Middle East

[Tim Birch]

Just returned from my trip to Sinai and Cairo. Saw no evidence of WW1 relics, but a few burnt out military relics from the Egypt/Israel conflicts of later years. Was staying on the Gulf of Aqaba almost opposite Aqaba which was TE Lawrence's country during the Arab Revolt.

Found the desert to be harsh, but beautiful, an ancient battlefield unencumbured by people and towns. It took us 5 hours to drive across Sinai and it must have been quite a feat for the Turks to get their Army across it to attack the Suez Canal, although after being repulsed by the British the retreat over this waterless void must have been hell.

Cairo was "interesting". We did the usual tourist round of the Pyramids, Sphinx and Museum (Tutankhamun's gold coffins etc). There was a thread a few months ago about driving abroad - Cairo probably takes the cake. We were driven, but if any Baker Pal has actually driven themselves through the city they have my utmost admiration! We never did finally work out if they drive on the left or the right.....

Our holiday was somewhat marred by us both getting a dose of "pharoah's revenge". This had accompanied and stayed with the British and French Invasion Force from Egypt to Gallipoli causing a major problem with the number of soldiers fit for duty throughout that campaign. Allenby's victorious army in Palestine was probably similarly afflicted.

Got to rush off now....!

Tim