Item 02: Henry Frederick Wallace Tucker diary, 1 January - 31 December 1916 - Page 179

[Page 179]

Thursday 7 September 1916
Col. Fuller out to see Capt. Stracker & Capt. Chisholm.
I went out to Choubra Village.
Gardens at night to Concert. The concert committee in Cairo are to be congratulated upon giving the men in town a great deal of Pleasure. Every night something interesting is arranged at either the Gardens or Hostel, & the attendance must be gratifying to the members who contribute.

Friday 8 September 1916
Capt. Chisholm left this morning for El Maler.
Mrs. Chisholm who has been staying at Shepards for some months past leaves soon for England. She has taken a deep interest in the work of Hospital visitation, & serving both Officers & men in other ways.
Brig. Gen. Antill who was in Charge of the 3rd Brigade has gone to England to take up some staff position.

Saturday 9 September 1916
Col. Fuller, Capt. Stracker & Nurses out to see Camel procession conveying Carpets to Mecca. This is a Religious custom of the Mohammeds who yearly spent 5 or 6 thousand Pounds in connection with this ceremony. The Specticle was a Gorgeous one & many thousands lined the Streets & Square where the procession formed up. Under the shadow of the Citidel this morning, the Camels loaded with the rich & costly Carpets accompanied by Music circled round the representitive of the Sultan 7 times & then slowly headed for the city. The arrival of the Governor of Cairo at 10 a.m. was announced by the firing of 21 guns (4 a minute) & the band playing the National Anthem.
On leaving the Square the procession was Headed by Men carrying Bags of new Egyptian Coin & these were scattered broadcast among the onlookers. The Camel conveying the Carpets was richly decked with Tapistry which fell around a square structure that was erected on the back of the beast. Behind came a Gentleman riding on an Arab Pony & in front of Him was a silk Cushion with the Key of the Temple of Mecca resting.
The whole ceremony was carried out without a hitch.