Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 92
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[Page 92]
"Prince George", "Majestic", "Inflexible", "Dartmouth", "Dublin", "Talbot", "Doris", "Minerva", "Sapphire", "Amethyst", "Euryalus", "Bacchante", "Adamant". Quite a substantial list, and one capable of giving the Turk something to remember. Dined on the "Minnewarka", and afterwards had conference with Colonel Hobbs.
Tuesday 20th April
Conference of my Battery Commanders at 10AM. Carefully went through all Orders and instructions with them. Very blowy day, no work possible outside ship. Wrote letters, probably the last for some time, to Charley, Alvord, Chris, Father & Mother and Nell.
Wednesday 21st April
Very rough this morning. Conference on "Minnewarka" at 9 AM. C.O.s did not reach there till 10. I had an exciting row across in one of our ship boats. The Admiral as well as General Birdwood and Bridges addressed us, and went carefully into the details of our landing. The 3rd Infantry Brigade which is to be the covering force is to land about 4 AM. And carry the position at the point of the bayonet. The main body expects to be disembarked by 8.30, and then my ship is the first to discharge Artillery. If we have anything like luck my Brigade will fire the first Australian Angry Field Artillery round. The 7th Battery is up against it, and I am looking to them to do well. We have received our sailing instructions today, which show that we are to be in our Berth for discharge on the Gallipoli Peninsula Coast near Gaba Tepe at 8.30 AM on Friday 23rd inst.
Later instructions came this afternoon, notifying a postponement of operations till Saturday 24th inst. This is on account of the rough weather, but as sea and wind have now gone down the Admiral May tomorrow revert to his original intention. We are all impatient to be at it. Everybody getting packing done for shore work, and rations for men and horses issued.
Thursday 22nd April
Still lying at anchor. One of our Transports stuck on the mud in the Bay, and so far they have been unable to pull her off. Chief Engineer and Third Officer today took photographs of officers grouped on Bridge deck. They have turned out very well. Received letter from Chris. Replied at once to him and enclosed photo of self and two officers in Goat Skin Coats, also picture of "Queen Elizabeth". Capt Jopp and orderly reported to "Minnewarka" at 12 noon for duty with Colonel Hobbs as