7th June 1916

Lord Kitchener boards H.M.S. Iron Duke from H.M.S. Oak at 12.25pm on 5

June 1916, prior to lunching with Admiral Lord Jellicoe at Scapa Flow - 6 hours

later, aboard the H.M.S. Hampshire, Lord Kitchener would be lost at sea after

the vessel struck a mine. 

[Courtesy of Wikipedia]

7th June

Marseille is nearing and I am just longing to see a little of France.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - William Sparkes diary]

Wednesday 7th June

Early this morning we came abreast the South West corner of Sardinia, our course now lying to the westward of Sardinia and Corsica to Toulon, thence Marseilles.

French Patrol boats (3) seen this morning. Sardinia very rugged. Received wireless stating that H.M.S. Hampshire with Lord Kitchener and staff on board, had been sunk near the Orkney Islands, and apparently all on board lost. Lord Kitchener was on his way to Russia at the invitation of the Czar, to discuss military and financial problems. RUSSIA reported to have captured 13,000 Austrians.

Troops on board have now discarded their Khaki drill and have taken on their woollen clothing.

We expect to reach Marseilles tomorrow morning early.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

6th June 1916

The journey passed Malta to Cape Bon in Tunisia, described by Gen. Rosenthal (below).

[Courtesy of Times of Malta]

It took us days before we came in sight of Marseillaise. A most enjoyable trip in every way - calm cool and without much excitement. I should think the Meditteranean was never in a better mood or its waters were never a deeper blue. As I sat on deck late on an afternoon and looked out through that pale opalescence of soft light there seemed Peace and Beauty on every side. One would never dream that the fearful war tragedy was rendering the world. I managed to read several books on the trip - almost the first I have had time to finish for the last 18 months.

No accident or unusual occurrence marred the trip and there did not appear to be that same restriction placed on the men as on other Transports I have travelled on. It speaks highly for Col F. A. Hughes who was the O.C in charge.

I met young Craig of our Dress Dept on board. He was with a small detachment of the 15th Battln. Lieut Butcher who knows Willy McKeon was also on board.

[Will Sparkes' diary entry under the 31st May runs into a couple of

days - for clarity, it has been divided up over the coming entries]

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - William Sparkes diary]

Tuesday 6th June

Passed to the southward of Malta about breakfast time. Now making towards the coast of Africa beyond the Island of Pantellaria, thence northwards to Marseilles.

No further news of Naval Battle. Allies have taken over Customs, Telegraph Offices and Police duties at Salonika. Martial law has been proclaimed. African coast (Cape Bon) showed up at sunset.

Glorious evening.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

5th June 1916

The Allied Battlecruiser Fleet in action at the Battle of Jutland,

mentioned by Gen. Rosenthal below.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - H16908]

Monday 5th June

Very pleasant day. Received wireless re Battle in North Sea. Our losses, Queen Mary, Invincible, Indefatigable, Defence, Warrior and Black Prince also 8 Destroyers, while Germans appear to have lost 7 ships, 9 Destroyers, 1 submarine and two Zeppelins. Expect we shall not get full details till we arrive at Marseilles. Being convoyed all day by a Mine Layer. Plenty of merchant ships in all directions.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

4th June 1916

The crew of a German UC-1 minelaying submarine - a never-ending threat

to shipping traffic, especially those vessels carrying troops to Europe.

[Courtesy of Imperial War Museum]

We did not expect to have such a long trip but owing to Subs having been sighted we had to change our route and go up near Greece then zigzag down to off the coast of N. Africa and up again past Corsica and other Islands.

[Will Sparkes' diary entry under the 31st May runs into a couple of

days - for clarity, it has been divided up over the coming entries]

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - William Sparkes diary]

Sunday 4th June

Lay in till 7.30. Breakfast at 8.30. Church Parade at 11. No band allowed. Our route is well patrolled, quite a number of destroyers and other Naval craft, also trawlers being met with along the route. Passed to the north of Crete and expect to clear the Western end of the island about 11 o’clock tonight. We then are to head south of Malta. Informed by wireless that one submarine had been heard of on our route. "Caledonian" now running with us under Destroyer escort.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

3rd June 1916

The H.M.T. Caledonia, on which Gen. Rosenthal traveled (below).

