From Cyprus, the Regiment was sent to Haifa in Palestine. When the next legible section of the diary begins it is March of 1942, and the Regiment are in a camp at Jenin.
8 March 1942
Got our first M3 today – a non-runner- and have begun intensive training on them.
11 March 1942
3 'fit' tanks came today and after being vetted for 2 days , we had our first driving lesson on the 14th. What a treat to sit there, and have perfect control of 13 tons going along at 40 mph - and can they pull! Went to Aphoula, a modern village near Nazareth. Seen some good pictures this week.
18 March 1942
Just got back from a real enjoyable night training, under the supervision of our RE. Our first stop was Tiberius, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. This is an inland, fresh-water sea and is 800 feet below sea-level. Famous for its natural,hot, sulphurous, springs which we visited. In Christ's time, Tiberius was the home of King Herod. Next we followed the shore for about 7 miles and stopped at a church which is built on the spot where Jesus fed the 5,000 and its mosaic floor shows the spot where he stood- 2 fishes and a basket of bread in mosaic.2 miles from there, we came to Capernaeum where Christ lived when he began teaching. Ruins of the synagogue where he preached, and where his mother prayed are still there. In one corner, too, is the site of the house where he performed the miracle, 'Take up thy bed and walk.' From here we went to the spot where he preached the sermon on the mount where there is now built a beautiful, modern, Catholic church, kept by a 90 year old Polish friar. For tea we went to Nazareth, after visiting the school Christ attended, the house – was then a cave- where his parents lived, and the carpenter's shop where he used to work. Altogether a very interesting trip.
Jenin, the village where we are now, was a place mentioned in the Bible, where Jesus cured the 10 lepers, only one of whom thanked him.
Just got back from a real enjoyable night training, under the supervision of our RE. Our first stop was Tiberius, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. This is an inland, fresh-water sea and is 800 feet below sea-level. Famous for its natural,hot, sulphurous, springs which we visited. In Christ's time, Tiberius was the home of King Herod. Next we followed the shore for about 7 miles and stopped at a church which is built on the spot where Jesus fed the 5,000 and its mosaic floor shows the spot where he stood- 2 fishes and a basket of bread in mosaic.2 miles from there, we came to Capernaeum where Christ lived when he began teaching. Ruins of the synagogue where he preached, and where his mother prayed are still there. In one corner, too, is the site of the house where he performed the miracle, 'Take up thy bed and walk.' From here we went to the spot where he preached the sermon on the mount where there is now built a beautiful, modern, Catholic church, kept by a 90 year old Polish friar. For tea we went to Nazareth, after visiting the school Christ attended, the house – was then a cave- where his parents lived, and the carpenter's shop where he used to work. Altogether a very interesting trip.
Jenin, the village where we are now, was a place mentioned in the Bible, where Jesus cured the 10 lepers, only one of whom thanked him.
26 April 1942
Went to Haifa buying books, pens etc. and having a grand time. Sent photos to all at home. 27 April 1942 A Khamsin has been blowing all day- a very hot, dry wind which is very uncomfortable. A spot of trouble is now going on in Jenin, last night there being six murders there. Two of our squadrons were out just in case. 4 May 1942 Began my first week as Orderly Corporal – easy enough. 9 May 1942
Set off at 7 o'clock on still another move – this time to Egypt, Khatatba, 50 miles west of Cairo, where the 10th Armoured Division, 4th Army is in training. Had a lovely trip down in a 3 ton Austin through Lydd- Palestine beauty spot- Ramade, Beersheba, and stayed the night at Qalymaya, a water point. Off at 6 am, travelling an interesting 160 mile journey, finally arriving at Ismalia on the Suez to spend the night. We crossed the canal at 6 on the 11th and travelled through native villages until dinner-time when we got to Cairo. Here we had an hour's stay to brew up and then passed through the city, and along to …..where we turned right and up the coast, getting here at 5. The camp itself consists of about 25,000 men each Brigade having a large central NAAFI but no other form of social luxury. All day long fighters and bombers – mostly Tomahawks and Wellingtons are flying over us on their way up to the front but we haven't seen any enemy planes. 20 May 1942 Received 2 photos from home – one of mother and one of Ma and Gladys. + |
21 May 1942
Moved into stores building doing job as tech store-man and spending my time on watches, typewriters, meters etc.
