Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 88
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[Page 88]
the main armament, and in addition there are a number of 6" and Anti Submarine and Aircraft guns. Eight torpedoes are carried aft with two tubes, and I understand the same forward.
Ship is driven by turbines, with oil fuel. Engine and boiler rooms spotlessly clean. The "Queen Elizabeth" has in all been hit 15 times, chiefly with Field Howitzers, doing practically no damage except to wooden decking. One shell about 2/3 the size of our 18pr entered the side of Ward room, then burst, the bullets scoring the top of the heavy Cedar tables and spattered in inside partition, the case going through. In making its entry the shell cut a piece out of the ship's side, about 10" long and about 6" wide. These trophies have been mounted. The shell on a board, the fragments of ships side as a gong, and the gunmetal fuze from the shell fitted to an ebony handle and used as a striker for the gong. Luckily no one was present in the Ward room when the visitor called. Altogether the day was most interesting and instructive.
When I finished dinner I reported to Col Hobbs (who had arrived in Port during the day) and was informed I am to go up again tomorrow in the "Queen", also a fine Man o' War, and I am given to understand that I shall in all probability have the honour of directing the first Field Artillery to commence Land operations.
On Colonel Hobbs ship I met a brother of Major Macksworth. He also is a major and belongs to the Flying Corps. He is to assist the navy by "Spotting".
Tuesday 13th April
Landing parties working all day practising. At 2.30 PM I reported to the "Minnewarka", thence proceeded by launch to H.M.S. "Queen". Here were assembled the senior officers of the previous day's excursion, with some others and Generals Birdwood and Bridges. The idea is to get in close to Gallipoli Peninsula and thoroughly examine the Coast line with a view to possible landing places.
The Admiral (Admiral Thursby) gave us during the afternoon an account of the navy operations up to date and outlined the proposed Combined action of Navy and Army. General Birdwood also spoke to us and informed us that the 29th Division, a French Division and the Royal naval Division were to cooperate with us. Details are confidential, but I think my memory will not fail me when the time comes to recount our movements. The undertaking is a colossal one, and is unique in the World's History. We had all brought our blankets etc and made beds for ourselves in various odd places.