Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 227
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[Page 227]
Monday 26th June
Met General Birdwood at Armentieres Station. Brought out Col Waite and his Adjutant to look over the gun positions they will eventually work from. With Col Grimwade inspected Left Group. Watched an interesting German 5.9" series against a Supposed Battery emplacement which had not been used as such for six months. The real battery position was about 350 yards N.E. from the spot shelled. The Germans ranged very carefully with the assistance of aeroplane and then put in about 200 rounds, all excepting 10 detonating beautifully. Splinters flew all around where we were standing, some 400 yards away, a couple of which I picked up. Not a man was hit and no damage done except to the unoffending field. A costly mornings work to no purpose. Partly walking, partly riding bicycles, we inspected the Centre Group under Lt Col Lloyd and the Right Group under Lt Col Cohen. We found the emplacements generally very good – plenty of suitable material is of course available – very different to Gallipoli. Orchards, hedges and buildings, give plenty of opportunity for screening of guns. Officers generally in this Division have never been to Gallipoli, and I think are unduly puffed up with their achievements here. I am perfectly satisfied our officers and men will do well. Those already allotted to Batteries are proving their worth. Returned via Merris to Caestre. Called at D.HQrs. re trench mortar School and satisfactorily arranged for personnel of next two classes. Gen. Birdwood refused my leave, saying I could not be spared at the present juncture. I am not particularly keen on getting it, but I want to get George Halford fixed asA.D.C. It seems rather a difficult matter to get one man from England.
As far as I can learn, future movements of troops generally will mean my leave will be blocked for some considerable time. All personnel of M.T.M Batteries sent to School at Berthen.
Tuesday 27th June
General Cox at my Head Quarters. He told myself and my C.Os. of an interview he had with Gen. Birdwood last night. Gen. Plumer is doubtful lest 4th Aus Div Artillery may not be sufficiently advanced to take its legitimate job in connection with forward move, and if not the 4th Aus Div Infantry will