Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 176
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[Page 176]
three other officers, including a N. Zealand Army medical Lieut Colonel, and 48 A.S.C. men. Received by wireless the news that our troops had evacuated Suvla and Anzac. Everybody very sorry to hear it. We all hoped to see the Dardanelles propositions through. I understand we are to hold Helles and to temporarily control the entrance to the Dardanelles. Wireless states our loss in withdrawal was three men wounded. Sounds rather too good to be true, but we are informed withdrawal was made in a thick fog. I wonder is my baggage lost or otherwise.
I think I can trust my orderly officer to bring it off if at all possible. Wrote to Nell, all the boys, Mother and Edith Halford ready for posing tomorrow at Gilbraltar.
Thursday 23rd December
Wireless news states that Asquith announced in the House of Commons withdrawal from Gallipoli cost only three men wounded. Six guns were abandoned the type not being specified, but they were absolutely destroyed before being left.
Band's efforts today especially good. Several numbers encored. We are now nearing Gilbraltar and will arrive about 10PM, by which time I shall doubtless be in bed.
Friday 24th December
Arrived off Gilbraltar at 11.PM. last night. Ordered to go in to "Gib" for orders. Upanchored again at 11.30 PM and continued on voyage. We are now being escorted by two T.B. Destroyers, H.M.S. Alcorn and Shelldrake. So we feel reasonably safe. Band again played during morning and afternoon. Muster parade for Ships boats and fire drill at 4PM. A Committee has arranged sports for Officers and men to be carried out during the period between Xmas and New Year. Had a very enjoyable concert in Dining Saloon during evening, the band contributing several items. I sang "Nazareth". Some of our "young bloods" very merry and continued their exuberance of spirits till 1.AM.
Saturday 25th December
Christmas day here again. The last one I spent in Egypt and a great deal has happened since then. Awakened at 6 AM by the Band playing in various parts of the Ship. "Christians Awake," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "O Come all ye faithful".