Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 409
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[Page 409]
Sunday 14th April
Rode round Battalion bivouacs. Majors Fry and White definitely appointed by Corps to command 34th and 36th Battalions respectively with temporary rank in each case of Lieut. Colonel.
Called at Divisional HQrs., arranged about ordnance supplies etc. We are definitely for those services to come under 58th Division.
Arranged details for move of Brigade HQrs. to tents in copse T32 central and signals instructed to connect up all Battalions.
Late in the evening received word that on 15th inst. my Brigade is to mann the Reserve line – Gentelles-Bois L-Abbe. This cancels previous instructions that we were to be on Bove-Blangy line for some days. About the 19th inst. I am to take over Left Sector of Divisional front.
News from the north indicates that the Boche is now held up. It would appear that the advent of Cavalry Divisions and 1st Australian Division has had the desired affect. The Boche will be rather non-plussed – realising that simultaneously with having his march on Amiens barred by Australian troops, he still has Australian troops opposite him on the Ballieul line. Miserable drizzling wet day and bitterly cold.
Monday 15th April
Met C.Os. of Battalions at Bois L-Abbe, told them the location of the units in the Reserve line from which they are to take over – and they moved off to their respective areas making necessary arrangements for relief tonight. Visited new tunnelled Brigade H.Quarters in railway cutting Bois L-Abbe which we will occupy in a few days. They will be quite comfortable and at the same time secure from shell fire and bombs. Battalions moved to new locations and completed reliefs about 8 PM. Much night shelling by both enemy and ourselves.
Tuesday 16th April
With Brigade Major visited all Battalions. Told them off to their sectors when I take over the line so that the necessary reconnaissance may be made by all officers. Lunched with CO 33rd Battalion at Villers Bretonneux. He has the defences of the town well organised. Later visited the very fine Chateau in the town. Splendidly furnished and fitted with a wealth of carving it is a charming home. Grounds and flower beds well laid out, hyacinth, tulips and other bulbous plants in bloom – a fine aviary covering about ¼ acre – with all kinds of birds etc. all being gradually demolished by enemy shell fire. Ruthless destruction