Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 230
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[Page 230]
Received wire from Corps stating that Lts Evans and Sheppard were transferred from 1st Aus Div Artillery. Major Williams and Temp. Capt. Aiken from 2nd Div Artillery, and Lt Coe cabled for from England. My difficulties re Battery Commanders are therefore now ended. Lt Evans reported to me this morning, those from 2nd Division tomorrow, Lt. Sheppard on 5th on return from leave, and Lt Coe as soon as he arrives.
Sunday 2nd July
Moved to Erquingham. Spent the morning with Gen Johnstone. At 10 AM met Gen Nicholls at Gen Johnstone's HQrs., then went on to HQrs. of 1st Aus Div Certain Artillery promotions were decided on by C.R.As. Then followed a conference re operations South and North and changes in taking over the line.
There were 17 Generals present, including the two Corps. Commanders, all Divisional Commanders and all C.R.As.
It is now probable that 1st and 2nd Div. Artillery may be moved South to assist in operations there. It has also been decided that 4th Aus Div shall take over from 1st Aus Div also half area now held by 2nd Aus Div, the remainder of 2nd Aus Div Area being added to N.Z. Division Area. This means our guns have a more extended front to watch, and in addition the 1st Aus Div Area is new to my officers, it being understood we were to take over from 2nd Aus Div Called my Brigade Commanders together and explained altered conditions. Col Waite put his Brigade in Col. Cohen's group during the night, and balance of Div Arty ordered to be ready to move instantly when called upon. Very interesting watching shelling of aeroplane and sausage balloons.
Monday 3rd July
At 8.30 at Gen. Johnstones HQrs. Saw a German plane bring down one of ours, but luckily the Pilot righted it before it reached the ground. At Gen. Hobbs HQrs. at 9 AM with Richards. Two Brigade Majors going into maps etc. Arranged to relieve tonight one Battery in Cohen's Group, two Batteries in Burgess's Group and one Battery in Brown's Group. All balance of artillery marched here from Caestre excepting D.A.C. Half Heavy Mortar Battery personnel left for School at Berthen. Personnel of three medium T.M. Batteries reported back from School. HQrs. office of Div Arty being moved.