Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 54
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[Page 54]
Wednesday 16th December
Some tables and forms arrived for the Brigade. Erected the officers mess tents. Mess gear came out from town. All units settling down and vehicles coming along gradually. Horses being exercised daily. Trumpeters receiving instruction. Have arranged for Brigade and Battery Head Quarters, also Trumpeters and Officers patrols to form one large class for instruction by myself, Adjutant and Lt Clowes. Lecture given tonight by Capt Waite, OC. BAC, on Ammunition Supply, illustrated by diagrams. All Sergts and Sergt Majors and officers attended. Arranged to start our mess tomorrow. Another foal arrived a day or two ago, this time in 7th battery. It will surely become the Battery pet. Jack looks splendid. Gordon, the coach driver at Port Hacking, spoke to me last night. He has joined the Infantry.
Thursday 17th December
Again bitterly cold night. Brigade classes commenced, consisting of H.Qrs Battery Staffs, Trumpeters etc. Work established and signalling commenced. Mr Jopp drew pay for HQrs. Other units also drawing pay. Units getting the horses into working trim. B.A.C. gradually getting vehicles etc together. Signalling with lamps with class from 7 to 8.30PM. Major Martin RAE promised to give us assistance with Mess kitchens etc.
Friday 18th December
Early start with Signallers. Lecture to whole class from 9 to 10.30 on "Reconnaissance duties". Officers mess fairly going. Major Rabett and Col Johnstone called on me. Horses all looking very well. Jack very much scared of camels. Mess Kitchen erected. Materials to hand for store and cooking trench. Engineers will assist us tomorrow. Arabic class commencing tonight. Interpreter Mr Suki attached to us. French and German classes commencing at Headquarters. Regret I know nothing of the languages and therefore it is useless to attend with those who already have a fair knowledge. Lecture tonight by Major Burgess on "Employment of Artillery in War" in conjunction with other arms. Good discussion.
Major Nicholson called in to listen. Rabett and Lloyd called this afternoon. I strolled into 1st Brigade lines. Saw Callaghan. Arabic class