Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 83
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[Page 83]
A most dreadful day at Mena, quite the worst we have had. Last night was particularly bad, and I was awakened about 2 AM by my tent collapsing on top of me. The guys had broken.
Egypt must surely be sending us of "full of grit".
Left Cairo at midnight. Said goodbye to Mrs Rabett, King and Sweetland.
Received letters from Nell dated Feby 28th and March 5th.
Tuesday 6th April
Arrived at Alexandria at 5.30AM, with first train. Major Hughes came next with his Battery about 2 hours later, then Capt Waite with his column. Boat was late drawing alongside so work of embarkation was not finished by nightfall. We are to continue again at 6AM tomorrow. Went into the town during the afternoon and forwarded £60 to John Halford to cover Charley's a/c to June 30th. Alexandria full of French and British troops. The former look to us very strange in their red breeches and blue coats, and also in the new grey uniform. Their rifles are much longer than ours, also the bayonets. Alexandria is full also of transports. About 70 in all. We are beginning to feel a warlike atmosphere surrounding us and getting into our bones. Very interesting buildings in Alexandria. One has to drive largely through native quarter before reaching the town proper. Street buildings are very quaint, mostly wooden framing with brick and stone filling, upper storeys generally cantilevered over lower ones. There are some fine buildings in the town proper.
Wednesday 7th April
Loading resumed and completed. Went into Alexandria and posted keys of boxes to Nell, also letter to her.
Got a pair of warm slippers at Davies Bryan also some socks.
Capt Waite lost a horse from Colic. Major King also lost one in Cairo before entraining, through a similar cause. I shall try to replace them from remounts here. No leave allowed officers or men.
Thursday 8th April
Got balance of 18pr Ammunition aboard (24242 rounds for BAC.) The 3rd Battery completed fuzing of shells for complete battery, and the 7th Battery commenced theirs.
Obtained two horses to replace the dead. Ordered off suddenly leaving Capt Marks and Lt Urquhart on shore. Actually moved off