Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 272
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[Page 272]
Saturday 9th December
Major Bates and myself thoroughly reconnoitred ground in front of Flers almost up to Guedecourt. Some guns of 1st Division very badly placed – in my opinion they should be withdrawn. Two German field guns have been lying close to these batteries for some weeks, yet have not been salved. Cannot understand it. Carefully examined Flers, also position for 110th Battery and 38th Battery. The latter doing good work in his position, and will have splendid emplacements. Good cellars being located, among them one used as an electric light Station by the Boche with all its plant intact and a dozen dead Boche inside. Lunched with Capt. de Low. Forrest and Halford at Naours. Matters still very unsatisfactory re School. Col. Bernard also there to day.
Sunday 10th December
With Bates went to School at Naours. A chapter of accidents – three punctures. Called at Div HQrs re syllabus. Rabett doing well at School, but still difficulty re materials. Engineer officer present who is now making arrangements for what is required. Gen. Rabett grant of £10 for mess requirements.
Monday 11th December
Early this morning (at 1.45) I was awakened by bombs dropping in the vicinity of our camp, three falling uncomfortably close. At once our "Archies" opened fire, the search lights commenced to play and pandemonium reigned for some time. I heard a number of explosions in the vicinity of Amiens – about 50 – and conclude the Boche was bombing the City. One plane kept circling around us at a low altitude and loosing off machine guns directed along the roads. It was a beautifully clear moonlight night with a heavy frost. This morning I made a further reconnaissance of Left Group Zone. Arranged with Col. Waite re position of Edward's How. Battery, then inspected O.P. position in front of Flers, then on to Guedecourt. I had an orderly from 10th Brigade with me and together we flitted from shell hole to shell hole till we reached the battered remains of Guedecourt. This place offers splendid facilities for observation. Shelling