Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 424
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[Page 424]
Army Commander present, Commander 3rd Corps and numerous Divisional Commanders and Staff Officers. Col. Blamey called on me during the afternoon. Col. of 13th Battalion 4th Bde. dined with us, and his band gave us a very enjoyable musical programme. French troops together with ours swarmed around the band and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Boche attack on the Aisne commenced two days since not yet fully checked. They claim 15000 prisoners.
Col. Bennett from 5th Bde. came to see me re his application to return from line work.
Thursday 30th May
Lt. Col. Leane A.D.O.S of Corps called and discussed ordnance matters with me, Lt. Col. SoMerville also from Corps called re "Q" matters, and General White also from Corps called to say "Au revoir" as he takes up duty tomorrow with 5th Army as M.G.G.S.
General Johnstone CRA of New Zealand Division with his Brigade Major called and stayed to afternoon tea. Gave me details of work of N.Z. Division which is no longer under General Godley's command in XXII Corps.
Germans still reported advancing near Soissons, total prisoners now claimed are 25,000. Very meagre details to hand so far. Have received many letters of congratulation from old Comrades concerning my new appointment. List of Australian "mentions" in the C. in C's latest dispatches published today. I find I am included. This makes the 5th occasion.
Friday 31st May
General Birdwood rang me at about 9.30 to say his final goodbye – he was then moving off to his new command. General White called later also to say goodbye. Gen. Monash has assumed command of the Corps. With CRA visited wagon lines of DAC, 13th, 15th and 105th Batteries. Generally animals in good condition, and harness and vehicles in good order.
DAC HQrs. the only unit up to the standard I expected to see throughout the Division. The 6th Brigade relieved the 7th in Left Sector during the night.
Gen. MacLagan called during afternoon. The 4th Aus Div had many casualties at Allonville last night as result of enemy shell fire. Received official advice from Corps of my appointment to command 2nd Aus Div and of my promotion to Major General. DAC instructions received to send Capt. Jenning to London where he is to be employed as Court Martial Officer.
Major General Budworth called during afternoon and discussed artillery matters including details of artillery required for our proposed operation on the front of our right Brigade.