23 May 1942
Quite an important day- firstly because it marks the beginning of another 'push' up the desert here- this time by Jerry. But our lads soon had them in difficulties and the news is favourable. Continual squadrons of fighters – Tomahawks, Hurricanes and Spitfires- and bombers, mostly Wellingtons and Marylands have passed over here, and news feels quite confident. During the morning we had a visit from the Duke of Gloucester.
3 June 1942
Received our Doug's photo today. After tea we had an half hour's whirlwind and 60mph gale which blew down some of the tents in the camp. A Kittyhawk, out in the sand, crashed on the edge of the camp, the pilot being killed instantly.
4 June 1942
Bill Leyland is tomorrow staring his journey home so I sent some Cyprus lace and a letter with him. I went on the Range, having practices with the Bren.
Moved into stores building doing job as tech store-man and spending my time on watches, typewriters, meters etc.
23 May 1942
Quite an important day- firstly because it marks the beginning of another 'push' up the desert here- this time by Jerry. But our lads soon had them in difficulties and the news is favourable. Continual squadrons of fighters – Tomahawks, Hurricanes and Spitfires- and bombers, mostly Wellingtons and Marylands have passed over here, and news feels quite confident. During the morning we had a visit from the Duke of Gloucester.
3 June 1942
Received our Doug's photo today. After tea we had an half hour's whirlwind and 60mph gale which blew down some of the tents in the camp. A Kittyhawk, out in the sand, crashed on the edge of the camp, the pilot being killed instantly.
4 June 1942
Bill Leyland is tomorrow staring his journey home so I sent some Cyprus lace and a letter with him. I went on the Range, having practices with the Bren.
27 June 1942
Began packing up today for another move, this camp being needed for another Division who are coming up to reinforce our front line. All day and night our planes are crossing the camp and the aerodrome 5 miles away is constantly alive with planes. We finally got away on July 3rd passing through our new A.O.W. where there were scores of Grants and Cruisers and getting onto the Alex. Road. Then through Cairo by way of Mena and onto the Ismalia road on which we travelled for 90 miles to our present camp. Its name is Talong Camp, Qassassin, 20 miles from Ismalia and stretches for 20 miles in length. So far as we can see it contains one very big aerodrome one mile from us which is packed with planes of all types and a General Hospital. There are several cinemas and NAAFI's and showers etc. and so far, food as usual.
Enemy bombers have been over every night dropping bombs in the canal area.
Began packing up today for another move, this camp being needed for another Division who are coming up to reinforce our front line. All day and night our planes are crossing the camp and the aerodrome 5 miles away is constantly alive with planes. We finally got away on July 3rd passing through our new A.O.W. where there were scores of Grants and Cruisers and getting onto the Alex. Road. Then through Cairo by way of Mena and onto the Ismalia road on which we travelled for 90 miles to our present camp. Its name is Talong Camp, Qassassin, 20 miles from Ismalia and stretches for 20 miles in length. So far as we can see it contains one very big aerodrome one mile from us which is packed with planes of all types and a General Hospital. There are several cinemas and NAAFI's and showers etc. and so far, food as usual.
Enemy bombers have been over every night dropping bombs in the canal area.
