Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 433
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[Page 433]
Tuesday 2nd July
In morning accompanied by O'Hara Wood and French Liaison Officer called on Commander of 37th French Division (Gen. Simon) adjoining us on the south. Generally discussed situation on our front. While with him his Corps Commander, Gen. Toulorge, called.
During afternoon attended parade representation of 2nd Aus Div at which Mr. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia, and Mr. Cook, Minister for Navy gave addresses.
Gens. Birdwood & Monash present as also Press Representatives etc.
Army Commander called to see me during afternoon and later called on GOC 6th Aus. Inf. Bde. At night interviewed Gen. Paton and ascertained for his attack on morning of 4th inst. everything fully prepared, and there was no further assistance I could render him.
6th Brigade relieved 5th Brigade in Left Sector during the night preparatory to attack.
Wednesday 3rd July
Final preparation for attack tomorrow morning. Corps Commander called and discussed details of attack and possible future operations south and East of Villers Bretonneux.
In late afternoon visited Front line troops. First entered 4th Aus Div trenches, saw troops of 4th Bde., American troops and our 6th Bde. all in liaison. All of these troops also including the 7th Bde. on left in specially good form, very eager for tomorrow's attack and very confident. Heard from Nell of Mrs. Cowlishaw's death.
Thursday 4th July
American Independence day and quite a fitting time for American troops to be with us in Battle. Attack commenced at 3.10 AM and continued uninterruptedly till all Brigades had gained all objectives. Altogether the advance represents about 1½ miles in depth by 4 miles in breadth, and includes VAire Wood and village of Hamel.
It is not yet known definitely how many casualties our Corps has incurred but from my Division our casualties are under 200, with killed being only 2 officers and 39 other ranks. Total captures of prisoners will total nearly 1500 and many machine guns. So far our 6th Bde. has captured 3 officers & 201 other ranks also 24 machine guns and one anti tank gun. The 7th Bde. has captured 90 prisoners and 5 machine guns.
I visited both Brigade HQrs. about 10 AM to congratulate the Brigadiers and discuss their defensive dispositions. Arranged to place 1 Battalion of 5th Bde. at disposal of 6th Brigade in case of serious counter attack.