Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 436
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[Page 436]
minesweepers, rifles, etc., and killed a number of enemy. Gave Corps Commander full details by telephone at 5.20 PM so that he might give the Army Commander latest information at a conference held at 5.30 PM
Called on General Paton re amending his list of military medals for operations of 4th inst. He is very unwell, and is at once putting in an application for return to Australia. I have informed the Corps Commander accordingly. GSO I in morning conferred with GSO I of French Division re positions of International Posts and location of trench to be occupied as main line of resistance. Proposals submitted to Corps. Halford called on return from leave. Received word from Corps that His Majesty the King had awarded the V.C. to Sergeant (now 2nd Lieut.) Ruthven, 6th Brigade in connection with Ville Sur Ancre operations.
Wednesday 10th July
Stayed in all day and dealt with a great deal of office papers. In morning inspected HQrs. Transport at D.H.Q.
Mr. Noyes of Melbourne who is actively employed in the interests of Australian recruiting called and discussed the matter of reinforcements and A.I.F. generally. I sent him on to see some of our batteries. Received letter from Gen. Paton asking for return to Australia. Gen. Robertson has been wired for to come over and assume command of 6th Brigade.
Some further small advances made by 5th and 7th Brigades.
Completed arrangements for personnel of DHQ to be definitely organised as a company for purposes of training. Major Borwick to take training in hand. Interviewed Gunner Hobson & Driver Harvey of 5th and 4th AFA Brigades re suggestions for their further advancement.
Thursday 11th July
With Col. Ralston interviewed Lt. Lilly of 2nd Div. Machine Gun Battn. who has been adversely reported on by the Col. Promised Lilly to get him transferred to another Division, the 3rd if possible. Inspected Transport of Div. Signal Company. Generally far below the standard I expect. Also inspected Transport lines of mobile echelon of 5th Brigade. In this case conditions were much better. Conference at Corps HQrs. during afternoon re proposed operations in vicinity of Monument Wood. Present Army & Corps Commanders, MGGS & MGRA Army, RAF Brigades and Tank Brigade Commanders also Col. Miles & self. Details discussed – date left unsettled pending ascertaining what the French are prepared to do further south of our immediate boundary.
Saw Gen. Gellebrand & Col. Blacklow re giving Lilly a chance with 3rd Machine Gun Battalion and made satisfactory arrangements. Forwarded V.C. recommendation for Corporal Brown.