Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 242
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[Page 242]
About 40 reinforcements arrived from Etaples after having been travelling since Sunday last. Asked by 4th Aus Div to provide complete extra personnel for Heavy trench mortar battery. 3 officers, 66 other ranks, also instructed vacancies available for Artillery School at Tilques for 3 officers and 5 N.C.Os. Motored out to training area. The 10th and 11th Bdes also DAC. commenced march from Croix de Bac.
Saturday 5th August
Major Bates rode out with me to manoeuvre area. Saw 24th and 12th Brigades at work. Came back at midday. Watched 10th, 11th Bdes and D.A.C. march into this area. Packing of vehicles of 11th Brigade not good – nor march discipline.
Shall have to be very persistent during the period of training to ensure a good standard.
Sunday 6th August
Anniversary of Lone Pine action Gallipoli. Brigade Major and myself motored to Etaples to discuss matters at Base regarding reinforcements. Saw Capt. Clayton O.C. and lunched with him. Saw O.C. Reinforcements and D.A.D.R.T. They neither knew our correct rail head, so in consequence our reinforcements have first been sent to 4th Aus. Div on the Somme.
Called on Major Short of 1st Div. Training Depot. Called at St. JOHNS Hospital and conversed with several wounded officers.
Took interesting route home, by sundry side roads and lanes. Received instructions to send four officers to England for course of training. Col. Griffiths wrote me re Halford and sent copies of letters he had forwarded to 3rd Aus Div and A.I.F. HQrs. in England. I think these will overcome all difficulties.
Monday 7th August
Out all day with batteries of 24th Brigade. Elementary work taking up positions. Major Edwards' battery did very well. Generally a bit "sticky". Work criticised by Colonel and Camp Commandant.
Tuesday 8th August
Out all day with 12th Brigade. Lt. McCay did very well indeed. Similar scheme to that of yesterday.