Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 419
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[Page 419]
Tuesday 14th May
Called on Col. Fry at 9th Field Ambulance. He is being evacuated today. His scars received from gas burns have turned septic and he will I expect be away for a month at least.
Gen. Birdwood called during morning and gave me details of alterations in command in the A.I.F. which will be given effect to at a very early date. He is to command 5th Army and take Gen. White with him as M.G.G.S. Gen. Monash is to command the Australian Corps and will have Col. Blamey as his B.G.G.S In order to salve McNicoll's feelings I am not to be given command of 3rd Aus Div but Gen. Gellibrand is to receive the appointment. Concurrently however I am to be appointed to command of either 1st or 2nd Aus. Division, it has not been yet decided which. Major Weick is to go to 1st Aus Div as GSO I.
Col. Goddard is to command 8th Aus. Inf. Bde., and Col. Davis of 10th Bde. who is senior is to get his promotion to full Colonel and be posted for duty at the Base at Havre. Gen. Glasgow is to be the next Divisional Commander after my appointment. Quite a break up in the Australian family. Gen. Birdwood retains his appointment as GOC A.I.F. He tells me the C in C has promised that as far as circumstances permit the Australian Corps will always be part of his (Gen. Birdwood's) army. Changes are waiting pending receipt of cable from Melbourne. Gen. Birdwood went around all Battalions with me. Men very cheery and visibly improving in condition. The bands play every day and their music is very much appreciated indeed.
Wednesday 15th May
Enemy artillery shelled Amiens at intervals through the night though not just in the area occupied by my troops. Also early this morning Boche planes dropped at least 50 bombs, large and small. These too luckily did not fall in our locality. Inspected Transport 34th Battalion. Very good indeed. Colonel Ross & Capt. Chermside came to dinner. Discussed with Colonel Ross the forthcoming changes. 3rd Div. Artillery moved back to Abbeville area.
Thursday 16th May
Inspected Transport of Bde H Qrs. and 35th Battalion. The former excellent, the latter only fair. Charger arrived from remounts. Seems suitable. Interviewed new officers joining Battalions for first time. With Col. Goddard interviewed Capt. Pearce and Lt. Findlay re their unsatisfactory service. Also with Brig. Grant interviewed two officers of his Battalion re certain mistakes made when last in the line. In the evening attended Pierrot entertainment. A number of bombs dropped during early night. No damage done to my troops.