[Courtesy of Great War Forum]

It was arranged that owing to my hard work at Serapium I was to be relieved of any duty on board and I made the most of the opportunity afforded to me for a rest.

[Will Sparkes' diary entry under the 31st May runs into a couple of

days - for clarity, it has been divided up over the coming entries]

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - William Sparkes diary]

Saturday 3rd June

"Caledonian" moved out about 9 AM. We moved out at eleven, and very glad we are to be in motion and get the breeze for it is an infernally hot day. Our course lay to the north of Crete. Ship very comfortable and sea very smooth. Owing to risk of submarines all ports closed at night to obscure lights and everyone wearing life belts.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

2nd June 1916

Overlooking the shipping traffic in Alexandria Harbour.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - PS1181]

How delightful it was to once more be on the moving over the dancing waves. The most pleasant thought was to be leaving the heat - the flies - the Deserts of that mysterious land of Egypt with its tiresome children. After leaving behind the shores of Egypt Submarines became the burning question and every precaution had to be taken as to lights at night &c. Lifebelts were issued to all hands and various other formulas as to signals &c sent to the Units on board.

[Will Sparkes' diary entry under the 31st May runs into a couple of

days - for clarity, it has been divided up over the coming entries]

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - William Sparkes diary]

June 2nd.

Sailed from Alexandria 7 a.m.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - Official unit war diary, 11th F.A. Brigade]

Friday 2nd June

Arrived at the Ship "Kinfauns Castle" about 9.30 AM having first of all arranged with Thos. Cook and Sons re baggage. The 12th Brigade arrived in due course at the wharves. Some bungle over loading of guns, the M.L.O. stating they were not to go, but matters were later straightened out. Also trouble about 1 officer and some 5 men with 12th Bde. That also overcome.

Moved out from berth at 5.15 PM, the "Caledonian" carrying 12th Brigade having previously left her berth at 4.30 PM.

We moved out into the stream and anchored. Very comfortable ship. Gen. Cox, Gen. Glasfurd and Divisional Staff also on board. We three Generals have roomy single cabins. Expect to make the run to Marseilles in 5 days if a call is not made at Malta.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

1st June 1916

The H.M.T. Haverford, during her previous life with the American Line - the men of

the 4th Division Artillery, & more importantly those of the 11th Field Artillery Brigade,

boarded her in Alexandria (below).

[Courtesy of First World War Journal]

We reached Alex at about 6am and did not take long to remove all our gear on to the transport Haverford. The train ran right on to the wharf where she was berthed. A scanty breakfast and then it was a wait. The only other Units on board the transport besides our 11th Brigade - were a small section of the A.M.C, A.S.C and the 15th Battalion I was fortunate in getting a cabin between with our own Sergeant Major in the 1st saloon and as you can imagine it tended to make the trip which was to follow very comfortable. We did not leave the wharf that night but next morning at 7.30am the engines throbbed and it was not long before we steamed off.

[Will Sparkes' diary entry under the 31st May runs into a couple of

days - for clarity, it has been divided up over the coming entries]

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - William Sparkes diary]

June 1st.

Embarked on H.M.T. "Haverford"

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - Official unit war diary, 11th F.A. Brigade]

Thursday 1st June

Completed packing up. Handed over maps, camp etc. to Lord Exeter. Capt. Richards now to be Brigade Major. He accompanied me by midday train. Reached Alexandria in the evening the stayed the night at the Majestic Hotel.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

31st May 1916

A decidedly empty looking Serapeum Camp, early June 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - H03757]

1st May to 31st May

Very busy on ordnance work at Serapium. Equiping a Brigade is no easy matter.  Will never forget harness and other items. Captn Tuckett paid me the compliment before General Rosenthal of being the only Brigade QM in the Artillery