18 July 1942
The empty camp on our north side has now been taken over by a Regiment of RA heavy AA. They have sixteen 3.7's which they intend to use for AA, and an anti-tank gun. 30 July 1942 Now that the full-moon period is here had about nightly visits from single enemy planes. The nearest bomb so far has been about 3 miles away. Last night one plane was brought down- our view being confined to a red glow in the sky about 6 miles out. 2 days ago the Artillery gave us a concert – a first class show. On Wednesday last the fitters cricket team played in combined LAD and Signals team and we just managed to win by 32 runs. 1 August 1942 A Sunday – played the return match against the LAD, winning again, but only by 1 wicket. Also played in Squadron at netball and won 2-0. 7 August 1942 Had a visit today from Winston who is now touring the MEF (Middle East Forces) It was good to see him, with his cigar, wearing a battered old topee, sitting in the front of a Morris 'bug'. He looks older but is still a ''grand old man.'' Sent snaps home to Ma. 13 August 1942 Moved today to a spot 23 miles down the Suez Canal and are now on the desert, 5 miles from the road and about 8 miles from Fayed, on the Great Bitter Lake. Its quite a good camp, very near a large 'drome which is full of 4 engined Liberators and Halifaxes, Wellingtons and the new Martlett Torpedo bomber which now replaces the Swordfish of the Fleet Air Arm. Every second day there is a swimming party down on the beach which is ideal. At night we can see all the electric lights in the town – an unusual and pleasant sight these days. |
20 August 1942
Went down to Geneifa today for a swim and saw 2 destroyers go past on their way down the Suez.
23 August 1942
Set off today on a 2 day journey, before night travelling 125 miles passing down the Suez, through Cairo and Mena to Wadi Nathan, near the Halfway-house on the Alex road, where we arrived at 8pm. Next morning were away again early, doing 40 on the roads to Marieopolis where we turned off into the desert for 8km. We are now doing ground defence against a possible paratroop attack against a monster 'drome where there are hundreds of planes both bombers and fighters and there's hardly been a night without 20 planes knocking about.
Went down to Geneifa today for a swim and saw 2 destroyers go past on their way down the Suez.
23 August 1942
Set off today on a 2 day journey, before night travelling 125 miles passing down the Suez, through Cairo and Mena to Wadi Nathan, near the Halfway-house on the Alex road, where we arrived at 8pm. Next morning were away again early, doing 40 on the roads to Marieopolis where we turned off into the desert for 8km. We are now doing ground defence against a possible paratroop attack against a monster 'drome where there are hundreds of planes both bombers and fighters and there's hardly been a night without 20 planes knocking about.
12 September 1942
Got our first Shermans – America's latest addition to their armour and are now training intensively for expected desert action
21 September 1942
Set off today on a 4 day Divisional Scheme but had only done 7 miles when our engine began to boil over. When I lifted the bonnet cover, the cap and about 2 gallons of boiling water hit me fair and square, my face and left arm being chief victims. I was taken in an ambulance to the 166 FA and there I was trussed up like a chicken for 2 days. Then my face was uncovered and had just begun to peel. The following day I returned to our camp, my left arm being almost OK but I had to keep it bandaged up to keep it clean.
24 September 1942
The Sergeant Major left to go to the base for a Commission leaving me all his watch repairing kit, his hairdressing outfit, several books on engines etc. and a box full of rations. We were sorry to lose him – he'll be sadly missed all round.
Got our first Shermans – America's latest addition to their armour and are now training intensively for expected desert action
21 September 1942
Set off today on a 4 day Divisional Scheme but had only done 7 miles when our engine began to boil over. When I lifted the bonnet cover, the cap and about 2 gallons of boiling water hit me fair and square, my face and left arm being chief victims. I was taken in an ambulance to the 166 FA and there I was trussed up like a chicken for 2 days. Then my face was uncovered and had just begun to peel. The following day I returned to our camp, my left arm being almost OK but I had to keep it bandaged up to keep it clean.
24 September 1942
The Sergeant Major left to go to the base for a Commission leaving me all his watch repairing kit, his hairdressing outfit, several books on engines etc. and a box full of rations. We were sorry to lose him – he'll be sadly missed all round.
