Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 425
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[Page 425]
Saturday 1st June
Gen Monash called. Discussed with him and received approval for operations on our Right front also alteration to Divisional Boundary. Later saw GOC 7th Brigade and discussed the operation fully with him. In morning called on General Hobbs. He gave me particulars of his new machine gun emplacement. Received and answered many congratulations on appointment and promotion.
Col. Dodds called just before lunch and discussed many details. He stayed to lunch with us. He and Blamey both go up as Brigadier Generals. I am informed Gen. Monash & Gen. Gillebrand's appointments are temporary only being affected by the possibility of 5th Army not remaining as such.
Sunday 2nd June
Wrote letters during the morning. In afternoon General Gorringe GOC 47th Division called and talked over sundry proposals affecting holding our front line on the boundary between his and my Divisions. GOC 4th Aus Div assumed command at 10 AM of "B" Divisional Area, 5th Aus Div becoming Corps Reserve.
Monday 3rd June
Very heavy shelling of Villers Bretonneux about midnight last night and during early morning H.V. gas and H.E. on Querrieu
With CRA inspected all major lines of 4th AFA Bde. also 14th Battery of 5th Bde. which I had not time to visit last Friday. Generally standard of harness particularly requires raising. Gen. Fraser BGHA of Corps called accompanied by his Staff Officer Major [indecipherable]. Discussed heavy policy generally. Arranged with Divisional paymaster for adjustment of pay book according to rates of pay for a Major General. Called on Gen. Gellibrand 3rd Aus Div at Glisy. London Gazette issued announcing King's Birthday Honours list. I find I am included and have been awarded D.S.O.
Tuesday 4th June
Gen. Coxen G.O.C.R.A. called re forthcoming operation. Gen. Phillips and Col. Miles also present. Arranged that we shall have the use of 3 extra Artillery Brigades to cover our advance. In afternoon called on Gen. Wisdom and discussed details of proposed attack. Later visited 5th & 6th Bde H Qrs. in line and told the Brigadier of arrangements made.
Sent out about 20 letters of congratulation to my friends honoured in the King's Birthday list. Glad to see many of my old gunner officers included.