Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 418
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[Page 418]
Friday 10th May
Our HQrs. inundated to day by representatives of incoming units. General White also called in order to obtain first hand full details of our recent operations. Col. Allsop called during afternoon also Major Wootton. Spoke to Gen. White re Major Crisp for consideration as Brigade Major Staff Trainee. Col. Martin (commanding 5th Inf. Bde.) and his staff arrived. Relief rather complicated and not completed till early morning. I handed over command of the sector at 4.30 AM.
Saturday 11th May
Battalions came out of the line in early morning and all remained in the vicinity of Lahoussoye till about 11 AM, when they moved off leaving a few men behind whose feet were in such a condition as to prevent them marching. The 9th Field Ambulance brought them along. All units mounted passing lorries on their way to their allotted billetting area. Men very tired and foot sore. The last 8 days have been very strenuous indeed. I moved to our rear HQrs. at 9 AM and at 11.30 AM moved to Rivery, a suburb of Amiens. Here my HQrs. and a big part of the Brigade are billetted in huge hospital buildings and will be very comfortable indeed. A few days rest will be much appreciated by myself and staff as well as by Battalion officers and men.
Sunday 12th May
Wrote a number of letters during the morning, and had a long interview with Col. Goddard. After lunch went with Dados to Desvres where I wanted to get some of my kit and also band music for two of the Battalion Bands. I stayed at my old HQrs. at Campagne, while car went on to Desvres and Boulogne. Country is everywhere very beautiful. On the way called on Madame Plouvier and her daughter. They are staying with a married daughter in FRUGES. Very depressed over the loss of their home. Major Grant to temporarily command 34th Battalion.
Monday 13th May
Returned to Rivery during afternoon. Found Gen. Monash had called to see me. Capt. Hawkins appointed Trainee Bde. Major to 11th Bde., and Capt. Paterson Trainee Staff Capt. to my Brigade. Col. Jolley called and informed me that Col. Fry would have to be evacuated tomorrow. Heard that Lt. Jones Adjutant of 33rd had died as result of flu. A fine officer who could ill be spared. Spoke to Division re personnel attached to Transport detailed to Corps.