Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 381
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 381]
Sunday 13th January
Reported at 1st Aus Div HQrs. at 10 AM With General Walker went through maps and dispositions generally of troops of the Division. General Walker left at 1.30 PM During the afternoon discussed matters with Col. Blamey, G.S.O. I. I am not satisfied with machine gun dispositions. Maj. General Montgomery M.G.G.S. 4th Army called at 5 PM I had previously met him at 4th Corps HQrs. nearLoosin December 1915. General Anderson CRA discussed with me the artillery programmes and barrages. Arranged for the DMGO to get in to touch with him concerning barrages generally. Wrote home letters.
Monday 14th January
Heavy snow fell during the night and the whole country is today inches deep. Gen. White, Gen. MacLagan and Capt. Montgomery (9th Corps) conferred with me re front support reserve and Corps lines on our extreme left. Certain lines selected involving practically no alterations on 1st Aus Div front.
During afternoon I called at my Brigade HQrs. at Meteren, Corps HQrs. at Fletre and 3rd Aus Div HQrs. at Merris. I handed to General Monash programme and results of demonstrations of machine gun course at Grantham.
Tuesday 15th January
Very stormy wet day so decided to stay indoors. Gen. Coxen called and discussed various matters, and I also saw Col. Martin CRE re Divisional Front generally, works etc.
Relief took place to night of 3rd and 2nd Bdes – or rather part of relief, the remainder being concluded tomorrow night. Boche attempted to raid post at Green Wood, but was unsuccessful. One dead Boche brought in.
Wednesday 16th January
In morning called on 'General Lester' at HQrs., 1st Brigade and with him visited HQrs. of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th & 6th Battalions. All very cheery after last night's relief notwithstanding the wet and cold. A.D.M.S 3rd Aus Div called to say goodbye. Back to Australia.
Thursday 17th January
In morning called on Col. Luxton temporarily in command of 2nd Infantry Brigade, and with him went forward