Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 52
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[Page 52]
train splendidly. Telephoned Cairo for an officer and 20 men to take over Infantry details. These arrived about 8.30PM. Handed over unit.
Unloading of vehicles proceeded all through the night till 4 AM. All very tired.
Saturday 12th December
Left Alexandria at 4 AM. Reaching Cairo at 10.15. Bitterly cold in train. Stood on platform of carriage from daylight till Cairo was reached. Most beautiful Delta country, irrigated and every inch cultivated. Barley, maize, cotton, sugarcane, and vegetables growing luxuriantly. At intervals we passed Arab villages and occasional grave yards. Houses very quaint, generally built of mud. Date Palms in abundance. Interesting wheels to raise water from canal levels to level of ground to be irrigated. Country full of Arab men, women and children journeying both ways along canal banks, some riding donkeys, mules, buffaloes and camels. I should love to ride through this Country on horseback at my leisure. In nearly all the villages we passed through, many minarets could be seen. On arrival at Cairo we at once detrained, unloaded vehicles and spent the day assembling parts for final removal of vehicles to camp.
Arranged for parties to come in from Mena to assist. Left Mr Ross in charge, and came to camp arriving at 11 PM. Met Mr Parker who directed me to 3rd Brigade lines. Very tired and slept soundly till 8 AM.
Before coming out I met Tasmanian and W. Australian Second trains and assisted to detrain their vehicles.
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.