Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 241
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[Page 241]
Visited billeting area at Wallen CapellE also at Esquerdes, Setques, Lumbres and Quelmes. Will arrange for whole Divisional Artillery to occupy the first named three villages.
Major Bates issued all orders re moves etc.
Wednesday 2nd August
With Capt. Forrest left Croix de Bac at 8 AM The 24th and 12th Brigades had left earlier via Merville. I inspected them on the road. 12th Bde turn out particularly good.
Arrived at about 11 AM at Chateau we are to occupy at Lumbre as Head Qrs. Capt. Forrest completed billeting in detail. Very fine Chateau owned by a Viscount. He is about 50 years old and handed over the property for use of British Military officers. We shall be very comfortable here during our training period.
Lt Col Archdale R.H.A. who is to be our Camp Commandant called and stayed to dinner. Talked over details of training.
Part or our HQrs. staff arrived here about 3 PM, balance coming by road with 24th Brigade.
Nice trout stream running beside this property. Our Brigade Major is an expert with the rod so we hope occasionally to have fish for our table.
Thursday 3rd August
Capt. Forrest at 9 AM met Adjutants of 12th and 24th Brigades at Hallines, and pointed out their billets to them. After lunch I went with Capt. Forrest to Acquin where we arranged billets for D.A.C. Went on through Boisengham to training area, returning to Lumbre about 5 PM Major Bates went to see a R.A. Major at St. Omer, but he was not at home.
The 12th and 24th Brigades also Train settled into billets at Esquerdes and Setques. Secured good paddock for D.A.H.Q. horses. Country around Acquin is really beautiful – very hilly – fields a wonderful contrast in colours, real golden ripening wheat, sage Green oats, brilliant Green silver beet etc.
Friday 4th August
The Anniversary of Declaration of War – Two dreadful years – how many more? Visited 12th and 24th Brigade battery billets. Major Bates on manoeuvre area. Capt. Forrest met Adjutants of 10th and 11th Brigades also D.A.C. at Wallen Cappelland arranged billets.