Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 332
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[Page 332]
Friday 13th July
In company with Capt. Maxwell left HQrs. early for Calais. Paid my respects to new Gocra 2nd Army, thence on to No. 5 Remount depot just south of Calais. A good show. Arranged with the O.C. to have horses selected for colour in future supplies. Motored on to Ambleteuse to 2nd Army Rest Camp. Found this concern under the command of a Colonel who seems peculiarly suited for the appointment. Everybody – officers and men – appear to be having a splendid time, the beach and briny holding many attentions. Our 4th Divisional Artillery personnel at present there speak in terms of the highest praise of the Camp.
Called at "Australian Hospital" at Wimereux and No. 2 Australian General Hospital in close proximity. Talked with about 40 men from all areas of 4th Aus. Division. Found Matron Grey in charge at No. 2 Hospital. She is a very old friend of the Lindsay family and Alice has often spoken of her to me. She recently was Matron at Harefield, England. Returned home via St. Omer-Aire and Merville. At Aire saw Capt. Plouvier, the owner of our Chateau, who with his wife is making a two days' stay with his married daughter. He introduced us to them. Arrived DAQ at 8.30 PM A huge accumulation of documents to attend to. Wire received from Gen. MacLagan informed us he will arrive at Boulogne on Sunday morning next.
Saturday 14th July
Stayed at HQrs. during the morning. Col. Bernard round Brigade HQrs. In afternoon attended Horse show of 4th N.Z. Infantry Brigade, and presented ribbons to prize winners. Quite an excellent show generally. Our D.A.H.Q. wireless picked up POLDAU Station today and took in several messages – one stating that H.M.S. Vanguard had been blown up while at anchor – with great loss of life. I was naturally very anxious about Charley, but later received a wire from him stating he was on Destroyer "Partridge" and was quite well. Of the 800 complement only about 2 men and officers were saved from the ship – though fortunately about 100 officers and men were away from the ship at the time of the disaster.
Dined with 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station officers mess.
Sunday 15th July
Capt. Maxwell left early for Boulogne to meet General MacLagan. Gen. Lawford 41st Division called here, also Gen. Monash who is acting as Corps Commander 2nd Anzac during absence on leave of Gen. Godley.