Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 316
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[Page 316]
They are mostly situated near Wulverghemand Hill 63. Quite a lot of work has been done, but our units will have much to do before positions can be considered as ready. Most ammunition will be delivered by Decauville. Balance of units completed detraining and marched into billets. I have arranged that when they go into the line, they may be given no night work for at least a week in order that they men may get some well deserved sleep. Letters and photos from Nell. Very good indeed.
Saturday 19th May
Attended to office work during the morning. In the afternoon attended a conference at 4th Aus Div HQrs. The new operations were fully discussed. Later a discussion took place re reduction of horses and instructions given for proposals to be in tomorrow. Mess established in Building opposite the office. Leave to England for Major Bates approved. Trench Mortar Batteries temporarily loaned for forthcoming operation to 3rd Aus. Div Arty Guns being sent to G.O.M. for overhaul. Lt. Anderson awarded M.C. for his work at Bullecourt on 3rd instant.
Sunday 20th May
Major Bates left at 10.30 AM for Boulogne on leave to England. Lt. Rayburn accompanied him. Brigades advised to move to their wagon lines. In afternoon Halford and myself rode to 3rd D.A.H.Q. at Steenwerke. Saw General Grimwade C.R.A. and Major Playfair, Major Nicholls and Capt. Irvine. Stayed to afternoon tea. Interviewed Paymaster 4th Aus Div with Major Williams and Major de Low concerning delay in return to pay office of [indecipherable] rolls. Matter cleared up satisfactorily. Wrote a brief history of 4th Aus. Div Arty
Monday 21st May
Corps Commander called on me at 10.30 AM and I took him round wagon lines of 10th Bde. and DAC. The units were of course far from being spick and span, having only the night before marched into these wagon lines. Horses are improving fast and both units have a nice field for grazing, while watering arrangements are also very satisfactory. troughs being provided in each field with pumps. Corps Commander had not time to go forward to 11th Brigade area. Heard today that H.M. Transport Themistocles with a large number of invalid Australian officers and men, and which left Plymouth on May 4th, had been torpedoed. Brig. Gen. Christian was on board and is I believe drowned.