Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 196
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[Page 196]
the number of officers required under the new organization. Court Martial on Capt. Parry Okeden commenced. Col. Grimwade (President) was not present at appointed time, and orderlies had to search everywhere for him. He had received no intimation of his appointment to the Court.
Wednesday 1st March
Parry Okeden's Court Martial continued. Saw General Cox and gave him particulars re yesterday's interview with Gen. White. Capt. Dixon reported to me for duty with 4th Division, but asked permission to remain with 4th Brigade till end of week. Received permission from Gen. Cox to communicate direct with Infantry Brigade and other Units regarding gunners and artificers of all kinds for transfer to 4th Divisional Artillery. Received yesterday a big bale of newspapers and magazines etc. for use of 3rd F.A. Brigade but as I have now left that unit I sent them to 4th Divisional artillery. Had pay book amended for new rates of pay. Col. Christian spent an hour with me discussing new expansion of Field Artillery.
Thursday 2nd March
As I half expected I to day received a wire from Gen. White informing me that he regretted it was found necessary to take back 12th Brigade to enable Gen. Hobbs to get his Division, as per new establishments, ready for departure in 28 days. It is rather a "set back" but cannot be helped. I have accordingly made arrangements to hand back the whole of the personnel tomorrow, or as soon as asked for. I shall see General Cox in the morning and get his permission to go to Ismailia to see General White so that I may be able to get – once and for all – a clear understanding as to what tables I am to work under and when I am to commence work. His wire said that Gen. Birdwood would consider Halfords application for a commission if he first enlists in the A.I.F.
All the 1st Division are at cross purposes over the new organization and expansion. There must be a huge shuffle all round before anything like order can be obtained out of the present chaos.