Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 222
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[Page 222]
Troops on board have now discarded their Khaki drill and have taken on their woollen clothing.
We expect to reach Marseilles tomorrow morning early.
Thursday 8th June
Arrived at Marseilles at 8.30 AM. Moved into anchorage. Went alongside docks at 4 PM. Arranged to go ahead to Havre. All Brigades coming there first to equip, then up north to Billets in the vicinity of Hazebrouck. Col. Elliott, Cre, Capt. Richards and myself, motored around Marseilles for an hour. Especially pretty was the run round the water front. Saw plenty of German prisoners. Took train for Parisat 7 PM. Very crowded. Gen. Cox and his staff on board. Had very little sleep during the night. No sleeping car accommodation available.
Friday 9th June
Arrived at Parisat 8.30 AM at once transferred baggage to Gare Ouest. Had breakfast at the Grand Hotel. During morning walked round the City looking at shops. In afternoon took motor and saw as much as possible of Parisin the limited time at our disposal. Saw the Louvre, Notre Dame, Church Of S. Madelene, Church of My Lady of the Sacred Heart (where the Archbishop of Pariswas conducting services and from which place a magnificent view of Parisis obtained) the Pantheon, the Champs Elysees, Arch of Triumph and the beautiful park land beyond (Bois de Boulogne) leading to the famous racecourse Longchamps. I have never seen a prettier sight. We saw the Astoria Hotel where the Kaiser ordered luncheon to be ready on the triumphant entry into Paris. Returned to railway Station and caught train at 5 PM for Havre, reaching this town (via Rouen) at 8.30 PM. Reported to DAQMG at Base Head Quarters and arranged rooms at Hotel Moderne. The scenery all through the journey is magnificent. First the Rhone Valley, then the Valley of the Seine running from south of Paristhrough Rouen to Havre.
Saturday 10th June
Motored out to No. 2 Camp. Saw Camp Commandant. Arranged for allotment of Areas to Brigades etc. Called on O.C. Remounts