Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 359
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[Page 359]
Monday 15th October
My troops trying to get a rest. Arrangements made for good supply of whale oil, dry socks, cocoa, rum and underclothing. Shelters also provided. During the afternoon General Godley called at my Brigade Head Quarters. Just as he was arriving the Bosche shelled our HQrs. very severely, and as a consequence he had to rush for shelter, and was detained much longer with us than he intended. My men relieved the 11th Brigade in the line during the night, relief being completed at 6 AM. Our Head Quarters shelled continuously during the night with 5.9" and gas shell. Everybody affected by gas.
Tuesday 16th October
Six new forward posts established about 150 yds. East of our present front line. These are being connected up with a definite trench. Brigadier of 148th Bde., 49th Div., who is to take over from me, arrived at my HQrs. with his Bde. Major, Battalion and Company Commanders. Later Brigadier of 4th Can. Division and GOC 3rd Can. Division called on me, and I gave them full details of the front areas. The Canadians are to do the job we failed to complete. Col. Ironside, GSO I of 4th Can., with Col. Jackson our GSO I came round yesterday.
Weather has improved somewhat. All staff here suffering very much from effect of mustard gas. It specially affects the eyes and throat also bronchial tubes. I shall get one of the Medical Officers to call tomorrow. Perhaps he may be able to give us some relief. Received advice from Division that our relief is postponed one day, and will now take effect on night of 18th/19th October.
Wednesday 17th October
Received word early this morning from our rear HQrs. that the Bosche had dropped bombs at 6 AM on our HQrs. horse lines. My best horse, the Bde. Major's best horse and the Staff Capt. 2nd horse were all badly wounded, while the Interpreter's horse was killed. Bosche very busy shelling batteries in vicinity of our Head Quarters and as a consequence we came in for a good deal of attention ourselves. During night three new posts were established [indecipherable] about 300 yds. in front of 6 posts established two nights since. We have thus secured a