Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 434
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[Page 434]
At 11 AM General Simon commanding 37th French Division called on me and discussed liaison arrangements affecting our junction on Front line.
At 12 noon visited our Main Dressing Station at Amiens. Col. Sir Vincent Welch informed me most cases had gone on to CCS I therefore motored on another 16 kilometres and saw some 3 or 4 hundred Australian wounded from all Divisions engaged. The men were extraordinarily cheerful, and my later news concerning the final capture of all objectives with such a good bag of prisoners, delighted them all. Among the wounded I saw two young American Subalterns and a few privates. They spoke in glowing terms of their experience and were very proud to be wounded in such an action on the glorious 4th July.
All wounded spoke in high praise of the Artillery barrage given to them. Col. Martin promoted full Colonel and Temp. Brig. General. Had an interview with him and congratulated him. Lieut. Longstaff our official Artist presented me with a water colour sketch of Main Dressing Station Querrieu.
Received letter from Sir G.C. Wade, NSW. Agent General, sending me a cable message from the New South Wales Government congratulating me on my promotion.
Friday 5th July
Remained at DHQ all day. Col. Miles visited new front line. Instructed 6th & 7th Bdes. to advance certain parts of their line tonight.
Gen. Blamey called and discussed proposals for further advance to include Monument Wood. Gen. Toulorge GOC 31st French Corps made a formal call. Some of our men played a team from 5th French Division at Soccer, and were successful. Great excitement among the onlookers.
Up to 8 PM last evening total captures resulting from yesterday's operation were officers 40, other ranks 1467. Final figures not yet arrived at.
Saturday 6th July
In morning visited Transport lines of 7th Brigade. Generally an attempt is being made to get up to a good standard, but only a very few vehicles and sets of harness were satisfactory. Visited Pioneers saw mill on the way back to HQrs. Interview with Gen. Martin re promotion of his Brigade Major. Corps Commander called at 5 PM discussed recent operations and new proposals for further advance on this Divisional front. The 5th Brigade tonight relieves the 6th Brigade in Left Sector.
Late in the afternoon attended a Rugger match between a team from 5th Brigade and one from 5th French Division. Our team won by 18 points to 14. I met the Divisional Commander, General de and a number of his officers. Man of 6th Brigade today captured 1 officer and 12 other ranks from an advanced post.