Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 62
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[Page 62]
Sunday 10th January
Laid in till 7.30 this morning. Would have appreciated another hour. Major Burgess took church parade while I wrote letters to Nell, the boys, home, and Arthur King in Melbourne. I also sent Post Cards of Port Said to Chris and Alvord and 12 cards of Cairo environs to Nell. The latter were very good pictures indeed. During the afternoon Ali Bey and his son motored out and stayed to dinner with us. He seemed to enjoy himself thoroughly and was much interested in the Ammunition Column wallaby. He also brought me out three extra photo frames, for Alvords, Charleys and Chris' photos. I have them all framed now. Ali Bey left at 8PM. I saw him past the guards and then returned to my tent.
Monday 11th January
Left camp at 8.45 for training ground.
Obtained 5 small tanks to supplement water carts for units. Gun laying tests for balance of 9th battery. Remainder practising gun laying and Battery manoeuvre. While on the training ground the Brigade orderly brought me a cable from England re Artificer Herring of D.A.C., asking for information. Also brought me two very welcome letters from Nell, dated Nov 30th & Dec 6th 1914 respectively. Also notification re Colonel Pethebridge's promotion and appointment.
Colonel Hobbs lectured in First Brigade lines, criticising work of batteries during past week.
Tuesday 12th January.
Arranged in future to leave camp at 8 AM for training ground. Gun laying tests and Battery Manoeuvre being carried out. Arranged to water Brigade horses at Mr Pengelleys pumps. Lecture by Col Sheen on "Graphs" at Mena House at 5 PM.
Divisional Column arrived in Camp. Capt McGee and 4 Subalterns had dinner with us.
Wednesday 13th January
Left for training ground at 8AM, returned to camp 3.30PM. Provided gun and carriage for funeral of Infantry Sergeant. Received letters from Nell and Chris dated 13th and 12th December respectively. Good training done on area.
Col Hobbs invited the Adjutant and myself to afternoon tea at his Head Quarters, also Col Johnstone & Christian and their respective adjutants.