Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 341
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[Page 341]
Saturday 18th August
Last night marked the close of my third year of war and today I commence my fourth year. It is marvellous how the months and years roll by and still the end is not in sight.
Today I visited G.H.Q. Machine Gun School at Camiers between Etaples and Boulogne. There must have been fully 200 generals present, including the Commander in Chief and three Army Commanders as well as numerous Corps and Divisional Commanders and Artillery Generals. An illustration was being given of machine guns massed for barrage work. The show was very interesting and certainly brought to notice the possibilities of machine guns in barrage. I arrived back at DHQ at about 9 PM Found an Australian mail had arrived. One letter from Nell dated June 3rd.
Sunday 19th August
With Brigade Major made a complete reconnaissance of our Divisional front for the placing of three forward Brigades of Artillery. Had to dodge some Hun shelling but really had a fairly quiet morning, tho' only partially successful in securing Battery positions. Heard this afternoon that our boundaries are to be again moved necessitating another side slip on the part of 4th Aus Div Halford left on leave. I understand my transfer to 9th Infantry Brigade is now approved. Notification will arrive possibly tomorrow. Wrote letters during afternoon.
Monday 20th August
Boche bombed rather badly during the night and inflicted a number of casualties in back areas. He has done us no harm so far. Orders received re our new Divisional Front. Our Artillery at last seems to have a reasonable chance of getting a substantial rest.
In afternoon visited General Monash, GOC 3rd Aus Div and discussed details regarding 9th Infantry Brigade. Good news from Verdun and Italian front. Received notification of appointment to Command of 9th Infantry Brigade. Col. Burgess receives his promotion to Brig. General and takes over from me while Col. Stephenson assumes command of 3rd Arty. AFA Brigade. So I now commence my 4th year of war with the "Feet" as the Infantry is generally designated. Boche again bombing during the night. His methods are a distinct contrast to those of our airmen who do most of their bombing by day when objectives can be seen and accurately located. The Boche chose not do his stunts in the hours of daylight for fear of destruction by our planes.