Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 204
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[Page 204]
Friday 24th March
Again at HQrs. 4th division re reinforcement Officers. No authority through from Anzac as to their future. Moved over on to ground latterly occupied by General Hobbs and established office. Convened Field General Court Martial re one of Col. King's men. Heard at HQrs. that I have to take over two 18 pound How Battery at Moascar, Ismailia. At Col. Duncan's request I put in a strong minute showing why it would be inadvisable to do so and how much better for the training of 4th Div to send guns to Tel el Kebir, allowing us to continue training here, unless tactical consideration absolutely compel us to go to the Canal. The whole of 4th and 5th Divisions are ordered to Canal, but I think the Artillery will remain here for the present.
Took photos of a huge crowd of camels here today. They are to be used in Transporting 4th & 5th Divisions to Canal.
Saturday 25th March
Received note from Gen. White this morning re Major Waites promotion. I immediately went to Ismailia, saw General White, and got the whole matter settled. Major Waite is to receive his promotion in orders tomorrow to be appointed to the Command of a Brigade. Gen. Hobbs has been trying to get Major Spurge appointed, but I managed to give such information as left Gen. White no alternative but to appoint Waite. I tried hard to arrange that 4th Div Arty should remain at Tel el Kebir. Will hear definitely in a few days.
Lt. Holdgate handed over to me from 1st Div. under arrest, pending settlement of enquiry re his conduct. Received instructions to send to Zeitoun 200 odd reinforcements for Artillery depot there. Lieut. Hobson and others gazetted.
Sunday 26th March
Divisional Church parade this morning, but as I had a good deal of writing to do I did not attend. Major Griffiths spoke to me over the phone from Anzac telling me Major Waites promotion was through orders. Had all Battaln Commanders of 13th Brigade to dinner with us. All old Anzac friends and in our new Division we shall again be associated. Sent 200 Artillery details to Zeitoun under Capt. Thomson. Very glad to get rid of them.