Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 57
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[Page 57]
Friday 25th December
Christmas day – Very beautiful weather, but no "Peace on earth". Major Hughes, Capt Waite and Mr Jopp went out early, snipe shooting, only succeeding in bagging two brace.
Turkeys, geese and lamb for Christmas dinner. Cooks made a specially good showing. Callaghan & Olding, also Capt Morton, N.Z.S.C. also present. Rabett and King could not get round.
Church service at 9.30AM
All units faring very well. Major Browne's battery had an exceptionally good show, Turkeys, hams, beef, vegetables, fruits and sweets of all kinds. If they never obtain worse fare in their campaigning they will have no cause for complaint. Mr Phillip, tailor of Cairo, a friend of Mr Larcombe and Mr Short called on me.
Saturday 26th December
At work during morning with Specialists class, then went into Cairo re British Warm and a cap. Called at Phillips shop, but finally decided to get what I required at Davies Bryan & Co. Returned to camp at 3 PM.
Major Rabett came over to dinner, and we had an interesting yarn about old times.
Sunday 27th December
Major Hughes and party again went out shooting. They were the guests of an Englishman who is the manager of a large estate here. They came back with one duck and about a dozen waterfowl, the latter no good for eating. At 4 o'clock we left to visit an old gentleman in Cairo who is a most loyal subject and an influential Egyptian. Major Hughes & Martin, Capt McLennan and Lieut Jopp accompanied me. This man's wife is a sister to the present Sultan's wife, and he himself is the son of the late Governor General of the Soudan. Our chief interpreter here (Mr Bayley) has known him for many years and it was he who arranged the visit. On arrival we were shown into a fine hall, filled with most beautiful Oriental furniture and Turkish and Persian Carpets. He and his sons did all in their power to entertain us.
They gave each of us presents, drawing lots to ensure equal division. He gave me several interesting souvenirs and in addition has promised to frame my family photos in wood carved frames. My table