30th September 1942
General Montgomery paid us a visit today, presenting the VC to a New Zealander and medals to 4 of our chaps for deeds in our 1941 push. He's a very small chap but seems very much alive. 5 October 1942 Very quiet except for 2 Jerry 'reccy' planes which came over fairly low at 10am, just after the Tomahawks had gone by. 6 October 1942 Got our new boss today – Westy with whom we get on OK. 10 October 1942 Westy has gone today. We were up at 4.30, away by half 5. Now Sergeant G is in charge down here. Went for a bit of a run in a Jeep we had repaired. |
16 October 1942
4pm saw the beginning of our worst sand-storm ever. Stones as well as sand flying through the air made it impossible to stay in it, and visibility was about 18 inches. We all slept in a truck which we had in workshops so we weren't too bad – during the night it rained heavily but the gale soon had the sand on the move again. No use attempting to work in it so we've just closed the truck down and we are passing the time anyhow – brewing up mostly. Dawn the following morning found everything calm again and we once more began to work. 20 October 1942 At long last things are moving- everyone is now singing in his bath and working with a smile. More news later! |
21 October 1942
Moved up 83 miles today along the Mena road, stopping in a camp at El Hamet. All day our Bostons and Baltimores have been crossing over here with about 40 fighters as escort to each group. So far we've got 8 Divisions lined up ready for zero-hour tomorrow(23rd)
At dawn tomorrow the 7th Armoured Division is to make a feint attack from the south to attract his armed forces. At dusk 800 field guns are to put up an hour's barrage to allow the tanks to take up their positions. We've been guaranteed at least 500 fighters and as many bombers as required.
Moved up 83 miles today along the Mena road, stopping in a camp at El Hamet. All day our Bostons and Baltimores have been crossing over here with about 40 fighters as escort to each group. So far we've got 8 Divisions lined up ready for zero-hour tomorrow(23rd)
At dawn tomorrow the 7th Armoured Division is to make a feint attack from the south to attract his armed forces. At dusk 800 field guns are to put up an hour's barrage to allow the tanks to take up their positions. We've been guaranteed at least 500 fighters and as many bombers as required.
23rd October 1942
2nd Battle of El Alamein
As soon as the sun disappeared, we were off due west travelling 24 miles to a position 4 and a half miles behind the front. Convoys of lorries, carriers and tanks were moving up in thousands- in every camp we crossed, tanks of all descriptions were discarding their vehicle camouflages and setting off to take up their positions. At 9.45 all was quiet – at 9.46 the artillery were sending over all they'd got- 800 guns on a 5 mile front- what a sight. At 10.20 they had a 5 minute halt and we could hear the rumble of tanks on the move. Then the guns were off again keeping it up this time until 2.45 when the Infantry and Tanks got down to business. Ruweisat Ridge was their objective – Jerry's stronghold of pill-boxes, anti-tank guns and artillery. By 3.30 it was in our hands and jerry had been driven back 2,000 yards to take up defences on a smaller ridge further back. Dawn saw the sky full of our bombers and fighters but never a sign of enemy aircraft. One Kitty-Hawk crash-landed 200 yards from us but the pilot was unhurt. One bomber , in a group of 18 escorted by 28 fighters, got a direct hit from a heavy AA shell and disappeared in mid-air. Another bomber landed a mile away, bouncing a little, but remaining upright, while still another passed over us pouring out clouds of smoke and finally crashing about 3 miles behind us. Our tanks went out at 9am, fighting continuously until dark when they had 5 casualties including one killed and had lost 2 tanks. The RWY with 48 Shermans finished the day with only 6 left after hitting an uncharted minefield. What men they had left were withdrawn at dusk, to return to Ammorhea for re-fitting. Our 'B' Squadron took over Shermans and A15's and were all set for action at dawn on the 25th.
26 October 1942
A very quiet night but dawn saw 2 raids and action up by the coast. About 40 fighters were constantly patrolling over and a group of bombers has just returned- one less in number. A heavy raid by 34 Stukas on our front line at dusk and several raids by single bombers during the night- 2 lots being about 400 yards from us- and 3 small raids at dawn were all we saw of him today.