31 May

At last the day of our departure from Serapium had arrived. For the past few days it was all running about for this great Finale. I was feeling a bit fagged over the work. Our train left at 8.30 PM and it did not take long to get the horses & gear aboard. I was very glad of when the shriek of the whistle gave us warning that we were off & Once more we were on the move. I do not think one of us was sorry to leave the Desert behind and face towards Alexandria. It was an all night trip and one after another our chaps dropped off to sleep on the seats. Fortunately I was in a 2nd class carriage and it was not so bad but the lads in the 3rd class carriage must have had a very hard bed. There is one thing I can never forgive our Military Authorities over and that is making  all ranks lower than a Sergeant travel 3rd class. Going to Town you would have to put up with some dirty Egyptian Waller rubbing up against you on the seat. You had no option of your company. The least that could be done would be to let those who desired travel 2nd class if they wished to pay the difference. The 1st class was reserved for officers & civilians who could pay the fare.

At the different stations enroute to Alex the noise of the Wallers you were rudely awakened by the awful noise of the wallers selling cakes or such articles. It will be a long time before one loses the forgets the persistancy and cheek of the Egyptian Street Seller. We arrived at What shameful bargainers they are and remind one of the  Chinamen who generally ask double treble the value expecting to receive

[Will Sparkes' diary entry under the 31st May runs into a couple of

days - for clarity, it has been divided up over the coming entries]

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - William Sparkes diary]

May 31st.

Brigade entrained at Serapeum West and proceeded to Alexandria.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - Official unit war diary, 11th F.A. Brigade]

Wednesday 31st May

Made sundry purchases during the morning, obtained continuation pay book from Pay office. During afternoon went out to see the Zoological Gardens. Took Mrs. and Miss Christian also Mrs. King. They showed me round. Returned to Serapeum by 6.15 PM train. The 11th Brigade took its departure. All arrangements worked smoothly.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

30th May 1916

Lord & Lady Exeter in Egypt, 1916, met by Gen. Rosenthal below.

[Courtesy of Stamford Town Council]

Tuesday 30th May

General straightening up of Camp during day. Had map finished showing our Artillery disposition which I will hand on to Lord Exeter of 237th R.F.A. Bde. With him and Capt. Malleson of 60 pr. Battery interviewed Generals Cox and Ward re permanent position of 60 pr. Battery. No decision arrived at. Left for Cairo by evening train arriving there at 2 AM, two hours late.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

29th May 1916

Part of the Infantry defenses on the outskirts of Serapeum, 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - B02914]

Monday 29th May

Final shooting of 10th Brigade. Capt. de Low did very well in his series. Officers from 4th East Anglian Bde. called to make arrangements for Batteries coming in tonight. Arranged for messing of officers with our Brigades.

Two British Battalions moved in this morning to take over from our Infantry. Review in afternoon by Commander in Chief. Very hot day. I turned out nine mounted batteries, and 6 dismounted batteries also D.A.C., about 2000 strong. All made a good showing better than I expected.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

28th May 1916

A British R.F.A. Gun Crew, similar to that of the 4th East Anglian Brigade

mentioned by Gen. Rosenthal below - the next day, the 4th East Anglian

Brigade would be redesignated as the 173rd Brigade R.F.A., coinciding with

their move to Serapeum.

[Courtesy of Invisionzone]

Sunday 28th May

Slept in for a change. No shooting. Also evaded Church Parade. Getting packing done prior to departure. Officers of the 4th East Anglian R.F.A. Brigade called on me. This Brigade is to take over our work in this Sector. Lord Exeter commands. All stayed to lunch, inspected camp site and returned to their position. Received orders for 1st Flight. The 11th Brigade first to move. Capt. Forrest left with Advance Party.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

27th May 1916

Defenses along the Suez Canal, opposite Serapeum Camp.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - A00975]

Saturday 27th May

Attended Brigade shoots at 5.30 finishing at 10.30 AM. Planning alteration re Brigade Major. Arranged for Capt. Richards to take over. Wrote final Egyptian letters during afternoon and evening. Inspection of Division ordered for Monday afternoon. Much cooler weather.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

