11th January 1916

The shoeing forge belonging to the 8th Battery, 3rd Artillery Field Brigade, at Tel-el-Kebir.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - J02997]

Tuesday 11

Same old routine - in charge of Brigade Guard Defaulters etc.

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

Tuesday 11th January

Interviewed General Chauvel re position of Divisional Artillery Command. He has cabled to General Hobbs to clear up the situation. Out with Batteries during morning and afternoon. Instructed Lt Clowes to report to D.A. for duty as Staff Captain. Rearranged subaltern officers temporarily in Brigade. Received letter from Mr Forrest, A.T. Sharp and Charley which had been travelling after me from England. I suppose in a week or two now my correspondence will be resuming normal Conditions. Still a number from Nell not to hand.

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

10th January 1916

Six men of the 7th Battery with four of their artillery guns, at Tel-el-Kebir in January

1916, including William Sparkes, 1695 Corporal James Alexander Cameron & 721

Gunner Timothy John Healy.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - P03801.002]

Monday 10th January

Gen Hobbs who was supposed to arrive yesterday by "Medina" from London has not made his appearance. Batteries doing Battery drill morning and afternoon and gun laying from Gun Layers. Mr Scarrot returned to duty with Brigade. Gen Godley was to have inspected camp but he did not turn up. Commenced Officers Mess Hut. Y.M.C.A. Representative reported to us. Major Rabett and Captain Callaghan came round to my tent and stayed till 11pm. I showed them maps etc from France.

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

9th January 1916

Communion Service at Tel-el-Kebir, 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - J02994]

Sunday 9th January

An exceedingly good Church Parade this morning. During afternoon went for a ride over Manoeuvre Area. Mr Budden came to lunch and supplied us with sundry gift goods for men.

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

8th January 1916

Published in The Brisbane Courier, on the 13th May 1916.

[Courtesy of National Library of Australia - TROVE]

Saturday 8th Jan 1916

Manouvering in Desert. Battery orderly Sergeant to-day.

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

Saturday 8th January

Inquired re Postal matter proceedings. Capt Douglas (C of E. Padre) attached to this Brigade today. Batteries taking stock of equipment generally.

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

7th January 1916

A view over the 1st Division lines at Tel-el-Kebir, 1916.

[Courtesy of National Library of Australia]

7th Jan

Caught train at 7 am.

Got splendid hamper on train. Saw marriage ceremony in Cairo. Band & procession etc

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

Friday 7th January

Discovered today an extraordinary state of affairs in Regimental Post Office. A man was caught throwing opened and unopened 3rd Brigade outward mail into the incinerator. Someone has evidently been pilfering. Instructed Major Burgess to investigate the case. Corporal in charge of Post Office placed under arrest. Commenced erection of Brigade Canteen. Expect we shall have some difficulty in effecting a Suitable Contract.

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

6th January 1916

Fifteen tents in the grounds of Heliopolis Palace occupied by No. 1 Australian General

Hospital in early 1916 - the tents were erected all around the grounds as space inside the

building became scarce.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - P00037.020]

6th Jan 1916

Bought several things to send home. Saw Reg Rutter at Palace Hospital. Also Driver McKenzie & Tom Richards. Saw my Dutch friends at Groppi's. Missed train & had to stay another night.

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

Thursday, 6th January

Answered a great deal of correspondence. Letters which I found awaiting me here. Brigade drawing tents getting telephone lines laid etc.

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

5th January 1916

Unloading stores at the military siding at Tel-el-Kebir, alongside

which the 7th Battery were camped.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C04427]

Wednesday 5th Jan 1916

Reported to 7th Battery to-day and placed in "B" Sub. I applied for leave & got 48 hrs & went up to Cairo. Met Dutch lady & Gent & family. Incident re biscuits. Stayed at Eden Palace Hotel.

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

5.1.16

(Captain Alan Percy Crisp, temporary O/C 7^th Battery)

Lt. Col Rosenthal having rejoined the Brigade Major (Temp Lieut. Col.) F. A. Hughes rejoined 7th Battery + assumed command.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - Official unit war diary, 7th Battery]

Wednesday 5th January

Called at Divisional Head Quarters re position of Artillery Command. Informed each Brigade Commander was to act independently and in direct Communication with DHQ. Major Anderson to be temporarily attached to DHQ until further arrangements are made. Saw Colonel Christian. Stated he was in Command of Div. Artillery. Above ruling upsets this suggestion. Had a ride on Jack. Both my horses looking very well. Very cold weather. Quite wintry. Mess being run very well. An excellent cook was made available from 8th Battery. Overstrength both in men and horses at present time.

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