Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 237
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[Page 237]
dinner with me. Spoke to 2nd Anzac on phone. Was informed our intended operations eventuated today. Succeeded in entering German trenches, but British troops on our Right were not successful and as a venture it failed. We secured about 150 prisoners and killed a number of Germans, while our casualties I understand total about 4,000.
Delegates arrived from Parisand stayed at Folkestone Hotel.
Thursday 20th July
Left Boulogne about 9 AM for Calais. Col. Nicholson S.O.O. met us there, showed us round Ordnance shops, stores, Bakery etc., and took us all to lunch at Hotel Maritime. Australian Party consisted of Senators Keating, De Largie, Watkins, Barker and McGlynn, also Mr. Josiah Thomas, Burchell, Hampson, Palmer and Orchard. Lord Burnham accompanied them.
After leaving Calais at 3 PM we proceeded via ST. Omer to Cassell the HQrs of 2nd Army. Here General Sir H. Plumer received the party, and from the roof of his HQrs building we saw a magnificent panorama, such an one as I have never before seen, covering the whole 360 degrees. He told them how well our 5th Div. had done in the recent attack. We then journeyed to La Motte via Hazebrouck, dined with Gen. Godley (New Zealand delegates also being present) then took Australian Party to Croix de Bac where billets had been arranged. Lord Burnham stayed with me and messed with my officers.
Friday 21st July
Started out early. Called at Clearing Hospital where 2500 cases had been passed through during the last 2 nights. Inspected 9.2", 60 pr. and 18 pr. Batteries, also Anti Aircraft Sections. Home to lunch. At 2.30 motored out to Kite Balloon Section. One of the delegates (Mr. Palmer) went up and thoroughly enjoyed his experience. Boche shelling Nieppe close at hand.
Motored into Armentieres where we inspected the badly shelled Church, then on to the Aerodrome beyond La Gorgue, then home about 6.30. Quite a full day and I am sure the visitors were much interested. Witnessed burial of some of our Australian lads killed in the recent attack.