sydney. At Lone Pine with general Hobbs and Col Johnstone. Instructed to "go slow" with ammunition, supply being temporarily short. Sergt Wallis and Corporal hare promoted to Commissioned rank. General asked for further names. Purpose commencing a class for their benefit at Brigade Headquarters. Mr Stamps completed repairs of gun for 7th battery. Two 6pr (Japanese) landed. General Hobbs ordered one to be placed in Gun lane near Lone Pine and the Second one at 7th Battery. One is being set up temporarily for trial. A 75 M shell landed into Lone Pine Telephone Station during afternoon, slightly wounding one Telephonist and the shock knocking the other one out temporarily. Very quiet day and night. Strong land breeze blowing, making plenty of dust fly and generally causing much discomfort. Temperature appreciably lowering. My cold rather bad, got the Medical officer to give me some tabloids.
Case of cigarettes received from Lady Robinson, London, 800 packets, which will be much appreciated. Inspected 7th Battery with General.
Tuesday 24th August
Went to White Valley to see 3pr Hotchkiss mounted. Two hours in the sun made me feel quite ill, and when I returned to my HQrs about noon I collapsed on my bed. General Birdwood and Hobbs called to see me. Good news received re Italy and Russia.
Wednesday 25th August
Lieut Hare left for Helles. In bed all day, very ill. General Birdwood and Hobbs called to see me during day and insisted on my going to Hospital Ship. Removed to clearing Hospital at 5 PM. Had to wait till 9PM to get on to Barge, reached ship about 9.30. Put to bed and fell into a semi conscious condition. Hospital Ship was the "Formosa" and Gen Hobbs also travelled by her to Alexandria, he having been taken ill the day after me, and reached the ship before she cleared Gallipoli. I remember him speaking once to me otherwise my mind is a blank. On reaching Alexandria I was removed to a Military Hospital practically in the town, the name or number of which I cannot remember, and after 24 hours there I was taken by Motor Ambulance to No17 General Hospital at Victoria, a suburb some miles out of Alexandria. Again relapsed into unconsciousness and remember nothing for some days. The doctors informed me that for some four days they Despaired of pulling me through, but eventually I "turned the corner", due they think primarily to my having been inoculated previously.