Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 300
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[Page 300]
made a parachute descent, the falling burning balloon several times appearing to envelope them. However they reached the ground safely. The occupants of the basket of the second balloon seeing what had happened, lost no time in also making parachute descents which were successful. In the meantime the plane had reached this balloon and treated it in a similar manner to the first. It also fell in flames. This all happened within 300 yards of Divisional Head Quarters, and the whole staff from the Divisional Commander downwards watched the combat with bated breath. All this time the plane was being shot at from all directions, but its work being done it returned over our lines flying very low, and apparently without serious injury. The whole episode took no more than 5 to 10 minutes, but was enthralling, and I so much admired the pluck and fearlessness of the aviator that I could not help being pleased that he got off safely. The 11th Brigade arrived, mechanically drawn.
Thursday 5th April
At 11 AM today I officially took over Command of Artillery Left Sector, 1st Anzac Corps from Gen. Johnstone, CRA 2nd Aus Div When all Artillery allotted is in position I shall have 1st, 2nd and 4th Divisional Artillerys also 12th Army Brigade in all 162 guns and howitzers. During the afternoon with Col. Rabett I called at Col. Lloyd's HQrs. and explained to him the new regrouping arrangements.
Saw Gen. Uwaike and Major Broad at Div HQrs also Generals Birdwood and White. Col. King and group and Battery Commanders of 4th ADA made a further reconnaissance of their proposed positions.
Incensed to find that 2nd ADA batteries and groups are still using earth return wires in spite of definite orders to the contrary.
Friday 6th April
Conference with Divisional Commander and Infantry Brigadiers at 10 AM re forthcoming operation. At 12 noon at rear of Longatte
I met Gen. Anderson, CRA 62nd Division, and arranged re location of our interloping batteries, and also gunner boundary between us. Col. King accompanied me. Col. King moved his batteries into the line during the night and 2nd Aus Div and 12th Army Brigade moved their batteries to new positions. "Good Friday".