Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 407
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[Page 407]
Wednesday 10th April
Received instructions from 18th Div. to provide one Battalion for immediate garrison and defence of Villers Bretonneux. I have therefore instructed Lt. Col. Morshead to so employ his Battalion and have given him the 9th ALTM Battery and 2 Sections of 9th M.Gun Co. He himself becomes O.C. defences Villers Bretonneux and comes directly under the orders of GOC 18th Division, tho' as GOC 58th Division will in a few days take over the line Col. Morshead is to carry out the works policy in accordance with the latter ideas. The 35th Battalion and 9th Machine Gun Co. (less 2 Sections) remains Divisional Reserve.
During morning in company with 2nd in Command 35th Battalion reconnoitred position for Divisional Reserve to occupy during forthcoming operations. Capt. Suter went up to Hazebrouck with a party from 3rd Aus Div HQrs. to arrange re moving records back.
Heard this evening that the Boche had attacked north and south of Armentieres. On the south he had reached Estaires and BAC St. MUR, while on the north he had pushed in to Messines ridge and Ploegsteert Wood. A counter attack by 19th Division drove him back on the north.
Thursday 11th April
Attended conference at 18th Div HQrs re forthcoming operations now decided for morning of 14th instant. Cleared up situation regarding definite role and powers of C.O. Villers Bretonneux. Lt. Larke & Halford went to Hazebrouck re kit etc. and if possible will endeavour to get some of my belongings from the cellar at Sternwerck Chateau. However our line runs now so close to this town that I am afraid they will be unsuccessful. Capt. Suter returned from Hazebrouck. He succeeded in sending all Brigade records and some officers kits (including my own) back to Desvres. The 1st Australian Division also British Cavalry moved northward today and I expect we shall soon hear of them being hotly engaged. This front quiet yesterday tho' further south on the French front we could hear heavy artillery fire. Much aerial activity on both sides. The HQrs. 5th Aus Div have moved to BUSSY on the north side of the river. Amiens now deserted. All civilians evacuated.
The 58th Division (Gen. Cator) will take over the sector in a few days, and judging from a letter I have received from General Monash the prospects of our early rejoining the 3rd Division are not very hopeful. The 3rd Div. anticipates having to hold its present line indefinitely.