Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 454
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[Page 454]
of Biaches and La Chapelette sharp fighting took place resulting in the capture of prisoners of 2nd Guards Division together with a number of machine guns. Meantime the 5th Brigade on its front had also advanced to the Somme opposite Halle. A conference of Divisional Commanders with the Corps Commander was held during the afternoon at 5th Divisional Head quarters and as a result of Army policy, deflecting the advance of Australian Corps from an Easterly to a North-Easterly direction, Divisional boundaries were somewhat altered, a larger frontage being allotted to the 32nd Division on the right, which is to adopt a more or less passive role, while the 5th, 2nd and 3rd Aust. Divisions, which are to carry on the advance, are given reduced frontages. To-night it is hoped to secure crossings across the Somme and if successful, adjustments of Divisional boundaries will made tomorrow. The allied forces North and South of us have made substantial advances. O'Hara Wood returned from London.
Friday 30th Aug.
Both Brigadiers found it impossible to provide crossings over the Somme during last night, marshy ground being the chief hindrance. The 7th Brigade has tried all day to get across South of Peronne, but without success. The 5th Brigade was brought back a short distance and made a crossing of the Somme at Feuilleres and joined forces with the flank of 3rd Aust. Division who early in the day captured Clery. By 11.30 p.m. the 5th Brigade had established a line some thousand yards East of Clery and of about 2000 yards frontage. It was evident that Clery had not been mopped up by the 10th Brigade, for our advance in the evening was seriously hampered by enemy machine gun fire. The 6th Brigade remains in reserve at Feuilleres while the 8th Brigade is deployed along the western bank of the Somme South of Peronne.