Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 327
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[Page 327]
Monday 25th June
Moved out to Vieux Berquin during the day and Heavy Artillery occupied Westhof Farm. Lunched at Ballieul Club. Afterwards with Major Bates attended 11th Brigade sports. They had a very good show indeed. Am informed we are to take over from New Zealand Artillery at the end of the month. Preparation being made for special parade in Ballieul tomorrow afternoon. 11th Bde. dinner at night.
Tuesday 26th June
Divisional Commander watched the DAC on its route march. It made a very creditable showing – this was yesterday. Today the 10th Brigade are again marching out. At General Holmes' request I accompanied him to the special parade in Ballieul at 2.30 PM at which His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught reviewed representatives from all Divisions of the 2nd Anzac Corps. All made a very good showing. Gen. Plumer was present and a numberless host of generals of all grades. Gen. Holmes accompanied me to 11th Brigade sports afterwards.
Wednesday 27th June
Accompanied by General Holmes and Major Bates I left Vieux Berquin at 7.30 AM to visit Belgian G.H.Q. at Houthem, and to see part of the front in that sector. On our way up we called in at an Aerodrome and examined the latest Biplanes and Triplanes. General Arnould, Director of Artillery Belgian Army gave us his morning and took us out to see many battery positions, the trench systems and part of the inundated country. We lunched at G.H.Q. mess, and afterwards were taken to see the Aviation, Intelligence and Topographical Sections. All were very interesting and seemed very efficient. We came back home through Poperingheon our way seeing another of our balloons brought down in flames.
Thursday 28th June
With Major Bates and N.Z.D.A. Brigade Major inspected Battery positions to be taken up by 11th Brigade on the south side of our new front. The Boche artillery has of late been very active and has done a good deal of damage. Plenty of suitable positions available. Lunched at NZDA HQrs. O.Cs. 10th and 11th Bdes. will take over present Artillery group HQrs. of N.Z. Division Artillery.