Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 437
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 437]
Friday 12th July
Stayed in all day and dealt with office papers. The 7th Brigade and 5th Brigade seem now to be hard up against the Boche and further "peaceful" advance seems impossible. We are therefore now consolidating on our final line, and any further advance will be properly supported by Artillery etc.
French made a good advance just south of us on about a 6000 yd. front. Captured Castel and high ground West of MOREUIL together with over 500 prisoners. Had a game of tennis during the evening between 6 and 8 PM. Gen. Blamey called re proposed future operations. Our own Artillery will now be brought into the area to cover us.
Saturday 13th July
Parade near La Motte representative of the Division at which Corps Commander presented ribbons. Gen. Simon commanding 37th French Division together with his staff attended. Special display made of trophies captured in recent operations. Official photographer present and took a number of pictures. Lt. Ruthven V.C. presented with his ribbon and a storm of applause greeted the reading of the official recommendation submitted by me. Gen. Monash gave a fine address and afterwards spoke to the officers alone. In afternoon attended soccer match between a Divisional team and a team from Zouan Regiment adjoining us. Our team successful. Proposals for alteration of front line of resistance adjoining French approved by French and Australian Corps. O'Hara Wood promoted Captain.
Sunday 14th July
The 7th Brigade still further advanced its line today, taking Stamboul and part of Syria trenches also the whole of Monument Wood. Major Borwick left for course at Camiers.
With Capt. Boddam inspected Transport of Machine Gun Battalion during morning. Condition of horses and vehicles good – harness very fair. In afternoon inspected all three Field Companies. Fair only tho' it is evident they are commencing a new system to a new standard. New rail head established at La Motte in lieu of Poulanville. This will economise motor Transport and save a big mileage.
French having a gay day. Our fellows assisting them by playing them soccer and incidentally beating them. About 16 of Gen. Paton's officers dined with the officers of one of the Zouan regiments. Gen. Paton himself much better.