Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 432
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[Page 432]
Friday 28th June
Stayed in all day and dealt with many papers. Col. Durrant and Col. Shepherd left for Boulogne on leave to England. Major Officer called re an officer to take Major Bushell's place. Agreed to take Capt. Cruikshank from 3rd Aus Div Also discussed possible Claims and Court Martial Officer. Arranged for Lt. Fielding of 3rd Aus. D.A.C. to come for 1 month's trial.
Saturday 29th June
Divisional HQrs. moved to Glisy, the 7th & 15th Brigades having taken over the line in the Sector. Command passed from Gen. Gellibrand to myself at 10 AM Conversation with Gen. Gellibrand re McNicoll. My opinions confirmed. Very comfortable quarters, but deep dugouts still rather damp and require improved ventilation.
Sunday 30th June
At 6.30 AM left DHQ with ADC, met Brigadier of 7th Bde. at Villers Bretonneux and with him walked round his line. Generally fairly good. Boundary with French held by a joint post – our men seeming to enjoy being associated with French troops. Arranged for small advance North & South of main East and West road at old Hangars to be carried out at the same time as forthcoming operations of 4th Aus Div Met Brigadier Left Brigade at 10 AM and with him inspected his front line, returning to D.H.Q. at 12.30 PM. In afternoon wrote letters and just before dinner with my ADC. played General Grimwade and his ADC. three sets tennis, out of which we emerged victorious.
Monday 1st July
At 10 AM left DHQ and called on French Corps Commander at Dury – General Toulorge. Spent a half hour with him discussing our front generally. At 12 noon left for Taques there to attend the special sports organised by Canadian Corps. They had a magnificently arranged show. The Duke of Connaught was present, Gen. Horne & Gen. Birdwood as Army Commanders and no end of Divisional and other Generals. Our Corps Commander was unable to attend so I acted as his Deputy. Was introduced to Sir Robert Borden, Canadian Premier.
Discussed with GSO I. and CRA final orders for our co-operation with 4th Aus Div attack, now fixed for morning of 4th inst.
Gen. Birdwood informed me permanency of 5th Army was very indefinite. A new German offensive may mean British Divisions and Corps may have to be broken up to ensure establishment of others being maintained.