Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 456
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[Page 456]
and Infantry for a further advance tomorrow to be carried out by the 6th Brigade.
Sunday 1st September
At 6 am the 6th Brigade launched its attack, the objective being the trench system about 1500 yards East of Mont St. Quentin. Again very heavy fighting was experienced, but at nightfall, though we had not gained our selected objective, we had established a strong line in a trench system East of Mont St. Quentin and running almost to the Western outskirts of Allaines. On our right flank the 14th Brigade made preparations for an attack tomorrow morning. The Army Commander and M.G.G.S. called just after lunch and tendered their congratulations on the Division's success. A wire was also received from General Birdwood in similar terms. During the afternoon I visited a German heavy gun near Chinques. A very interesting piece of ordnance which has been badly destroyed, apparently by explosives. At Corps Commander's request, visited Corps Head Quarters at Mericourt to discuss with him our operations for tomorrow morning, designed to form a defensive flank on ridge running North East from Mont St. Quentin for the flank Division of the 3rd Corps. On my return to the Division discussed details with General Wisdom who is to carry out the task and C.R.A. operation to commence at 6a.m. The 5th Division have arranged to attack East of Anvil Wood at 6a.m. My right flank moving up in sympathy with their advance.
Monday 2nd September
The 7th Brigade attacked this morning under artillery support, captured Haut Allaines and maintained touch for a time with the 74th Division. The Boche however in counter-attack drove back the 74th Division, thus compelling us to refuse a flank to our left about 1000 yards