Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 422
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[Page 422]
I called to see Gen. Foote, CE of Corps but he was out on duty.
American Brig. Gen. and Major of Staff together with a number of Junior officers called and are being attached to Brigades and Battalions. The General and his Staff officer dined with us and later in the evening I sent them on by car to General Wisdom with whom they are to spend a few days.
Gen. White called in my absence during the afternoon. Gen. Birdwood rang me up at 8 PM to ask if I had settled down comfortably in my new command, and to wish me well. Enemy planes overhead before midnight and many bombs dropped. Exceedingly hot day inclined to thunderstorm which did not eventuate. Called on Gen. Paton and met his Colonels.
Thursday 23rd May
In morning gave an interview to Dados re grievance concerning cars, and to Padre Smith Senior Chaplain re facilities given to C.E. Chaplains for C. of E. services. Interview with Gen. Foote (C.E. Corps.) and CRE re tunnelled Head Quarters. In late afternoon went for a ride on a horse named "Slip rail". This animal belonged to the late Gen. Bridges. Called on Gen. MacLagan at Allonville. Col. Miles visited 5th Aus Div re trench system adjoining us. Met Gas officer C.O. Trains APM and SSO [?]. Gen. White phoned me to say forward tanks were moving back temporarily because of gas shelling. Our troops suffered about 90 casualties early this morning from Yellow Cross gas. French Battalion Commander Stationed in St. Gratien paid an official call during morning.
Air service reports much traffic in enemy front system and movement of groups of troops each about 500 strong.
Friday 24th May
With ADC left D.H.Q. at 5 AM, called at 5th Bde H Qrs. for Brigadier and with him visited the whole front line of his Brigade front. Met three of his C.Os. A great deal of work has been done since the 9th Bde. left the area. Sanitation not sufficiently supervised, undercutting of trenches universal, much British equipment in front line requires salving. Called on Col. Raikes at Bde H Qrs. General White called at 12.30 PM and remained till 3 PM discussing various matters of policy. Gen. Birdwood called at 1.30 PM and discussed with me details re meeting C.Os. before taking up his new post as Army Commander on or about 30th inst. He informed me Gen. Paton was very perturbed over my superseding him. After leaving me he proceeded to Gen. Paton's HQrs. to interview him.
Discussed details re Signals personnel with Major Watson C.O. Div. Sig. Co. Saw Col. Armand C.O. Pioneer Battalion with two candidates for direct commissions.