Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 285
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[Page 285]
about 20 miles. Discussed proposals with General Holmes at night. No letters written.
Monday 29th January
Visited Col. Vernon at D.A.C. Writing my mail during the afternoon.
Tuesday 30th January
With Gen. Brand, Col. Waite, Major Williams and Trench Mortar Officer at Col. McSharry's Head Qrs. re proposed operations now fixed for 31st inst. All details settled.
Walked back around battery positions, inspecting new dug outs. Discussed plans with Gen. Holmes at night. Trench mortars bombarded during afternoon, but not very successful against wire. Forrest returned from Corps. Issued orders for operation.
Wednesday 31st January
Forrest arranging new wagon lines. Bates returned from French Artillery School. Heavy's bombarded trenches in N21d from 1.30 to 3.30 PM to day, prior to capture tomorrow night.
Thursday 1st February
Reconnaissance of objective in N21d last night showed necessity for further heavy artillery bombardment. Heavies commenced again at 1.30 PM and continued for an hour. The 15th Battalion attacked at 7 PM, under our barrage.
Barrage excellent. Infantry got into Boche trenches just as it lifted and without a casualty. Captured 2 officers and 50 other ranks. Rather anxious and troubled night. Eventually at about 4.30 AM the boche put in a heavy counter attack and drove our troops back.
Friday 2nd February
With Gen. Holmes and Brand visited Battalion Head Quarters. Nett result of interview rather gave the impression that Infantry had not kept machine guns to the front, consequently were unprotected, and further that no organised system had been established in rear to resist counter attack.