Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 67
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[Page 67]
Friday 29th January
Again good day's work on training area, in taking up positions and engaging all nature of targets including Cavalry. Pow wow with Officers in the evening.
Saturday 30th January
Remained in camp. Horses resting. Colonel inspected lines at 10.30. All very satisfactory. Went into Cairo late in afternoon re printing. Fitted coat at Davies Bryan. Called at Turf Club and obtained particulars re "Zealandia" and Charley's appointment from Navy list. Started Prior on Bivouac sketches, and prepared syllabus of work for ensuing week. Received Divisional Order calling for Route March on Monday morning at 9 AM, the 3rd F.A. Brigade leading. On Brigade parade I discharged men to return to Australia for misconduct.
Sunday 31st January
I dodged Church Parade this morning. Had to make sketches of Bivouacs and letters to write. Wrote Nell and the three boys. Had a sleep this afternoon. Tent very hot. Train Wagons left in our lines in preparation for tomorrow's March.
Monday 1st February
Route March very successful. Left at 9AM, reached camp about 3.30PM. The 3rd F.A. Bde eulogised by Gen Birdwood and Bridges also Colonel White. Turn out very good. Lecture to O.C. Batteries in the evening and officers generally by Col Hobbs in the 1st Brigade lines.
Tuesday 2nd February
Moved out of camp early. Selected Bivouac at bottom of desert near Pengelley's plantation. Constructed gunpits by all Batteries and "dugout" for myself prepared by my own Headquarters during daylight. Then again at night men did the same work over again finishing about midnight. At about 5PM a terrific sand storm arose, continuing till about 7PM, and a beautiful mess it made of us and our bivouac. Our cloth spread for the evening meal was about hidden from view under the drift sand. Our meal was not enjoyed at all.