Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 243
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[Page 243]
Many points brought out and drawn attention to. Went into St. Omer in the evening. Very fine town. Shall try to get a book of views to send to Nell. Arranged with officer from G.H.Q. (Major Lindemann) to assist farmers to get in harvest.
Have offered 500 men and 40 wagons.
Wednesday 9th August
The 10th Brigade at work on training area with same scheme as above. Batteries did very well generally, but many mistakes had to be corrected. Should see a wonderful improvement before we leave this district. Every day as crops are reaped we shall have a more extended area to work over.
Thursday 10th August
The 11th Brigade out today. Turn out not as good as other Brigades, the 12th being easily the best. More attention must be paid to detail. Work of batteries generally very fair, perhaps Capt. Hodgson the best. Lieut. Irving feels the Battery work rather heavy and desires transfer to D.A.C. Apparently he has been broken up a good deal by horses in his day and is not quite up to the fatigue consequent on continuous battery work.
Friday 11th August
Visited Canadian Corps, thence on to C.R.A. of 2nd Canadian Division whose front we are now ordered to take over. Went on to two of their groups (Col. King's and Col. Stewart's) and made an inspection of Gun positions and OPs. Our front will be about 3000 yards, with the St. Eloi craters as a centre. Had lunch with Col. King,. Three Belgian batteries are included in the Artillery of this Sector. Capt. Forrest given 7 days leave to England and went to Boulogne this evening.
Saturday 12th August
Out with Batteries all day, also motored well over the manoeuvre area. Batteries much improving. Apparently our men will not be required to assist in harvesting. Received wire tonight granting me 7 days leave to England.