Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 301
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[Page 301]
Saturday 7th April
Stayed in during the morning. At 1 PM I met the Army Commander General Gough near Vraucourt, and explained to him my Artillery disposition. He had Colonel Tandy with him from G.H.Q. Afterwards we walked on to the spur between Noreiul and Longatte and had a good look at the enemy's lines. Weather much improved. Lieuts. Rundle and Bellamy badly wounded today, also a number of gunners wounded and one killed. The 2nd Brigade 1st Aust. Div. Artillery moved into action tonight behind Longatte. Gen. Godley visited us.
Sunday 8th April
With Capt. Forrest reconnoitred positions for D.A.C. of 1st, 2nd and 4th Aus. Divs. Col. Vernon reported from D.A.C. X29d, and is tomorrow bringing up his "B" Echelon. Charming day. Still no definite details regarding projected operations. The 1st Brigade 1st Aus Div Artillery moved into action tonight also behind Longatte. All Artillery now in the line. A solid 10 minutes strafe from all guns commenced today at 3 PM Very little retaliation. Suggested proposal to go through Hindenburg Line between Bullecourt and Quenit Salient. Tanks to the number of 4 to cooperate. Big show at Arras
commences tomorrow morning.
Monday 9th April
At 6 AM in blinding rain and sleet I rode off to look round all Battery positions in Left Anzac Sector. Watched the bombardment at Arras some 12 miles distant. A unique sight. It looked just like a low wall of irregular flame for some miles, with smoke rising from it. Some 2000 guns are in action at this point. Rode round all battery positions, also to country near Ecoust spur south of Longatte, Noreuil and Lagnicourt. Our gunners having a thin time. Bitterly cold, heavy work and many casualties. Generals Birdwood, Anderson and Sir Neville House lunched with us. Gen. Anderson promised to write Nell when he returns to Australia next month. In afternoon attended Conference with Gen. Fraser at Heavy Artillery Head Quarters Avesgne, afterwards came on to Division where orders had been received to attack to night under cover of 12 tanks, or rather at 4.30 AM tomorrow. Great rush to get out necessary orders to groups for allotment of tasks to Batteries. Heavy Artillery shelling Riencourt and Bullecourt all night.