Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 307
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[Page 307]
Friday 20th April
For a change the sun shone out to day. I rode out to Col. King's Head Quarters at 9.30 AM, left my horse there, and with Major Williams walked round some of the Battery positions, into Ecoust and Longatte, also to Railway embankments North East of Ecoust, thence via sunken road to Norueil, and then back to Colonel King's Head Quarters. From OPs. of 37th and 39th Batteries in Longatte I had an excellent view of the whole country over which our attack is to take place. When I returned to DHQ. I learned that Gen. Johnstone, CRA 2nd Aus Div is to take over Artillery Command tomorrow at noon. Attended a conference at 2.30 with Divisional Commander concerning forthcoming operations which are now to take place on the early morning of 27th inst. Back axle of car broken when returning from overhaul.
Saturday 21st April
During the morning I made all arrangements for handing over to General Johnstone which was done at 12 noon. Major Bates is remaining on as Brigade Major till proposed operations have been carried out. Office moved into temporary quarters, and small camp pitched for ourselves opposite Div HQrs
Sunday 22nd April
With Capt. Forrest rode from Baupaume to Arras. Batteries of Heavy Artillery are Stationed all along the road and were busy as we passed. The Boche was rigorously shelling Monchy, and also a valley in which were placed many of our batteries.
Very interesting to see the old Boche line East of Arras. Took Capt. Forrest to one of the concrete O.Ps. in Arras, and had a short walk around the Town. The Boche was putting in a few heavy shell at the time. Returned to camp about 4 PM
Monday 23rd April
Early this morning I was aroused by heavy artillery fire on our Left. An attack was in progress in Cherisy and Fontaine Les Croisilles. Visited OCs. 10th and 11th Brigades and DAC re posting of officers. Later with Halford I rode out to ridge south of Croisilles and watched the attack above referred to. Artillery fire from all natures of guns simply terrific. Halford made a sketch of it all. On the way home we rode through Mory.