Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 334
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[Page 334]
Friday 20th July
Left Steenwerck at 9 AM and took up HQrs. at Vieux Berquin. Attended to Artillery papers. Received letter from Col. King asking to be relieved of his command. In the evening discussed his case with G.O.C. and arranged to call on GOC. AIF on Sunday for a decision. During afternoon visited 10th Brigade wagon lines and inspected all teams hooked in. A very creditable show indeed. Had a talk with Col. King concerning his letter of this morning. He feels he is on the verge of a collapse. Later called on CRA of 47th and 41st Divisions in order if possible to secure a better HQrs. for Col. King's group.
Saturday 21st July
In the morning rode to Hazebrouck and La Motte. At the latter place I saw Colonel Waite, who has certainly improved but seems to be still far from well. Gen. Bessel Browne and his Brigade Major lunched with us. Major Bates had 5 days' leave to Parisgranted dating from tomorrow, and he will go with me tomorrow as far as Amiens when I go to call on Gen. Birdwood.
Sunday 22nd July
Major Bates deferred his Parisleave for 1 week.
At 9.30 AM I left for 1st Anzac Corps, first calling at the Canadian Hospital at Arcques. Reached Amiens at 1.30 and lunched there. Later went on to Corps HQrs. at Querrieu. Discussed with Generals Birdwood and White also Col. Hoad the question of sending off Cols. King and Waite. Arranged everything satisfactorily. Dined with Corps Commander and stayed for the night.
Monday 23rd July
Left Querrieu at 9.30 AM bringing a Corps officer & W.O. as far as Hazebrouck. Reached home at 2 PM. Stayed in all the afternoon writing letters. Col. Armstrong to go to 2nd British Division. Ordered Col. King to move to England tomorrow. Conference at D.H.Q. during afternoon.
Tuesday 24th July
Sent car for Col. King, and he and Major Bates left for Boulogne at 9 AM. Very sorry to lose Colonel King. Stayed in all day. In the evening dined at Div HQrs and said goodbye to Col. Armstrong. Infantry Brigadier also present.