Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 173
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[Page 173]
Monday 13th December
People at Whitehall very surprised to see me again. They thought I would be almost out at the Dardanelles. Called on Colonel Buckley, and got him to telephone Weymouth asking if Transport was ready. Informed not yet arranged for. I therefore got permission to remain in London till boat was ready when Staff would wire me. I found General Hobbs was in town, so Col Buckley invited me to meet him and General Walker at lunch tomorrow. This I agreed to. I purchased a few small articles of kit, called on Miss Cowlishaw, met Major Vernon who has also to report at Weymouth and then returned to Hotel to lunch. About 3 o'clock I received a telephone call from Col Buckley telling me that a wire had just been received from Weymouth ordering all officers to report at once. I accordingly caught the 4.50 train and reached Weymouth about 9PM. Reported by phone to Base Camp. Still no word of boat.
Tuesday 14th December
Reported out to Commandant A&N.Z. Base. Found there was still no word of boat. Very annoyed because I could have met General Hobbs in London, and I wanted to know a good many points about Dardanelles Commands. Instructed to stay at Royal Hotel till officers and NCOs (about 100 of each) are ordered off. The Staff rather think we shall return on a mail boat, but nothing definite is known. Wet miserable day. Stayed in all afternoon writing letters to all at home, Charley, Gen Hobbs & Edith Halford. After dinner I repacked my bags again, disorganised because of my trip to France.
Wednesday 15th December
*
Ascertained that boat would not leave for a couple of days at lEast. Wired Colonel Buckley telling him that I had tomorrow available and asked if arrangements could be made at Buckingham Palace for Investiture of C.B. Gen Hobbs, Col Cannam and several others were to be decorated today. Received wire from Col Buckley stating that special Audiences have been granted by His Majesty for tomorrow. Left Weymouth by 7.20 PM train and reached waterloo about 1 hour late.
No taxis available. Walked to Whitehall Hotel, Russell Square. Very glad to get to bed.