Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 231
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[Page 231]
this evening to Sailly. Capt Richards returned to Caestre and will return in the morning with Capt. Forrest and Col. Vernon, the latter to inspect his billet for D.A.C. and bomb store.
Walked round to HQrs of Waites, Hughes and Kings Groups, also to Rabett's HQrs, where I had afternoon tea with Col. Stevenson. Fairly heavy strafe during night. Plenty of ammunition used.
Tuesday 4th July
Heard today that the Hun raided a portion of New Zealand trenches last night, killing about 30 and capturing five. Capt. Forrest and Col. Vernon arrived from Caestre.
Lt. Jackson taking over 1st Div Bomb store from Lt. Hare, and Lt. Stubbin similarly from 2nd Div Bomb Store. Col. Vernon inspected billets for D.A.C. Spent the day in HQrs office Sailly. Getting communication with Left Group (Waite) established. Signals not carrying out their specified duty in laying and maintaining lines from DAHQ to Groups. Lt. Fox took over trench mortars from Lt. Brown.
All T.M personnel took over. Balance of 4th Div Arty move in tonight to gun positions. Very welcome letter from Nell dated May 14th.
Wednesday 5th July
Took over from Gen. Hobbs 1st Aus Div Artillery, he and his staff moving out to Ballieul. First of all had a thorough clean out of offices, and waste paper, rubbish etc. burned.
At 5 PM had a Conference of Group Commanders, Col. Bernard also present, and went through a number of important matters with them, chief of which was the matter of instant communication between Infantry and Artillery and prompt assistance when called for from guns.
About midnight gas alarm was sounded, but nothing eventuated.
Thursday 6th July
At 6 AM left for Group and Battery positions riding Dick. Took Bligh with me. Saw Colonel Haig, missed Gen. Glasgow, missed Col. Hughes and Gen. Glasfurd, saw Col. Waite and Gen. Monash. Discussed with the latter the matter of telephonic communication from Companies to Batteries. Discussed with O C Signal Coy matter of communications generally and arranged for a letter to be sent in asking for responsibility to be fixed definitely.