Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 420
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[Page 420]
Friday 17th May
During morning inspected Transport of 33rd Battalion. A very good show generally, harness particularly being in excellent condition. In the afternoon visited Divisional HQrs. Met the Commander in Chief who congratulated me on the work of the Brigade during the last few weeks, and tendered his thanks. Afterwards attended the parades of 10th and 11th Brigade groups. They both made an excellent showing. With Divisional Commander talked over the new alterations in Commands. An approving cable is expected early from Australia, upon receipt of which Gen. Monash will at once assume Command of the Corps and the various other changes be given effect to. Major Weick has already gone to 1st Aus Div and Col. Blamey has reported to Corps HQrs.
Desultry shelling in our vicinity during the night, but causing us no damage.
Saturday 18th May
Tried my new horse in the morning. She seems a suitable animal but requires a good deal of attention. She appears very nervous and gives indication of having been roughly treated. Tests during afternoon carried out very satisfactorily with aeroplane panel strips. Major Priestman 2nd Army called. Attended guard mounting of 33rd and 34th Battalions. Very creditable indeed. Finals in football played off. The 9th Field Co. came out successful. Tomorrow there is to be a swimming carnival in the Somme. Further bombing and shelling during the early part of the night but no damage done as far as we are concerned. Mr. Cuttack called. Informed me of Beare's intentions on visiting England concerning proposed new appointments. In my opinion very unwise. Very hot and trying day.
Sunday 19th May
With Col. White inspected billets and kitchen of 33rd Battalion. All in excellent order. Major Pain rode out to 4th Divisional Area to ascertain position re Brigade and Battalion HQrs. Conference of C.Os. at 11 AM. Brought to notice many irregularities on the part of Battalions. Informed them of our proposed dispositions on going in to the line, on date now decided to be 21st/22nd May. One battalion in line, one in support and one in Reserve.
Attended swimming sports in afternoon. A most successful show – plenty of competitors for each event and many hundreds of onlookers. The Somme near Amiens is exceedingly pretty, and this fact added to the fine day and the music of massed bands all made for a good show. There is to be another show tomorrow on a larger scale – at which we hope to secure the attendance of the official photographer.