Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 306
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[Page 306]
Tuesday 17th April
Discussed barrage plans for forthcoming operations with Gen. Smythe, also arranged to get copy from 62nd Division of their barrage, and make a complete map, showing tasks for Heavy Artillery as well as for Field Artillery. Final orders issued to all Groups re moves of Brigades when final objective has been gained.
Bitterly cold weather. More sleet and snow. Lt. Col. Shellshear arrived and instructed to report to "Q" group. Two men of 47th Battalion 4th Aus Div who were in the operation of 11th inst. returned to our lines last night. They had been with two others in a shell hole in the Boche wire luckily in a portion which we were not shelling. The two others had been killed by shell fire. They are giving a great deal of useful information. Naturally they were very exhausted from want of food and exposure to the wet and cold weather experienced since the day of attack.
Wednesday 18th April
Quite a good Australian mail in today. Two letters from Nell, two from Alvord, one from Chris and one from Charley. His exams are just about commencing and he seems satisfied that he will get through satisfactorily. Obtained Barrage map from 62nd Division, Halford instructed to prepare a combined barrage map. Halford provided 1st Lieutenant. Officers for Artillery Signal Sections arrived. These are now being organised. Very wet miserable day so I did not go out to the front line. French and Boche having a bitter fight between Soissons and Rheims. The French have captured over 11,000 prisoners and all front line systems. Despite many and heavy counter attacks in which reserve German Divisions have been employed, the French have held on to all the gains. British in the edge of St. Quentin also Lens.
Thursday 19th April
Miserable wet and cold day. Stayed in office. Worked out Barrage maps. Army Commanders called during afternoon. Informed us our operations still further delayed till 27th instant. Arranged with General White that batteries should be withdrawn leaving only one Brigade in the line in each Artillery group. Thus a chance will be given to some of the Batteries for a rest and clean up. All the personnel have had a very thin time indeed, working night and day with very little sleep, and suffering many casualties.