Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 265
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[Page 265]
Wired Mrs. Lester (who is passing through Parison her way to Australia) that I was coming. Arrived at Parisabout 1 hour late at 6.30. Mrs. Lester at the Station to meet me. Stayed at Hotel Marboro where she was staying.
Friday 17th November
With Mrs. Lester spent the day at the Palace of Versailles. The palace itself was not open but we had a good look around the grounds which are truly wonderful. On the way back to Pariswe skirted the fortified boundaries and saw some of the Forts. Saw Mrs. Lester off by train for Marseilles leaving at 8.15 PM. Gave her messages for wife sister and parents. A bitterly cold night. Snow falling when I returned to my Hotel.
Saturday 18th November
Left for Amiens at 9.30. Reached there at noon. Bates to meet me with car. Called at 4th Army HQrs. and saw General Budworth MGRA, also Maps officer, then on to Corps where I had an interview with Gen. Hobbs and a long confidential talk with Gen. White. He confirmed my previous information that we are to be here for the winter.
Came on to Divisional Head Quarters and "turned in" early. I forgot to note that the country from Paristo Amiens looked particularly beautiful this morning under a heavy mantel of snow. Bitterly cold.
Sunday 19th November
Commenced out at 9 AM to look round all Battery positions of 2nd Aus Div which we have to take over. I rode up through MONTAUBAN, Bernafay Wood, Longueval and Delville Wood. Leaving the horses at the latter point I walked on to Brigade HQrs. and Battery Positions. Delville Wood full of Heavy Howrs. and guns. Battery positions very miserable indeed. Our men will have plenty to do to get them secure and comfortable. The forward Brigade is close to Flers, with one Battery among the ruins. These latter batteries are about 2500 yards from Boche front line.
Flers is a wonderful example of the horrors of modern war.