Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 317
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 317]
Tuesday 22nd May
Stayed in office all day. Halford at 3rd Aus Div DAHQ getting positions of Batteries for offensive. During the day I wrote up some notes concerning operations before Bullecourt, ammunition expenditure and casualties to personnel and material. Copies of all (also History of 4th Aus. Div Arty) forwarded to Gen. White and Gen. Holmes.
Received letter from Admiralty agreeing to let Charley spend his next leave with me here. Letter also from Charley stating that he had finished his exams, had passed in Gunnery and Torpedo and the balance of results were expected to be out by 23rd inst. He promised to wire me results.
Wednesday 23rd May
At 9.30 AM Capt. Forrest and myself called on General Grimwade. He had arranged for Major Playfair to show us round the gun positions of 3rd Division. We motored out to Ploogsteert, and then walked round all the positions, Gas trench and Heath trench in which latter O.Ps. are situated. These O.Ps. are on the forward slopes of Hill 63. Met Col. MaCartney and Col. Cohen who were looking round O.Ps. All artillery including trench mortars busy at 12 noon.
4th Aus Div Batteries are now all in the line. I hope to see them all tomorrow.
Thursday 24th May
During morning Commander in Chief called together with his Artillery Adviser Maj. Gen. Birch. Forthcoming operations discussed. Also recent fighting at Bullecourt. During afternoon took Halford round all the N.Z. Battery positions occupied by 4th Aus Div Artillery. All batteries are making themselves very comfortable, and after their recent experiences down south they think their present task quite a picnic. Called at CRA's office of N.Z. Division and also 25th Division. Map being prepared showing all battery positions, both Heavy and Field.
Friday 25th May
Received word this morning that my leave has been curtailed because of forthcoming operations. I expect I shall get about 6 days only instead of 14 as was first arranged. Wrote all my Sunday letters to members of the family.