Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 401
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[Page 401]
Friday 29th March
Last evening while at dinner I received word from General Monash that my Brigade was to be detached from the Division and move southward. Later however he cancelled the order. Today I have again been all round my front and in liaison with 7th Cav. & 16th Division. This evening we again received orders to move south – this time definite – and to proceed to Cachy reporting to HQrs. 61st Division at Gentelles. Our Field Ambulance and Train Company are to accompany us. Leading Battalion left Bonnay about 8 o'clock and arrived at Cachy about 11 PM All units complete arrived during the night. I reported to Gen. MacKenzie, 61st Div. at Gentelles and established Brigade HQrs. in this village. British troops very pleased to see us.
Saturday 30th March
Arranged for all troops to evacuate Cachy during the day to avoid casualties from shell fire. They accordingly moved northward about 1000 yards to the edge of a wood. At 2.15 I was ordered by GOC 61st Division to counter attack and re-establish the line immediately West of Marcelcave to Aubercourt inclusive. I immediately proceeded to the Battalions called the COs together and ordered the 33rd Battn. to carry out the attack with 34th Battalions in support. The 12th Lancers (of 2nd Cavalry Division) about 400 strong protected our flank and assisted us in a splendid manner. Though my troops did not reach their final objective as laid down they drove the enemy back and established a splendid line. I received a very kind note of appreciation from the GOC 61st Division. Our casualties were officers killed 5, officers wounded, 5, OR killed 28, OR wounded 157, missing, 11 ORs, Total 217.
The 33rd Battalion was relieved by troops of the 18th Division during the night. We captured 4 prisoners and two machine guns. No more prisoners were needed. The 35th Battalion during the night took over from 1st Cavalry Division the line just West of Marcelcave to just West of Abancourt. This was done to give an opportunity for fragments of units to withdraw and be reorganised.
31st March. During the night 61st Division handed over Command of Sector to 18th Div. (General Lee) under whose command we now come.
Evacuation of wounded worked splendidly and our Field Ambulance is to be heartily congratulated on its efforts.