7th May 1916

Swimming at Serapeum from a makeshift springboard, Serapeum 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - J02500]

Sunday 7th May

Attended Church Parade at 7 AM. Not one of the Brigade or Battery Commanders out with me yesterday turned up to this Parade. Evidently the trip was too much for them. Received advice that a 60 Pd. Battery is to be sent at once to this Division and will come under my orders.

Had a delightful swim this afternoon, and afterwards wrote letters.

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

6th May 1916

A motorised Caterpillar tractor used to move heavy guns and in the Suez Canal zone, 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - H02853]

Saturday 6th May

With Brigade Commanders left Canal by car at 5 AM. Picked up Battery Commanders at rail Head, and thence rode round the front commencing at Right Flank. Came back to 9th L.H. Camp at Road Head, where Col. Arnott provided us all (25 officers) with tea. We all of course had brought our lunches. During the afternoon we completed the Left Flank. Positions were selected for all guns of all Brigades of this Division. Returned to camp at 7 PM, exceedingly tired. It has been an unbearably hot day.

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

5th May 1916

Soldiers outside "Mrs Murphy's Pub" at the Serapeum Railhead, 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C00059]

Friday 5th May

Howitzer Brigade commenced instructional shoot at 6 AM. Generally everybody did good work. Officers supplied personnel for gun detachments. Officers of other Brigades also attended. Addressed a few words to all officers at conclusion of shoot. Arranged for all Brigade and Battery Commanders to join me in reconnoitring the Front line tomorrow. Battery Commanders and Orderlies go out to rail head tonight and join us tomorrow morning.

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

4th May 1916

Equipment arriving & being unloaded at the Serapeum Railhead, 1916.

[Courtesy of Pinterest]

Thursday 4th May

Ammunition for 4.5" Hows. arrived. Conference of Brigade Commanders re preparation for front line.

The 11th Brigade to provide two Batteries & ammunition column. Inspected 12th & 24th Brigades, also 11th Brigade Anti Aircraft emplacement, with Maj. General Smith & Major Cockraft. Ordnance supplies coming forward a little more rapidly.

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

3rd May 1916

Construction of a sandbagged defense post, Egypt 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - H02785]

Wednesday 3rd May

Conference of Brigade Commanders, Cra. & CRE at General Cox’s office re proposed move against possible enemy advance. Certain course adopted & orders issued accordingly.

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

2nd May 1916

The horse lines at Serapeum, 1916.

[Courtesy of Victorian Collections]

Tuesday 2nd May

Medical officer of Sanitary Section complained to me about condition of part of our Head Quarters Camp. Arranged to have matters rectified. Arrangements for shoot of 24th Brigade upset, because ammunition will not be to hand in time.

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

1st May 1916

Artillery practice at one of the Egyptian camps, 1916.

[Published in The Graphic, August 26, 1916]

Monday 1st May

At Artillery Camp during morning. Saw unsuitable men of 12th Brigade. Arranged for Col. Waite to commence shooting on Wednesday if ammunition available. Sent in report to Cairo re sports on Anzac Day. Board fixed re selection of Artillery horses from Transport units to be replaced by mules. Gen. Glasgow President. Armament Sergt. reported to 12th Bde from FERRY POST.

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