Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 405
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[Page 405]
Friday 5th April
Situation this morning quiet. During the day enemy commenced to mass along our front but from our excellent positions we caused him heavy casualties, estimated at 1000, as a result of combined fire of rifles and Lecon guns etc. All day long there were indications of enemy attack, so on my putting up the case the 19th Corps ordered 5th A.I. Bde. (Gen. Smith) to place 2 Battalions to support me for counter attack work, and if not used, to relieve my line during the night. These troops were not required and relief (excepting one Co. of 36th) was completed during the hours of darkness. Two Battns., the 33rd and 34th are being held on a close position of readiness to assist if necessary in counter attack for protection of Villers Bretonneux. General Smith took over also from British Troops of 18th Division and now holds as far south as Hangard where he joins the French. Gen. Hobbs today established his HQrs. in the village and holds from main Amiens road at Villers Bretonneux to the Somme while 3rd and 4th Aus. Divs. hold up to Albert. Thus the lines of approach to Amiens are controlled by Australian troops who hold about 15 miles of front and are the right of the British line.
Representatives from 4th Army, 19th Corps and GHQ called during the day and congratulated the Brigade on the success of the operations of yesterday.
Saturday 6th April
Have not yet been able to get detailed report prepared of operations on 4th & 5th insts. Battalions have not yet sent me their reports. Both 33rd and 34th Battalions have secured accommodation in huge factory cellars in Villers Bretonneux and will thus escape inclement weather. Capt. Pike and Capt. Moss Col. Jackson called from 3rd Aus. Division in order to see if we wanted anything. Canteen stores arrived from Division and were much appreciated. At night 17th & 18th Battalion AIF relieved by 175th Brigade and my counter attack battalions also relieved from their duty. Front quiet. Capt. Bushell killed tonight.
Sunday 7th April
Conference with C.Os. at Villers Bretonneux at 10 AM. Urged necessity of submitting reports of operations at once also list of casualties. These arrived during the afternoon and were collated and Brigade report prepared therefrom. This was sent to many outside formations for information and to the 3rd Cavalry Division I forwarded a letter of appreciation concerning the work of 1st Dragoon guards & 17th Lancers.