Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 368
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[Page 368]
Conference with Major Drake Brockmann re Engineer works in whole Brigade Front. Working parties arranged for to commence operations on morning of 22nd inst. Col. McCartney called re Artillery working parties. The 35th and 36th Battalions relieved tomorrow night in the line by 33rd and 34th Battalions respectively. Col. Ross & Major Pain went round part of line with Bde. Major.
Wednesday 21st November
Conference with Major Hamilton O.C. Div. Sig. Co. re communications, supplies, and Signal Officers attached to Brigade. Battalion relief carried out without casualty. During the 8 days 35th & 36th Battalions have been in the line the casualties have amounted to 4 killed and 6 wounded (including gassed).
Thursday 22nd November
With Staff Capt. visited new Battalion HQrs. Staff Capt. then went on to inspect dumps etc. while I inspected support line of Right Battalion in company with Col. Morshead and his second in Command. Work of drainage progressing well, and Infantry working parties well employed.
Cols. Goddard and Milne to lunch with us. Discussed many line details. Successful British offensive during the last two days before Cambrai.
Friday 23rd November
With Staff Capt. visited Transport lines of 33rd, 35th and 36th Battalions and 34th ditto just after lunch. Condition of Harness, Vehicles and Horses was excellent in 35th Battalion, and considerably improved upon. 33rd and 36th passable, 34th very bad – will arrange for Brigade Transport officer to supervise all Transport of all Battalions.
Gen. Monash called during afternoon and discussed future policy. Mr. Woodburn, Comforts Funds Commissioner from London with the local representative of 2nd and 3rd Divisions called re comfort generally. Cambrai operations still further successful. A few aeroplane bombs tonight.
Saturday 24th November
With Brigade Major left HQrs. at 6.45 AM for left sector. Called at Battalion HQrs. and reconnoitered several trenches and site for new trenches. Trench discipline of this Battalion is bad.