8th March 1915

A picture postcard sent home from the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade's encampment at

Mena by Billy, with a message for his family penciled on the reverse (below).

March 8, 15

Dear Mater,

A line to say we are still in Egypt, and hoping that to find you and all at home in the best of health as it leaves me at present.  Jim was here yesterday and we went over the Spinx and the Pyramids and took a few snaps there but couldn't get many as he came a bit late in the afternoon.  We have all the guns and wagons painted all colors of the rainbow and have an extra shield on the guns.  The 3rd Brigade Infintry went last Sunday week so by the end of this week, I think we will be a good way from here.  I didn't get any letters from home last week, but expect a bundle this mail.  This is a snap of our tent.  I took a good few about here and have sold a few doz. to the lads, not to make anything out of it, but just to pay expenses.

With love to all at home

Bill

1st Division Engineers working in the midst of a dust

 storm beyond Mena Camp, March 1915.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - G01634]

Monday 8th March

Filthy dusty day, with high wind. One of the worst we have experienced. Such days as this make us wish heartily that we could get away. Posted letters to Nell. Painting of vehicles of Brigade hung up because of dust and sand.

Wrote Gieve Matthews and Seagrave asking them to forward me regular copies of Monthly Naval List, also Army and Navy pattern Webley Scott pistol with case, lanyard etc.

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