Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 74
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[Page 74]
Sunday 21st February
Did not attend Church Parade. Slept in for a change and wrote letters and posted up Diary. Had a good sleep in the afternoon, quite an unusual occurrence for me.
Monday 22nd February
Emma's Birthday today. Batteries all at work in camp. Col Johnstone's Brigade carried out its reconnaissance preparatory to tomorrow's shoot. I was with Colonel MacLagan all day during the fighting of a delaying action. General Birdwood was present. The Infantry did very good work.
Tuesday 23rd February.
Col Johnstone's Brigade carried out its final shoot. I was ordered to explain scheme and operations to a number of Infantry Colonels who had come out to witness shooting. Shooting of Brigade at commencement very poor. Battery Commanders did not understand ranging from use of map only. later in the morning work was better. Lecture at night and criticisms. Colonel Hobbs practically gave us a "good bye" address. He anticipated our Division will be soon broken up and moved off. Instructions received to prepare 8th Battery for departure 27th inst.
Necessary orders given. Commenced French class.
Wednesday 24th February
Obtained leave to visit New Zealand Field Artillery at Zeitoun. Saw 4".5 Howitzers and went through their mechanism. Had an interesting time with Col Johnstone who drove me into Cairo in the afternoon in one of the N.Z. staff cars. Very hot day, camp very dusty and trying. Purchased pumps for use of Brigade, 5 per battery and 1 for Brigade Head Quarters, for use in pumping out trenches and assisting in watering horses.
Returned to camp at 5PM. Received letter from Nell dated Jan 24th, Emma, Alvord and Chris ditto.
Thursday 25th February
Battery Commanders in charge of their Batteries in camp. Officers of 1st Brigade who have not previously had series did some shooting. Adjutant and myself reconnoitred country for purposes of signalling scheme laid down for 26th inst. Instruction on European maps with O.C? Received two letters from Charley and one from A.T.Sharp.