Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 408
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 408]
Friday 12th April
This morning the Boche made a strong attack on the French at HANGUARD affecting my right Battalion the 36th. Orders came through from 18th Division about 9 AM to move the 35th Battn. and machine gun Co. from Villers Bretonneux to a position of readiness near Gentelles Wood. Later in the day I received word that a 5.9 shell had struck the HQrs. dugout of 36th Battalion, that Lt. Col. Milne and his Adjutant Capt. McFee were killed and that Major McDowell, second in command was seriously wounded. Major Fry from 34th Battn. was placed temporarily in command of 36th until I could send down Major Grant from 35th Battn. and Major Dunlop to act as Adjutant. Spoke to Division about the question of command. General Monash later came to see me and as a result of my recommendations Major Fry will remain in command of 34th Battn. and Major White second in command of 33rd, will command 36th Battn. both with temporary rank of Lieut. Colonel. Very sorry indeed to lose Colonel Milne. A brave and courageous as well as capable officer and one whose place it will be difficult to adequately fill. At this juncture we cannot spare officers of any rank, let alone senior officers. Since 29th March when we arrived in this area my losses in officers have been as follows – Killed 13, died of wounds 2, wounded 31 – Total 46 – nearly all as the result of machine gun fire. During the night the 36th Battalion was relieved and moved back to Bois de Blangy. The 34th Battalion was also withdrawn from the line but at present is held as a counter attack battalion in close support to front line Battalions. The 35th Battalion and 9th Machine Gun Co. remained in Bivouac in a position of readiness as Divisional Reserve just north of Gentelles Wood. A great deal of artillery fire during the night and an abundance of enemy bombing – sounding in the direction of Corbie.
Saturday 13th April
Called at Divisional HQrs. (58th Div.) at Glisy. It is decided that 9th Bde. shall remain as Divisional Reserve for some few days and will occupy the Bove-Blangy line. Rode round Battalions with Bde. Major and allotted definite areas. The 34th came right out of the line this evening. The 36th evidently did exceedingly well on the afternoon and evening of 12th. Operations intended for 14th further postponed this time indefinitely. GOC 58th Division assumed command of sector from 18th Division at 3 PM today.