27 October 1942
Bombers have been constantly passing over in groups of 18 with fighter escort and permanent patrols of about 40 fighters can always be seen and heard. Yesterday our casualties were 2 men wounded. At 10pm today, our Brigade withdrew for a rest , moving back about 7 miles. Just before dusk, 3 of our Officers left in a Dingo, to bury the brother of one of them who was killed the previous day, and haven't been seen since – the O.P. Reports the destruction of a Dingo which appears to have been theirs. The only other casualty today was one other officer killed.
A very quiet night but dawn saw 2 raids and action up by the coast. About 40 fighters were constantly patrolling over and a group of bombers has just returned- one less in number. A heavy raid by 34 Stukas on our front line at dusk and several raids by single bombers during the night- 2 lots being about 400 yards from us- and 3 small raids at dawn were all we saw of him today.
27 October 1942
Bombers have been constantly passing over in groups of 18 with fighter escort and permanent patrols of about 40 fighters can always be seen and heard. Yesterday our casualties were 2 men wounded. At 10pm today, our Brigade withdrew for a rest , moving back about 7 miles. Just before dusk, 3 of our Officers left in a Dingo, to bury the brother of one of them who was killed the previous day, and haven't been seen since – the O.P. Reports the destruction of a Dingo which appears to have been theirs. The only other casualty today was one other officer killed.
28 October 1942
Awoke at dawn to the sound of a dog-fight and saw 2 Spitfires and 2 109's above us. 2 minutes saw the end of one of the 109's which broke up in 3 pieces- the other promptly took his leave. At 10am, about 40 fighters were in combat overhead, one of our Hurricanes getting hit and limping away- the remainder drifted away still firing. From the last day's action in which our tanks took part, 2 of them are missing and the 10 occupants are put down as such. Official casualty list this morning gives our total losses as 25 killed or missing though any being prisoners are considered doubtful.
Awoke at dawn to the sound of a dog-fight and saw 2 Spitfires and 2 109's above us. 2 minutes saw the end of one of the 109's which broke up in 3 pieces- the other promptly took his leave. At 10am, about 40 fighters were in combat overhead, one of our Hurricanes getting hit and limping away- the remainder drifted away still firing. From the last day's action in which our tanks took part, 2 of them are missing and the 10 occupants are put down as such. Official casualty list this morning gives our total losses as 25 killed or missing though any being prisoners are considered doubtful.
Total number of enemy tanks destroyed- 132, prisoners 2,4000- increased this morning by another 1,000 when the 1st Armoured Division carried out a successful attack. Plenty of air activity during the day though we only saw 4 planes.
30 October 1942
Very busy today getting tanks ready for away by 4 pm. Artillery force have been at it for about an hour in the north and our bombers have been over several times and so far haven't lost a single plane. By 6 pm all our tanks were moving up, travelling 8 miles in all to a spot on the Northern Sector some 5 miles behind the Alamein Box. There we intend to stay quietly, making final preparations for the big attack. We are to begin on Sunday night.
Very busy today getting tanks ready for away by 4 pm. Artillery force have been at it for about an hour in the north and our bombers have been over several times and so far haven't lost a single plane. By 6 pm all our tanks were moving up, travelling 8 miles in all to a spot on the Northern Sector some 5 miles behind the Alamein Box. There we intend to stay quietly, making final preparations for the big attack. We are to begin on Sunday night.
