Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 165
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[Page 165]
Took motor bus to rail station, drew 2 days ration (bully beef and biscuits) and entrained for Bethune via Rouen. Left Havre about 11.30 PM. Had a fitful night's sleep.
Friday 3rd December
Arrived at Rouen in early morning. Detrained about 7.30 AM. Reported to R.T.O. at 9.30. Instructed to report to train at 4.30 PM today for Bethune. Have spent the day in Rouen visiting the noted examples of Gothic Architecture, seeing the town generally, visiting the markets, purchasing views for Nell also a couple of simple ornaments and a small copper bowl with Rouen Coat of Arms thereon – this latter as a Souvenir of my visit here.
Had lunch at Hotel L'Angleterre, Quai de la Bourse.
Took train from No 11 line at 5.25PM for Bethune via Abbeville. Had about 500 officers and men on board and I was O.C. train. In consequence I had a first class compartment reserved for me and had a very comfortable journey.
Saturday 4th December
Arrived at Abbeville in early morning. Detrained some Cavalry there. Arrived Bethune about 12.30 PM. Passed numbers of troops and transport of all kinds during this latter part of the journey, both French and British.
At one Station troops on the train bartered their tinned meat and biscuits with the local inhabitants for bread. Very interesting Country. For the most part arable land, some cultivated, well timbered and watered. Most buildings are of brick roofed with tiles, but in a very bad state of repair and apparently very old and neglected. The A.D.C. to General Cartwright Commanding 1st Divisional Artillery met me at the train with the General's car and drove me out to the Headquarters in the village of Mazingarbe. The whole district is given over to mining, these coal mines behind our lines being at work, while those in the immediate vicinity of Artillery fire are closed down. General Cartwright had arranged for me to have my meals with his mess, and a very cosy billet for me with an old French lady named Madame Hennequet, who with her daughter has remained here in the old farm throughout all the shelling, so far without hurt. There is a fine pear orchard attached to the house. Electric light is supplied from the mines (but temporarily