Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 326
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[Page 326]
Thursday 21st June
Gen. Jobson and his HQrs. arrived at Westhof Farm to day, and are remaining here till tomorrow. He lunched with our Mess.
Received letter from Nell dated April 22nd, previous one being March 24th. Evidently five letters or at least four are missing.
Attended in the afternoon at 11th Brigade wagon lines to witness a cricket match between 10th and 11th Brigades. The latter easily won.
At night 10th Brigade had a Concert but I did not attend.
Friday 22nd June
Received instructions today to vacate our quarters here. Heavy Artillery G.O.C. and staff are taking possession as from noon on Monday next, and we will go back to the Division's HQrs. Out riding during the afternoon.
Saturday 23rd June
GOC Division and Col. Bernard watched the 10th Brigade pass our Head Quarters. Generally a very good turn out.
About 1 o'clock Boche planes attacked our balloons, and succeeded in igniting three, which quickly fell in flames. Altogether about 6 balloons were involved, and for a time the air was full of descending parachutes. All observers I understand reached the ground safely. During the afternoon Major Lord Bentwick lectured to our senior N.C.Os. and officers on horse management. He gave an interesting lecture. The last time I saw him was on board HMS TBD. Harpy off Gallipoli. We were landing from the Destroyer and were badly shelled by the Turks, suffering 42 casualties. He remembered the incident very well indeed.
Late in the afternoon I rode to Kemmell where a magnificent view is obtainable of the whole Country over which the recent advance was made as also beyond to the North, East and South. I shall get Corporal Benson to make a sketch from the summit.
Sunday 24th June
Parade of 11th Brigade during morning. Wrote letters during afternoon. Preparing to move out of these HQrs. tomorrow morning. Three balloons brought down by Boche planes. Took Benson to Kemmell to make sketch of Messines Ridge. Bates also rode out later with Col. Waite, and incidentally had a nasty fall from his horse. Boche planes dropped bombs all around our camps last night, but no damage close to Artillery.