Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 435
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[Page 435]
Sunday 7th July
The French President M. Clemencau yesterday wired that he would like to call in person and congratulate in person the Australian troops who recently took part in Hamel offensive.
Accordingly he arrived at 4th Aus Div HQrs. at 1.15 PM accompanied by many distinguished Generals. All the Australian Divisional Commanders with the Brigadiers and officers taking part in the attack were presented to him and I personally had an interesting talk with him. The Army and Corps Commanders were also present. Later the President gave a very inspiriting and touching address to about 400 of the rank & file who had been in the battle. His remarks were warmly appreciated and when three cheers were called for France coupled with the name of the President, our Australian fellows gave full vent to their feelings.
Corps Commanders discussed possible future operations with me. I am instructing my two line Brigadiers to do all they can under the present disorganised and demoralized condition of German defences to extend our front Eastward.
Monday 8th July
In morning visited Transport lines of 6th Brigade to inspect Field guns, machine guns, trench mortars etc. captured by them on 4th inst. During afternoon Major General Montgomery called and discussed possible future operations, especially with reference to Monument Wood. During the day 7th Brigade advanced their line capturing enemy trench system from Railway to main Villers road – about 300 yds. on a frontage of 1500 yds. and including 17 prisoners and 1 machine gun. Asked Corps Commander to give us authority to go on with operations at Monument Wood.
In evening visited Fancy dress ball of 6th Field Ambulance at the Main Dressing Station Amiens. Quite a good show.
Tuesday 9th July
In morning visited vicinity of La Motte to select parade ground for presentation of ribbons to men of 6th & 7th Brigades. Later visited HQrs. of 5th & 7th Brigades in line and in conference with Brigadiers discussed our future advancement opposite Villers Bretonneux and defined their limits of operations. Patrol of 7th Bde. during the day captured enemy front line system on western edge of Monument Wood and penetrated into the wood but were held up by snipers and machine guns. Hope to improve the line further during the night. Last night the 5th Brigade also advanced its line considerably and captured machine guns, range finders,