Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 373
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[Page 373]
Thursday 13th December
Stayed in camp during the morning. In afternoon Brigade Major and myself motored over to HQrs. 38th Division and discussed with GSO I the arrangements concerning the defence of Armentieres, for which purpose two of my Battalions are held available. We afterwards called on the Brigadier (at Erquingham) who is directly responsible for the above defences, and discussed further details with him.
Completing defence Scheme maps for handing over to 5th Brigade.
Friday 14th December
The 35th and 36th Battalions changed places with two Battalions of 5th Brigade. I watched the 35th on its march and the whole turn out was exceedingly good. Completed all Defence Scheme maps. Major Pain spent the morning on the Front line.
Saturday 15th December
Signals of 5th Brigade took over during morning and shortly after lunch all personnel of 9th Bde H Qrs. excepting the Brigade Major and myself proceeded to new HQrs. at Steenwerck. General Smith G.O.C. 5th Brigade arrived with his staff during afternoon. Bde. Major and myself dined with him at night. Relief completed at 10 PM. Division provided car to convey me to HQrs.
Sunday 16th December
Division handed over to 2nd Aus Div at 10 AM and reopened at Ravelsberg. With Brigade Major and Staff Captain rode to camp to be used by Brigade Signal School. It has been left in a very filthy condition by 5th ALTM Battery, the previous occupants.
Wrote usual weekly letters.
Monday 17th December
General McNicoll called re new proposal for 3rd Aus. Division to temporarily take over about 8000 yds of front south of the LYS. It was decided that 9th Brigade should take over the left Sector of 5500 yards and the 11th Brigade take over the right Sector of about 1500 yards. The whole arrangement is very unfair and indicates bad staff work. Three Brigades are being moved where only two need be involved, also during the period of relief the Defence of Armentieres is jeopardised. Further the 10th Brigade who were relieved immediately