Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 274
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[Page 274]
a start at once sending horses back. Reached HQrs. at 3.30 and while we were having a late lunch the Boche commenced shelling our HQrs. The first one fell about 20 yards from our Mess and scattered lumps of mud over the canvas roof. About 15 in all were sent over. No damage done I am informed. Gen. Hobbs is appointed temporarily to command 5th Aus Div owing to illness of Gen. McCay.
Friday 15th December
Went out to Naours during morning. Called at Albert, picked up boxes for Col. Rabett and mails for our HQrs. Took new road to Naours – not very good. Picked up Brigade Major at School. Called at T.M. School at Fremont. Had a strafe with Capt. Brown, Commandant, re 4th Aus Div T.M. instructors. Called at Corps. Saw Gen. Hobbs, also Col. Taylor re Buire camp sites, tents, etc. Called at Div HQrs Rubimont re Trench Mortar School. Gen. Cox very unwell.
Saturday 16th December
In the office during morning. Moved into new Bow Hut, hope to be fairly comfortable. Forrest taking over new remounts. Heavy gun again shelled HQrs. but only a few rounds. Conferred with Col. Fewtrill re type of trucks for ammunition etc. Very suitable truck completed as sample. Very slushy and wet walk to his HQrs. Snow falling heavily. Took over again command of combined 1st and 4th Div Arty during Bessel Browne's absence on leave. Col. Rabett and Capt. Forrest leave approved as from 19th inst.
Received letters from Nell, Alvord and Chris, also letter from Sir Newton Moore re two of my men and an officer. Discussed details with Col. Vernon re camp at Buire. He is to commence move tomorrow. Called at DAC dump at Quarry Siding. Salving of ammunition cases well in hand. French reported to have had a fine victory near Verdun. About 7500 prisoners, many guns and booty. Our Artillery (heavy and Divisional) having a strafe tonight. Conference with Gen. Walker.
Sunday 17th December
Very cold and bleak day. Wrote letters.