Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 505
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[Page 505]
Here also we took some photos. Service being conducted in the Cathedral to the accompaniment of a very fine Military Band.
At Maline (a fine town with some fine buildings) had a most interesting interview with Cardinal Mercier well known as a staunch Belgian patriot and one who had suffered much at the hands of the Germans. He told us much of interest and on our leaving presented us each with an autograph photo of himself.
Lunch at Brussells – very expensive – 145 francs for a simple lunch for 4 – a very fine city and one that I shall again visit at an early date.
Monday 23rd December
Stayed in all day attending to correspondence. Pope took Charley to see Mons, Valenciennes, Arras, Cambrai and Le Cateau. Miserable wet day.
Tuesday 24th December
Attended parade of 5th & 6th Brigades in the morning and 7th Brigade in the afternoon. Presentation of medals by the Prince of Wales. He was accompanied by the Corps Commander. The Prince with Lord Hearston Corps Commander and Staff lunched at my HQrs. Presented to him Monsieur & Madame Bruask & children also the Burgomaster of Marcinelle. Several photos taken during the day by the official photographer. Dined at night with M. & Madam Brisall a brother of the owner of the house I am billeted in.
Wednesday 25th December
Christmas day and accompanied by the first fall of snow this winter. A very light fall.
Two more D.Cs. awarded to Division for final fighting. One to Lt. Maxwell, M.C. and Bar, D.C.M. of 5th Brigade and one to 2/Lt. Ingram [indecipherable] of 6th Bde. Took a piece of ribbon to each. Visited all Brigade HQrs., Artillery and Pioneers to wish all ranks the Compliments of the season.
Dinner at night to which we invited many guests. A total of 28 persons sat down to an excellent repast and afterwards we had some speech making, dancing and music. In conformity with custom, as host I had to have one dance with every lady capable of dancing – rather an ordeal considering I have not danced a step since leaving Australia. Guests seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.