Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 217
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[Page 217]
Commander Noble and his officers called to see me at 12 o'clock and I went off to lunch with them at 1 PM. The monitors were the "SCARAB" and "APHIS". Being again a terribly hot day I stayed on board and went with him down to his Station in the BITTER LAKE returning to my HQrs. at 7.30 PM. It seemed no cooler on the water than on the land, the wind was scorching, but on the boat they had plenty of ice, so we filled up with iced lime juice and soda, and really delicious it was. They keep a couple of cHameleons on board as fly catchers.
Feel very seedy. I think I got a touch of the sun this morning. Received two letters from Nell and one from Chris.
Thursday 18th May
Shooting again this morning but I did not feel up to attending. The heat is again as bad as ever, it is real Hell. My hut yesterday at 1 o'clock was 112° and last night at 11 PM it was 98°. Am taking a quiet day.
Friday 19th May
Attended shooting at 5 AM. Caught train for Cairo at 9 AM, having arranged for leave till Sunday night. I want to arrange some records at the base and also get some uniforms. Arrived at Cairo at 2 PM Reported to Head Quarters SAVOY Hotel. Found all banks now close (since May 1st) at 12.30 daily. Went to Davies Bazaar and was measured for tunic and cord breeches. Went to bed early.
Saturday 20th May
Did some shopping in the morning. Called to see Major Vernon at ABASSIA Hospital. Car lent me for the day by Capt. Gowing, H Qrs. A.I.F. After lunch I took Mr. and Mrs. Pengalley also the children for a run out to the "BARRAGE", and took a number of photos. It is a very beautiful spot. Had afternoon tea there, returning home at 7 PM Dinner at Continental Hotel. Talked with Mrs. Christian and Mrs. King.
Sunday 21st May
Did not turn out to breakfast till 9.30. A most enjoyable "lie in". Hotel very cool, the hot spell appears