26th May 1916

The Australian Training Camp at Tel-el-Kebir, 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - H12873]

Friday 26th May

Finished up scheme at about 6 AM Pow wow afterwards. Gen. Cox pleased with role played by Artillery. Visited training Depot at Tel el Kebir and so missed Brigade shoot. Work at Depot progressing satisfactorily. Addressed 4th Div Artillery men.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

25th May 1916

Looking along some of the Serapeum trenches, 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - A00971]

Thursday 25th May

Again Brigade shooting. Howitzer batteries did very well indeed. Resumed attack on Serapeum defences. Conference of all officers with General Cox and we inspected all trenches.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

24th May 1916

General Godley, left front holding cane, inspecting New Zealand troops with King George, 1916.

[Courtesy of Stamford Town Council]

Wednesday 24th May

Brigade Shooting again to day. Gen. Godley attended with Generals Gywnne and Nicholl. Gen. Cox also present. All shooting was very creditable and Gen. Godley was so interested that he remained with us 1½ hours. Very unusual for him to pay so much attention to Artillery. He expressed his appreciation of the standard reached under such trying conditions.

Attack scheme on land defences at Serapeum eventuated during the night. Two officers from Artillery assisted me as Chief Umpire. Scheme broken off at 3.30 AM and to resume at some time on Friday morning.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

23rd May 1916

Artillery on exercise in Egypt, with sand wheels in place.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - P00228.028]

May 23rd.

Captain Hordern appointed Adjutant, 2nd. Lieut. Hobson Orderly Officer and 2nd. Lt. Lee to 42nd. Battery.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - Official unit war diary, 11th F.A. Brigade]

Tuesday 23rd May

Attended shooting of Brigade at 5.30 AM. General Cox arrived at 7, and waited till 10 watching shooting. He is coming out again tomorrow with the Corps Commander. Shooting generally very good indeed.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

22nd May 1916

Looking out across both banks of the Suez Canal, 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - P00998.022]

Monday 22nd May

Left at 5.30 AM for Road Head by car with the B.G.R.A (Brig. Gen. Short) of 53rd Division, which is to take over our line of defence. Our horses met us at Road Head and we rode along the front line. I indicated to him our gun positions. Met General Cox in afternoon on East bank of Canal re night operations for Wednesday. I am appointed Chief Umpire. Informed we are to leave about 1st or 2nd June.

We shall all be delighted to move out of this Country.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

21st May 1916

The Savoy Hotel Cairo, on the right, which played host to Gen. Rosenthal overnight.

[Courtesy of egy.com]

Sunday 21st May

Did not turn out to breakfast till 9.30. A most enjoyable "lie in". Hotel very cool, the hot spell appears to have passed. Wrote letters during the morning. Left Cairo by 6.15 PM train, arriving at Serapeum about 11 PM. Found a number of back letters on my table. They had been to the 3rd Brigade in France and returned here. Cable received stating Halford’s appointment not approved. Am writing about him.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

20th May 1916

The "BARRAGE" - Barrage Bridge & Gardens - in 1916, visited by Gen. Rosenthal (below).

[Courtesy of UQ eSpace]

Saturday 20th May

Did some shopping in the morning. Called to see Major Vernon at ABASSIA Hospital. Car lent me for the day by Capt. Gowing, H Qrs. A.I.F. After lunch I took Mr. and Mrs. Pengalley also the children for a run out to the "BARRAGE", and took a number of photos. It is a very beautiful spot. Had afternoon tea there, returning home at 7 PM Dinner at Continental Hotel. Talked with Mrs. Christian and Mrs. King.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

19th May 1916

A typical scene within one of the Cairo bazaars.

[Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons]

Friday 19th May

Attended shooting at 5 AM. Caught train for Cairo at 9 AM, having arranged for leave till Sunday night. I want to arrange some records at the base and also get some uniforms. Arrived at Cairo at 2 PM Reported to Head Quarters SAVOY Hotel. Found all banks now close (since May 1st) at 12.30 daily. Went to Davies Bazaar and was measured for tunic and cord breeches. Went to bed early.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]