2 November 1942
Zero hour was 10.20. Within 3 minutes 1000 field guns and 300 naval guns were sending over all they'd got. Planes were going over continuously all through the night and by midnight our Tank Division was on its way to take up positions in the Balge, which the Australians have gained. 4 am found our Brigade approaching the 3rd ridge which, bristling with 88's and 105's promises to be a desperate sortie. During the night the Aussies gained the objective, cutting off 5,000 Jerries in the NW corner up against the coast. At first light the Brigade topped the second ridge and began to cross the plain beyond where Jerry had all his anti-tank and machine guns. Half way over, a heavy smoke-screen blotted out their view, but they kept steadily on at 3 mph until it cleared when they found themselves right among the enemy. Then it was who could hit first. For 3 hours it was toe-to-toe slogging and though our lads took a hell of a battering, their job was done. The 10th Armd. Corps. equipped with every latest type of weapon, passed through the gap and are now getting into position for the great tank against tank battle which has been eluding our Army for days. In the South sector alone, Jerry lost over 60 tanks and 21 planes today (Nov 2nd)
A report just issued says that the 9th L have destroyed over 100 Mark 111's and IV's during the two day's fighting. No complete details of our casualties yet though it is known that our losses are considerable.
Zero hour was 10.20. Within 3 minutes 1000 field guns and 300 naval guns were sending over all they'd got. Planes were going over continuously all through the night and by midnight our Tank Division was on its way to take up positions in the Balge, which the Australians have gained. 4 am found our Brigade approaching the 3rd ridge which, bristling with 88's and 105's promises to be a desperate sortie. During the night the Aussies gained the objective, cutting off 5,000 Jerries in the NW corner up against the coast. At first light the Brigade topped the second ridge and began to cross the plain beyond where Jerry had all his anti-tank and machine guns. Half way over, a heavy smoke-screen blotted out their view, but they kept steadily on at 3 mph until it cleared when they found themselves right among the enemy. Then it was who could hit first. For 3 hours it was toe-to-toe slogging and though our lads took a hell of a battering, their job was done. The 10th Armd. Corps. equipped with every latest type of weapon, passed through the gap and are now getting into position for the great tank against tank battle which has been eluding our Army for days. In the South sector alone, Jerry lost over 60 tanks and 21 planes today (Nov 2nd)
A report just issued says that the 9th L have destroyed over 100 Mark 111's and IV's during the two day's fighting. No complete details of our casualties yet though it is known that our losses are considerable.
Alamein. Click to expand.
3 November 1942
At dawn, with only 8 tanks left in the Regiment, our lads went in to attack a concentration of mark IV's and after knocking out 9 for the loss of 2, withdrew. The remainder we handed over to Warwickshire Yeomanry and then retired to a position 14 miles back. The Army Commander and the Divisional Commander both personally brought their congratulations of the way the 9th Brigade had done an almost impossible task- 3 divisions are now attacking after passing through the gap and confidence in victory if high. So far in killed and missing our casualties are 53.
At dawn, with only 8 tanks left in the Regiment, our lads went in to attack a concentration of mark IV's and after knocking out 9 for the loss of 2, withdrew. The remainder we handed over to Warwickshire Yeomanry and then retired to a position 14 miles back. The Army Commander and the Divisional Commander both personally brought their congratulations of the way the 9th Brigade had done an almost impossible task- 3 divisions are now attacking after passing through the gap and confidence in victory if high. So far in killed and missing our casualties are 53.
“They were to push forward a further mile so as to break the enemy anti-tank and field gun positions so as to hold open the door for the 1st Armoured Division and the 10 Corps. This was pointed out by the Commanding Officer (Sir Peter Farquhar) to General Montgomery as being almost certain suicide for his unit as a whole, but the General responded by saying "It's got to be done and, if necessary, I am prepared to accept 100% casualties in both personnel and tanks".
This Battle was indeed the most glorious for the 3rd Hussars. In total their losses were 47 out of 51 tanks destroyed, along with 21 Officers and 98 Other Ranks who gave their lives in this Battle .”
http://www.qohmuseum.org.uk/alamein.htm
"Just how desperate Alamein was can be shown by the number of our casualties. These included 22 officers, of whom 14 were killed and 7 wounded, with one taken prisoner. Among the men the proportion of killed to wounded was more than three- quarters- 98 in total. There was little hope in a tank that blew up. The fact that all our tanks were fuelled by high-octane petrol was absolutely criminal. Out of the 51 tanks taken into action, 47 were lost, most being blown to pieces in the dawn encounter."
