Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 374
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[Page 374]
after the Battle of 12th October before Passchendaele, should have been the troops to go into the line and not the 9th Brigade. General McNicholl in his capacity as acting Divisional Commander has evidently considered the comfort and well being of his Brigade, before that of the Division as a whole and has certainly ignored tactical considerations.
Tuesday 18th December
In early morning Brigade Major and myself visited General Grogon Thomas (of 115th Bde. at Erquingham) from whom I am to take over. We went through many matters and arranged all details for advance parties etc. Returning to Brigade HQrs. I conferred with all C.Os. and gave them verbal orders. Advance parties from all units moved into the line. A young moon and frozen ground helped materially. Called at Divisional HQrs. at Steenwerck. British Convoy sunk in North Sea, also H.M.S. Partridge.
Wednesday 19th December
With Brigade Major called for General Grogon Thomas. He took us through Armentieres and round his whoLe Sector excepting a small portion of the extreme right front. Our advance parties seen everywhere making themselves familiar with their sectors and duties. Returned to Bde H Qrs. Steenwerck for lunch. Battalions moved into line. Called at Divisional HQrs. at 2.30 re Battalions required for defence of Armentieres and then being kept absolutely clear of all demands for working parties. Relief of Battalions completed at 10.50 PM at which hour command of both this Sector and Armentieres defences passed to me. General Grogon Thomas and his Brigade Major dined with us.
Thursday 20th December
General Blackadder GOC 38th (Welsh) Division called. During the morning a Boche Patrol attacked on No. 2 Post Right Sector. We had one officer killed and we inflicted casualties on the enemy. Later one of our patrols went out to reconnoiter and encountered the enemy. A free fight resulted in casualties to the Boche and none to us. We secured one prisoner and one dead German. Two of our signallers were missing from the vicinity of the post during the morning and have evidently been taken prisoner.
Dined at night at DHQ (38th Div), Major Pain accompanying me.