Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 56
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[Page 56]
of 50 mounted men for reconnaissance duties, past the Pyramids and round the Sphinx. Very interesting old ruins. I have not yet ascended the chief Pyramid ("Cheops")
Lecture to Brigade class tonight on "Message Form". Capt Marks returned from his trip to Luxor, and Lloyd of 1st Brigade called in re Head Quarters signalling class. Arranged to let my Brigade H.Q. Signallers attend. A horse died today in 8th Battery from sand 'colic'.
Wednesday 23rd December
Paraded at Col Hobbs office this morning with Brigade Commanders concerning detention and promotion of officers. Endorsed my previous recommendation re Jopp and Gee. Prepared plasticine model to illustrate lecture on "Contours". Mr Clowes explained "Conventional Signs". Practical map re4ading during afternoon. Col Hobbs came out and asked for recommendations for promotion of 2nd Lieutenant. I recommended all excepting Jenkinson. Lecture at night. "Billets &Bivouacs". Col Hobbs and full staff attended. Talked afterwards with Rabett and King.
Thursday 24th December
I interviewed Major Gellibrand at 8.30 AM re coaling on board "Rangatua", also Capt Matson re drugs for horses urgently required. Major Austin informed me Molasses etc from Alexandria was coming forward, and asked for fatigue party as "consideration". Out all day with Patrols. Passed through an interesting Arab village where we were very curiously observed. Further on we passed a Police station, belonging to Coast Guard Service in preventing smuggling.
Here there were Soudanese officials with their wives, all as black as pitch. Came back at 4PM very tired. Practised helio work with moving stations. Discovered a man in the B.A. Column who is a professional artist, employed on the Bulletin Staff I understand. He is acting as a Patrol. I must secure him for Brigade head Quarters. Sent letter to Philp informing him I could give him a place as Corporal on head Quarters. I hope he can come here. Brigade signallers working under Capt Mackworth in helio station work. Signallers from 7 to 8PM, after that a free night.
Major Browne bought yesterday for me a dozen very good pictures of Cairo and surrounds.