Major Richard Heseltine. 'Pippin's Progress.'
After the battle. Click on a photo to enlarge. Thanks to WW2Talk forum members for identification.
5 November 1942
Came back today to re-group at Sidi-Beshr, passing through Alex in style. Spent 3 days repairing all the vehicles ready for handing over.
10 November 1942
All the fitting staff were today attached to No.7 B.O.W. Wardian Docks – we went down in trucks, to our billets, a village 7 miles down the coast, and after a ''big pay'' we were all set on 4 days' leave in Alex. Plenty of eats and bed were the order of the day with a mixing of beer and dancing to flavour it. Sent presents home – Nov 14th and got my false teeth.
28 November 1942
Still on same job, setting off at 6.30 and getting back at 6.45 with a half day Sunday. Every morning , hundreds of geese pass over on their way to the marshes. This week Hans and I have done electrical work on 2 A9's which are being given to the Shah of Persia for Christmas. Went out testing on the 26th passing through the Jerry prison camp and watching RE's blowing up land mines.
Came back today to re-group at Sidi-Beshr, passing through Alex in style. Spent 3 days repairing all the vehicles ready for handing over.
10 November 1942
All the fitting staff were today attached to No.7 B.O.W. Wardian Docks – we went down in trucks, to our billets, a village 7 miles down the coast, and after a ''big pay'' we were all set on 4 days' leave in Alex. Plenty of eats and bed were the order of the day with a mixing of beer and dancing to flavour it. Sent presents home – Nov 14th and got my false teeth.
28 November 1942
Still on same job, setting off at 6.30 and getting back at 6.45 with a half day Sunday. Every morning , hundreds of geese pass over on their way to the marshes. This week Hans and I have done electrical work on 2 A9's which are being given to the Shah of Persia for Christmas. Went out testing on the 26th passing through the Jerry prison camp and watching RE's blowing up land mines.
2 December 1942
Got our Gladys' telegram today, telling of Anne's arrival. Sent photos and registered letters home. (Frank's niece, Anne Forrest) 20 December 1942 Have been out on the TT run several times in the last 11 days- other activity as usual. Received an invitation for Hans and myself to spend Christmas with some English people in Sidi-Gabar (Bulkeley) and of course we accepted. 24 December1942 We arrived there at 6pm on Christmas Eve, and spent an enjoyable evening chatting, playing cards and sampling the beverages before going to bed at 12.30. 25 December 1942 After having tea in bed we got up at 8.30 for breakfast and had a grand meal of ham, eggs, porridge, honey and toast. Dinner was certainly a spread to be remembered – turkey, pork, sausages, fresh peas, cauliflower, new spuds and later, Christmas pudding served alight, with brandy sauce- and didn't we alter its complexion.. Then we all slept, being awakened at 4.30 to hear the King's Speech and having a light tea of Christmas cake, mince pies and French wine at 5 o'clock. We spent the rest of the day playing games and cards or looking at photographs. During the day we had a concert from the local band and performances of the Egyptian version of Punch and Judy. |
26 December 1942
We had a quiet day on Boxing Day, arising again at 9 and after breakfast doing a little shopping and plating football. Dinner was another feast of fresh salad and mayonnaise, the remains of the turkey, and a sultana pudding with fresh cream. Before tea I wrote 2 letters, afterwards playing cards and having a hot bath before going to bed at 11. 27 December 1942 We had to leave today, needless to say very unwillingly and so came to an end the best holiday I've had since leaving England. The people – man, wife and a boy aged 7- were real English-type folks and seemed to enjoy our presence. Our host was a Professor in Alex and his wife on the Women's Welfare Committee. They've given us an open invitation to visit them again, and also the addresses of friends in Cairo they would like us to visit. Tomorrow we are to return to Mena and rejoin the Regiment, so packing up is in full swing. |