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]