Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 360
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[Page 360]
good "jumping off" ground for the Canadians who are in the near future to take the Passchendaele Ridge and Village.
Troops generally very knocked up. Gas effects very painful.
Thursday 18th October
Bosche again bombed rear camps this morning. My best horse again wounded, my second horse killed and my groom badly wounded. Major Wootten had his second horse also wounded and his groom very badly so, it is not thought that he can survive. Division authorized camp to be moved to SOUTH Ypres. This was done during day. In the afternoon Signal Section of 148th Bde. took over from our signals and at night 9th Brigade was relieved, relief being completed and Command passing at 10.30 PM Major Wootten and myself then walked back to Ypres having to run the gauntlet of enemy shelling for about 400 yds. from our Head Quarters. Both of us were completely exhausted by the time we reached Divisional HQrs. the effects of gassing being responsible. Division provided us with a substantial supper, and billets for the night with 9th Field Co. Engineers.
Capt. Tolley, Lt. Brodie and Lt. Simpson also several of our men on Bde H Qrs. staff were evacuated as a result of gas and I rather think Major Wootten and myself will be treated similarly before long. Our eyes are intensely painful and continual coughing night and day is very distressing.
Friday 19th October
Breakfasted with Division and then went out to Brigade Camp. At once went to bed and commenced to take medicine prescribed by the A.D.M.S Stragglers from all Battalions from Front Line wandered into Camp this morning. Bosche planes dropping bombs during the day and night but none close to our camp.
Saturday 20th October
Lay abed till nearly lunch time. Very distressed night. Went to Gas centre during afternoon and the Medical Officer in Charge promptly ordered me to be evacuated. In view however of our early move back to