13th December 1914

Sunday December 13 1914 

The other day one of the New Zealanders got his throat cut in Cairo for something he shouldn’t have done and last night one of the sentries had his arm cut off.  We are expecting trouble on the 27^th of this month as we are going to hoist the Union Jack in Cairo.  The Turks gave us until the 27^th to get out of Egypt.  It is Turkish territory but is a British Protectorate for years.  There is some 5,000 British regulars garrisoned here and fine barracks they are too.  There was a swimming parade for 7^th Battery at Mena House bathes this afternoon, about 20 of us went up and had a fine bath it was just the thing and we needed it badly.

The Mena House swimming pool, a favourite with the Australian Soldiers, c. 1915.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - H03076]

Sunday 13th December

Breakfasted "Al Fresco", as much sand as food. Pyramids looming up in front of the camp. The camp is pitched on very sandy country but quite close to Pyramids and Mena House. Today the chief Pyramid has been covered with soldiers, clambering all over it. I have spent the day in looking after Brigade generally. I reported to Colonel Hobbs this morning. Have arranged for Brigade Mess to be run by ourselves. Mr Clowes to be mess Secretary.

Had a visit from Majors King and Rabett, Capt McLaughlin and Lieuts Olding and Thornthwaite. I hope to see my old Battery tomorrow.

General Bridges and Colonel White rode around the camp this afternoon. Getting my own tent settled. Have fine E.P. about 21’ x 14’. I shall use it also as my private office and will be very comfortable.

Received two letters from Nell yesterday and one from Alvord. Nell’s last letter acknowledged receipt of £20 sent to her. An old letter from Mr Baron received also one from Mr Philp in England. He wants to join us as a gunner if he can get across here.

Camp is full of small mule and donkey teams and wagons, doing all the transport work for the troops. Train lines are laid through the camp for supply of materials, etc, and various macadamised roads are also being made. The camp is a huge show. The Accommodation House at foot of Pyramids, known as Mena House has been turned into a Hospital, and all Australian nurses are stationed there. The large swimming pool is made available for troops, 100 swimming at a time. Hope to find time in a few days to visit both Mena House and the Pyramids. We never expected we should get into this part of the world. I understand we are to stay here till March, certainly till the cold weather is over at the front. Just killed a fine healthy specimen of a mosquito.

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