Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 324
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[Page 324]
Wednesday 13th June
At 6 AM handed over Artillery Command to C.R.A. 25th Division. At 9 AM accompanied by Lt. Halford and Corporal Benson I motored to Llankhof Farm near Ypres. Walked through Lock 7 where we inspected our old concrete O.P. structure which has been used for some time as an Artillery Brigade HQrs., thence on through Verbranden Molen to Hill 60 where we saw the crater of mine blown up on morning of 7th inst. It is about 100 yards in diameter and about 40 feet deep. In the vicinity we saw French bayonets, equipment etc., relics of the early fighting in 1914. We then walked on to the Bluff thence across the canal to White Chateaux, incidentally being forced to take cover for some time from 4.2" shelling. Then on to St. Eloi, where we saw another new crater similar in size to the one at Hill 60. Then on through Wytschaete to Messines and back to our car at Wulverghem. Between Wytschaete and Messines we saw two more craters, each being about 150 yards across and fifty to sixty feet deep. It was a very hot trying day but the walk was exceedingly interesting. Such a walk shows one very clearly how the line Wytschaete-Messines has dominated the British lines since the end of 1914, and it now in turn gives us domination over the Boche territory. Guns have been pushed forward all along the line, also our balloons, while our Air Service absolutely dominates the air.
Thursday 14th June
Spent most of the day in visiting Battery positions of 4th Aus Div All have established themselves reasonably comfortably.
Friday 15th June
Capt. Forrest went on leave to England. Halford and I went with him as far as Cassell, calling at Hazebrouck en route. Gen. Robertson joined car at Cassell he too going on leave. Called on M.G.R.A. and obtained map locations of all batteries engaged in recent battle, and also mine craters. Halford preparing a combined map for me. Visited the old Church at Cassell, a grotesque mixture of Gothic and Classic. Heavy casualties in 110th Battery.
Saturday 16th June
Again around battery positions. It has been decided that we are to be relieved tomorrow night. All our men will be glad of a short rest and clean up. Wonderful evolution this evening by Naval Triplane.