Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 385
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 385]
Both General Birdwood and General Monash very pleased with 9th Brigade turnout. Transport especially good.
In afternoon in company with Gen. Anderson inspected 1st D.A.C. Generally, with the exception of one section, the whole command was very satisfactory. Animals in good condition, harness and vehicles well cared for and stable arrangements very satisfactory. Major Wootten GSO II 5th Aus Div arrived from Samer.
Friday 1st February
Whole relief of 5th Aust. Div. completed last night. At 11.30 AM today I formally handed over command to Gen. Hobbs and with 1st Aus Div HQrs. moved to Merris. Bitterly cold day. Col. Blamey visited Corps School near Albert.
Saturday 2nd February
Attended a conference of Divisional Commanders at 5th Aus Div HQrs. Gen. Birdwood presided and he was accompanied by General White and Colonel Dodds.
The chief matter for discussion concerned the reduction of Brigades to three Battalions and on my suggestion the Battalion selected to be dropped will have its number, records etc. transferred to England, and it will become the training Battalion for its Brigade. This suggestion met with unanimous approval and cleared up a difficult situation. Other items discussed were discharge of unsuitable officers, granting of special leave to Australia to officers & men up to about 50 per month for the A.I.F., temporary holding up of promotions because of reduction of Battalions, levy on Canteen and Cinema profits, and holding of surplus officers in England for further advanced training. Colonel Blamey returned from Corps School.
Sunday 3rd February
At 10.30 AM attended Church Parade of 9th Brigade. General Birdwood and General Monash present. After the service the former presented many medals and ribbons. I was called on to receive the Ribbon of the Belgian "Croix de Guerre" recently conferred on me. During afternoon Chaplain General Holden visited our HQrs. He is looking up the Methodist Chaplains, and will leave us tomorrow forenoon.