Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 299
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[Page 299]
Sunday 1st April
Stayed in all day letter writing. Heavy snow during the night but a beautifully bright day. Brigades busy preparing for their march into the line again. Move postponed another 24 hours.
Monday 2nd April
The 10th Brigade marched to the line, leaving Behencourt at 9 AM I watched them pass. March discipline generally very good. At 10 AM I inspected the trench mortar Batteries. Very well turned out. At 11 AM Major Fraser, O.C. Signals 4th Aus Div called re organization of Divisional Artillery Signal Service in accordance with new establishments. During the afternoon I visited the 5th Army trench mortar School at Valereux, but owing to a terrific wind and snow storm all class work was suspended. Went on to 4th Aus Div Infantry School at La Chaussee and lectured on "Cooperation between Infantry and Artillery. Spent our last night at Bavelincourt Chateau.
Tuesday 3rd April
Watched 11th Brigade move out on its march. Here too march discipline was reasonably good. Major Bates and self came on to Baupaume in the car with our new Chaffeur, Staton having been ordered to rejoin his unit, Imperial ASC The new man is unused to a "Daimler" and we had a very unpleasant journey forward.
Called at Divisional HQrs. and saw Gens. Holmes and Johnstone. Then went on to "A" Echelon D.A.C. where we are staying till I officially take over the Artillery of the Left Sector, Anzac Corps. The 10th Brigade arrived.
Wednesday 4th April
A very wet miserable day. Major Bates and myself made a reconnaissance of the Longatte Valley, also Norieul Valley. Col. King and Major Edwards with their Battery Commanders, also Col. Rabett made a reconnaissance of the above two Valleys and Lagnicourt Valley handing in their reports in the evening.
In yesterday's notes I omitted to refer to a brilliant performance of a German Aviator during the afternoon. Two of our Kite Balloons were in position when suddenly a Boche plane came along at a terrific speed, fired at on all sides by "Archies" and machine guns. He reached the first balloon, and fired his incendiary bullets. The balloon at once burst into flames, and simultaneously the two observer occupants in the basket