Item 04: Letters sent by Robert Christian Wilson to his family, 1916 - Page 169

[Page 169]

B Squadron
1st Regt ALH
22nd August 1916
Dear Boys,
I have not had a letter from you for a long time; don't know whether it is that you have not written or your letters have not come, but I have not heard a word about the car from you and I expected to get pages; if it is that you have have not written My Word! You will have to look out when I get back cos I'm getting very strong over here & even though you two are growing up I'll still be able to wop you. Did you get all the photographs etc that I sent you the first time I get any leave I'll send you some more but I cant post them from out here.
Yesterday the whole of our squadron rode over to the sea for a swim and had the time of our lives; we took all the horses in and used to swim out and then race for the shore; it was perfectly calm and there were no waves and the horses enjoyed it just as much as we did.
A lot of niggers were down there washing their camels and I got some good snaps; some of our chaps got hold of a camel and lead him out into deep water and then used to climb up on his back and dive off him; altogether we had a real good time.
I have been allotted a real good horse, a nice tall one to suit me – Have not decided what to call her yet but am thinking of calling her "Ta-whealer" – big one same as the niggers call me only you see so much that is Egyptian here that you would like to get away from their names for a bit.