Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 235
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[Page 235]
I shall now have the opportunity of seeing both the operations here and those down south while attached to Gen. Godley's staff. Discussed details with Gen. Christian to whom my artillery will be attached, and arranged to hand on batteries during tomorrow morning. One's arrangements are never certain for two consecutive days. We have just withdrawn from the line, and expected to get two or three weeks of strenuous manoeuvre behind the line – instead, we are sent back again into action. However it is all practice in moving at short notice, and incidentally is discipline for one's temper.
Saturday 15th July
Called at DA 5th Div. Interviewed Gen. Carey, G.O.C. R.A. 11th Corps. Also met Colonel Allerdyce and Gen. Nicholl. The latter informed me he is being relieved from his duties at 2nd Anzac. Lent Forrest and Bates to Christian re ammunition and orders. In fact the orders were drafted by Bates. After lunch I went round to HQrs. of our three groups in 5th Div. Area, Bates helping our Battery Commanders. I returned to Croix de Bac about 6 PM and went to the Kite Section R.F.C. close by.
The Kite balloon was up, but as light was fading it was hauled down while I was there. A very uncanny thing it appears to be. Basket carries two operators, and is fitted with parachutes for forced rapid descent. Balloon was up 2000 feet.
All our batteries moved into position in the open during the night, dug in, and DAC supplied ammunition.
Sunday 16th July
Received message from Gen. Godley re visit of Australian and New Zealand Parliamentary Party. Called on the General at La Motte. He asked me to meet them, show them round this area, and take them back to Boulogne.
Major Studholme to look after New Zealanders.
Monday 17th July
Carefully inspected all 15 Batteries of Division, also Group Commanders HQrs. Operations postponed because of hazy weather. Heavy artillery registering. Included are 9.2" Howrs., 12" guns, 6" Howrs.,