Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 426
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[Page 426]
Wednesday 5th June
Early this morning the enemy put down an hour and 10 minutes bombardment on Left (19th) Battalion of Right Brigade in K.13.a, under cover of which a raiding force of nearly 300 men attacked our line with the object of obtaining identifications. The attack was a total failure. Over 25 dead Germans lay in front of our lines while 16 prisoners and 4 machine guns have been captured. None of our men are missing. Our total casualties from artillery fire and the subsequent fighting total 4 killed and 13 wounded. General Montgomery MGRA 4th Army called and lunched with us. Discussed proposed operations on our front also details of machine gun Battalion organisation and tactical employment. General Blamey also called.
The 7th Brigade relieves the 5th Brigade in Right Sector tonight.
Latest advices state the final total of this morning operation gives 21 wounded and unwounded prisoners, while 35 enemy lie dead in front of our lines. Wrote to Messrs. Cowlishaw and Lancombe re disposal of increased salary – copy of letter sent to my wife. All registered.
Gen. Montgomery informed me that Gen. Godley with 22nd Corps was coming in behind us. Mr. Cuttack called and gave me details of exploits of 12th Army Brigade in the recent fighting in vicinity of Estaires, also details of last operation of 1st Aus. Division. He informs me Gen. Leslie has handed over command of 1st Brigade.
Thursday 6th June
In morning visited 6th & 17th Bde H Qrs. Discussed details re forthcoming operations. Talked over Gen. Paton's suggested return to Australia with him. He prefers to remain on for a couple of months longer. Later called on C.O. Machine Gun Battalion. In afternoon attended a conference at 4th Aus Div HQrs. Gen. Monash presided and all Divisional Commanders and G.S.Os. I. were present. Many matters of Corps policy discussed. Gen. Hobbs as the Senior Divisional Commander drew attention to the unique character of the Conference. All Commanders and their staff being for the first time in the history of the A.I.F. solely Australian. He paid a tribute to Gen. Monash and assured him of the loyal support of all Divisional Commanders.
This morning more American Officers have joined us for instruction, a GSO I. and a Captain being attached to our Divisional HQrs., the remainder going to Brigades. Boche made another abortive raid last night – and suffered casualties in so doing. Our posts in tact without losses. One dead Corporal gave us identifications.
Sixty dead Boche have now been located in front of our lines as a result of the encounter on morning of 5th inst. French on the south seem now to have held up the German advance. The 22nd Corps (Gen. Godley) now is behind us here. Expect to have an American Regiment with the Division about 15th inst.