Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 354
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[Page 354]
along the front at 5 PM. During the afternoon saw a Bosche plane shot down in flames and crash, later a British machine came down under control but turned twice over on reaching the ground. I am of opinion anything like a serious counter attack by the Bosche could easily drive in the British troops now in position. In fairness to the 66th Division this is their first fight, and seem to know very little of arrangements always necessary for such operations. Reached our Billets at 11.30 PM very tired indeed. We walked about 10 miles.
Wednesday 10th October
From information received this morning it appears the 66th Division have fallen back almost to our old front line as handed over to them some days since. Apparently the Bosche did not counter attack, but our troops simply retired. Now it becomes incumbent on Australian Divisions not only to capture the Paschendaal Ridge and Village as intended but also to retake ground lost yesterday afternoon and evening. Conference at Divisional Head Quarters. Informed Battalion Commanders later of new objectives and tasks. Brigade Transport moved to wagon lines East of Ypres at 9.30 AM and troops moved by bus at 2 PM. I was ordered by the Divisional Commander to stay at Winnizeele till tomorrow AM in case he should find it necessary to communicate with me. We are allowed very little time to prepare for our attack which under present arrangements is to eventuate on the early morning of 12th inst. Cold miserable weather and I seem to have caught a heavy cold last night.
Thursday 11th October
Units had a bitterly cold time last night no tents being available. Heavy rain fell and the condition of men was most unsatisfactory. Brigade Major and myself left Winnizeele at 6 AM, called at Divisional HQrs. at Ramparts then on to Bivouac of Battalion, thence to General Robertson's HQrs. thence to my own Battle HQrs. with General Cameron. Tonight our Battalions take on their approach march prior to battle tomorrow morning. General Cameron's men took over the line from the 66th Division last night but the actual front line is very indefinite. It will doubtless be cleared up today. The whole arrangements for the ensuing battle have been far too rushed, and the country over which the attack passes is very heavy.