Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 250
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[Page 250]
and inspected position in front of St. Eloi Craters, with a view to bombardment and assisting in raids. Returned to breakfast at 9.30. visited C.F Corps. Secured further building material and cement. Col. King left for 7 days' leave.
Friday 8th September
Took out D.A.C. working party at 6 AM to Lock 7 to commence O.P. Just commenced work when a 5.9" shell was heard coming. We all bolted towards a tunnel through the Canal bank. The shell however arrived first and detonated close behind us covering us with mud and soil. Three other shells arrived almost immediately, one killing 7 Canadians and wounding 8 others. Returned to HQrs. and worked on plans for gun emplacements.
Saturday 9th September
With Gen. Franks and Belgian officers inspected Right Group. Gen. Franks expressed pleasure at finding our fellows hard at work on all emplacements. Informed a second Padre is to be attached to Divisional Artillery.
Today a splendid Barrage was put up by Right Group, covering a Canadian rescue party. I received a special letter of thanks from GOC 4th Can. Division, Gen. Watson. Went out late in car to Lock 7.
Sunday 10th September
Called on G.O.C. Division. Arranged to visit Harringbeek tomorrow with him. Thanked him for his letter of yesterday. On drawings for gun emplacements. Padre Dexter and new Padre (Rev. Edwards) lunched with us. Gen. Cox called to see me.
Monday 11 September
With Major Bates and ADC. inspected new O.P. work at Ecluse 7, then on to Battery positions in 1st Division area, also new position in 4th Can Div Area (Harringbeek).
At 11 AM heavy shelling by 5.9" directed on Restaurant Corner. Three casualties in Collins battery. Called on Col. Hughes and Waite re new gun positions and permanent works. Called on Gen. Mitchell CRA 3rd Can. Div. re loaned gun positions.
Col. Bernard called at office.