Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 496
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[Page 496]
Tuesday 26th November
Spent the day in final shopping. Wire received from Charley stating he would probably arrive in London next Thursday so I will defer my return to France till Friday.
Wednesday 27th November
Again shopping etc. Selected and forwarded part song to Capt. Dumaresq of "Sydney" for his glee party. Great difficulty in obtaining films for camera. We are now allowed to take photos in the field.
Thursday 28th November
Very wet day, imprisoned in Hotel.
Friday 29th November
Left Victoria Station for Folkestone at 11.35 PM. Left Folkestone about 2 PM and disembarked at Boulogne about 4 PM. Wet day – decided to remain at Hotel Folkestone for night. Pope ADC. met me. Had an interview with Gen. Monash. He is on his way to London having handed over the Corps to Gen. Hobbs and he himself is to be Director General of Demobilization. He briefly outlined what was intended to be done.
Saturday 30th November
Left Boulogne at 8 AM and travelled via Calais, Dunkerque, Furner, Mienport, Ostend, Zeebrugge, Bruges to Coutran which latter town we reached about 5 PM. Was very interested in Ostend (Vendector) and Zeebrugge Intrepid & phiginia where we saw the hulks of ships employed in the fine exploit of the Dover Patrol under Admiral Keyes in blocking the fairway. At Coutran met Interpreter de Witt of Belgian Mission who used to be with me in 9th Brigade. His home is in Coutran, and we dined with him & his sister and later occupied billets allotted by Town Major.
Sunday 1st December
Breakfasted with de Witt and we had a look at the town notably the Church and two old Towers flanking the Lys. Germans have done a good deal of damage, especially to bridges and roads. Left Coutrai at 10 AM and travelled via Turcoing, Roubaix, Lille, Douai, Cambrai, Le Cateau to our HQrs. at Cartignies.