Rosenthal, Sir Charles, 1875 – 1954

Major-General Sir Charles Rosenthal (1875-1954), architect, soldier and parliamentarian, was born at Berrima, NSW. Rosenthal joined the Geelong Battery and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Sydney Militia Garrison Artillery in 1903. He transferred to the Australian Field Artillery in 1908 and was promoted major.

In 1914 Rosenthal became commanding officer of the 5th Field Artillery Brigade. On the outbreak of war he joined the A.I.F. and sailed with the first convoy as lieutenant-colonel commanding the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade. Promoted brigadier general in February 1916 he was given command of the artillery of the 4th Division and fought at Pozieres, the Somme, Mouquet Farm and Ypres. Appointed commander of the 9th Infantry Brigade in July 1917 he fought in the battles of 3rd Ypres, Passchendaele and the German offensive of March 1918. In May 1918 Rosenthal was given command of the 2nd Division and the rank of major general and took part in actions at Hamel, Peronne, Mont St Quentin and Montbrehain. He went to England in March 1919 to command all the depots of the AIF during the repatriation of the troops. He returned to Australia in January 1920.

Rosenthal was an alderman on the Sydney City Council and was elected a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seat of Bathurst (1922-1925). He was a member of the NSW Legislative Council (1936-1937). [ref:ADB 11]