Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 216
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[Page 216]
shooting of 12th Brigade. Gen. Cox inspected at 8.30 AM. Batteries of 11th Brigade detailed for Front line mobile work. He expressed his satisfaction. In the afternoon Gen. Nicholl visited Batteries at work. Heavy battery (60 pr.) arrived.
Gen. Nicholl gave me a good deal of information re 1st Anzac he having recently visited them in France when returning to Egypt from leave in England.
Saturday 13th May
With General Nicholl at camp during the morning. In the afternoon motored out with him and Capt. Matherson (commanding 60 pr. Battery) to front line to select position for his guns. Major Dangar accompanied us from Rail Head.
Gen. Nicholl returned to Ismailia during evening.
Gen. Cox left on a few days sick leave. Weather terrifically hot.
Sunday 14th May
Another awful day. Did not attend Church Parade, but spoke to all officers and N.C.Os. in the afternoon re our early move to France, discipline etc. Tried to write letters but gave it up in disgust the heat being terrific. Capt. de Low took up duty temporarily as Brigade Major.
Monday 15th May
Commenced a week's shooting at 5.30 AM. One battery of each Brigade on each day. Finished up at 1 o'clock. Heat again terrific. received letters from Nell and Alvord.
Tuesday 16th May
Another day's shoot, finishing up a little earlier than yesterday – at 12.30. Heat dreadfully trying. I felt quite sick, and cut out one series.
Wednesday 17th May
Commenced shooting at 5.15 AM and went on till 11.30. The heat affected me so much that I left at 8.30 and returned to Camp.
Two monitors under Commander Noble arrived during the early morning to fix observing Stations etc. for front line.