Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 379
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[Page 379]
Saturday 5th January
Left early in morning by car for Boulogne, Capt. Hawkins accompanying me. Roads very heavy with snow. Boarded boat at 11 AM, reached Folkestone about 1 PM and London about 3.30 PM Went straight to Whitehall Hotel. Some of the old faces still there, especially Miss Perks.
Sunday 6th January
With Miss Cowlishaw visited Canterbury, leaving Victoria Station about 10.30 AM. Quite nice weather and I much enjoyed my visit to this ancient town. We lunched at the Grays County Hotel and then proceeded to the Cathedral which I found intensely interesting. The transition from Norman through Early English to Perpendicular Gothic is very clearly marked. Attended the National Service of prayer at 3.30 and caught train back to London at 5 PM Stayed in all the evening at Whitehall.
Monday 7th January
During the morning called at A.I.F. HQrs. where I found that Griffiths had been promoted Brig. General as from 1st January. I also saw General Hobbs so had the opportunity to personally congratulate him on his recent elevation to Knighthood. Gave an order to the (Mutual Stores) Army & Navy Stores to forward sundry mess kit for NCP Brigade School. Made sundry purchases for myself. In afternoon left for Grantham. Commandant Brig. Gen. Cummings was at the Station and placed his car at my disposal to visit the Camp and then to return to my Hotel (the Angel). Bitterly cold weather.
Tuesday 8th January
Attended at School at 9 AM Several Brigadiers present previously known to me. Very interesting lectures and demonstrations on the miniature range. Inspected Printing & Studies building.
While sitting at dinner at the Hotel at night I received a wire recalling me to France to assume command of 1st Aus. Division during the temporary absence of General Walker. Rather annoying to have one's leave upset, but still the task is worth returning for. To night I have had to write several letterers cancelling arrangements made.
A heavy fall of snow last night and the country is everywhere inches think. There is a very nice Church at Grantham which I hope to inspect before I leave.