Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 352
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 352]
Artillery barrage – divided into depth of 5 zones – 1st, 18 pr. 2nd 18 pr. and 4.5", 3rd machine guns, 4th 6" Howrs. 5th 8" and 9.2" Howitzers. In the Second Army 1st and 2nd Anzac Corps operated, the 1st consisting of 1st and 2nd Aus. Divs., and the 2nd Corps of 3rd Aus and N.Z. Divisions. On our left the 5th Army also attacked.
At 9.30 AM our final objective was captured representing an advance of over 2000 yards – and prisoners came streaming in. The whole show has been wonderfully successful, and while our troops have fought magnificently our casualties are reported light. During the day Brig. Gen. Trevers of 199th Inf. Bde. came to see me with his Battalion Commanders. He is to take over the new front tomorrow. Pack Transport moving up well to front line troops and field guns are advancing to positions just beside our H.Quarters.
Friday 5th October
The Bosche Counter attacked 5 times during the night but each time found our men too much for him. Prisoners total between 5 and 6 thousand of which about 1200 were captured by 3rd Aus Div Today I handed over my HQrs. to Gen. Travers. Our Brigade moved out to No. 2 area Winnezeele, scattered parties coming in all through the night. We are to be ready to take part in a show if required on 8th inst., and if not then a few days later. The 9th and 10th Bdes. are to be assaulting troops with 11th Bde. in Reserve. My men are very keen to be in it.
Saturday 6th October
Conference at Divisional HQrs. re proposed operations on 8th instant. All Brigadiers present. Afterwards held Conference of my Battalion Commanders, and went through whole proposals with them. Clearing of arrears in Administration accumulated while we were in the line.
Sunday 7th October
Further Conference with Divisional Commanders. It has now been decided that 3 Australian and the New Zealand Divisions are to be held in readiness to exploit a possible success. Anzac mounted troops and a Cavalry Division also in Reserve. The British Divisions of 2nd Anzac (in company with Divisions of