Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 328
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[Page 328]
Friday 29th June
With Major Bates and D.T.M.O. visited Artillery School at Tilques (2nd Army). The Colonel Commandant shewed us around and I was agreeably surprised to find such an up to date show. Every facility exists for officers and N.C.Os. to learn their work thoroughly. Later we went to 2nd Army T.M. School at LEULINGHEM.
A special demonstration had been arranged for the benefit of the R.A. Generals of 5th Army, so we too witnessed it. Met Majs. General Franks, Uwaike and Birch and a number of Corps and Divisional R.A. Generals. Show proved very interesting indeed.
Saturday 30th June
With Major Bates reconnoitred gun positions in Northern Sector of our new front to be covered by 10th AFA Brigade. It was a miserably wet day and we were drenched before we reached our billets. HYDE PARK corner in Ploogsteert wood had been very heavily shelled during the previous night, and generally this locality is far from being a healthy one. Many battery positions have been heavily crumped and much ammunition destroyed. Our group and Battery Commanders have all completed their reconnaissance prior to take over by 2nd July. Mesopotamian Commission finding published.
Sunday 1st July
Wrote letters. Batteries completing tonight their "take over" from NZDA. and I assume command tomorrow at 10 AM of the artillery of this Sector of the Front. Our Head Quarters will be in Steenwerck.
Monday 2nd July
A very sad day for 4th Australian Division. During the morning I had completed "take over" from Cra. NZDA, and had just gone to my room to do some writing when Major Bates came in and informed me General Holmes had been killed by shell fire. He had left Divisional HQrs. about 9.30 AM in company with Mr. Holman Premier of N.S.Wales, intending to show the latter the recent battle ground. The party had just left the car at White Gates, Hill 63, when one solitary H.E. shell arrived severely wounding the General, and knocking Mr. Holman down. A fragment had entered the General's body under the left shoulder with its exit in the left brEast. He was immediately taken in the car to a Dressing Station where he succumbed a few minutes after arrival never regaining consciousness. Mr. Holman returned at once to Divisional