Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 209
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[Page 209]
Major Cockraft, Staff Officer R.A. 2nd Anzac called and stayed to lunch. Discussed sundry Artillery matters. Persuaded Gen. Cox to ask for our 20 % reinforcements to be supplied at once. Two ships with Russians soldiers from VLADIVOSTOCK passed through canal, each with about 2000 men. Their destination unknown.
Wednesday 12th April
Spent the morning at Artillery Camp. New mess huts well under weigh and area generally being made clean and tidy.
Received letter from Nell from Springwood, the first for many weeks, also one from Alvord and some papers from Nell. Several new Commissions gazetted.
Thursday 13th April
A terrific wind blowing all night. Sand flying in all directions, and to day conditions have been dreadful. Wind has gale velocity and when riding along the sand cuts ones face like glass. Received instructions re formation of Mobile column for possible advanced work, and made my arrangements accordingly.
Friday 14th April
Another terrific night. Very little sleep for anybody. Tents blown down in all directions. Capt. Forrest went to Cairo to correct proofs of 4.5" Hows. drill pamphlet and Standing orders. Cols. King and Hughes came to breakfast, and we decided certain details re gun positions etc. A sharp shower laid the dust for about an hour to day. Busy in office all day.
Saturday 15th April
Inspected camp during morning. Made reconnaissance for gun position West of Canal at Serapeum. Wrote Capt. of "Sir Thomas Picton" re communications between him and myself. Allotted our 200 Horses at Serapeum West to various units. Maj. Vernon, Lt. Landsell and Padre Stevenson reported for duty. The latter appears a fine sensible fellow and I think should be of great assistance to us.