Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 282
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[Page 282]
Among other interesting methods of securing prisoners, the following is perhaps unique. Two Intelligence Officers dressed as Germans, entered the German trenches and induced 8 Boche to accompany them back to the British lines. Wrote letters.
Monday 15th January
With Capt. Forrest inspected both Groups, Flers, and old Flers Group. Then on to Tank Guns, Factory Corner Cheese Road, Guedecourt and back to Brigade HQrs. by train line. Saw General Rawlinson, the 4th Army Commander. Told him how we had moved our 11th Bde. on trains in two nights. He was very interested. Very cold day. Boche shelling intermittently along the whole front. Small enemy raid during night on our Left front. Easily repulsed. Several casualties to enemy – none to us. Arranged with 258th Tunnelling Co. to commence Artillery Dugouts.
Tuesday 16th January
With Forrest and Styles inspected new wagon lines. Very satisfactory. Shelters for about 2,000 men and horses. Being apportioned to units. In afternoon went to Corps, then to DAC at Buire. Discussed moves and reorganization with Col. Vernon.
Wednesday 17th January
Heavy fall of snow during night. Ground covered to a depth of 6 inches. No office staffs working. All snowballing. Worked out distribution of officers to new Brigades under reorganization scheme. In afternoon took Bates to Amiens to attend French Artillery course for two weeks. Called at Army Corps work shops re observation Station boards. Lt. Waite came to HQrs. to take on Staff Capt's work.
Thursday 18th January
Again heavy snow during night. About 1 AM offices ofADMS, AQMG, and DAA & QMG were destroyed by fire. Capt. Forrest happened to be just going to bed, and with others managed to save most of the records. Early in morning went to French Artillery School via Amiens. Watched shooting from observatory on range and work of Batteries on main Rouen road. Not favourably impressed either by shooting or Fire discipline at battery end.