Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 375
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[Page 375]
Friday 21st December
Gen. Monash called to see me. Decided in view of present unsettled policy that my trip to the French front should be deferred till we come out of the line. Discussed various matters with him including honours and rewards. Bitterly cold weather, snow and freezing. Canadians have arrived. Conscription policy. 11th Brigade moving into Sector on our Right.
Saturday 22nd December
Brigade Major called on 11th Brigade and with the BM visited part of the line adjacent to our southern boundary. Arranged re liaison between both Brigades. Col. McCartney called. His Brigade is taking over artillery covering us. Armentieres shelled fairly heavily during the day. Bitterly cold weather.
Sunday 23rd December
With Major Drake Brockman O.C. 9th Field Co. inspected all Field Artillery positions with a view to wire protection. On the way back called at office of Staff Officer Armentieres defence who was not in. He called at my HQrs. later and we discussed wiring and recent manning of two Battalions 10th Brigade. Gen. Cannan called re posts on our boundaries and completed liaison established.
Discussed wiring proposition with Gen. Monash on the phone. He authorized me to proceed at once with what I considered best.
Court of Enquiry under presidency of Lt. Col. Morshead sitting to get at facts re withdrawal from Blue Line at Passchendaele on October 12th, Major Carr, a wounded officer chiefly concerned having now returned to duty. Arrangements made for Major Hawker to retain Major Rodd as C.O. 9th Training Battalion, the latter officer to join 36th Battalion and to be fully tried out. The G.O.C. A.I.F. in England reports unsatisfactorily. Col. McCartney called. DADMS called and was informed that the RMOs. of 34th and 36th Battalions were unsatisfactory. He was asked to have them replaced.
Monday 24th December
D.A.D.M.S. called and told me arrangements had been made for new RMOs. for 34th and 36th Battalions.
Major Brockman called re wiring south and East of Chapelle Armentieres. Working party (one company from 34th Battalion) commencing tonight.