Transcription
Dear Papa,
As you see I am once again in Alex, and intack in every way. After three weeks duty on the railway I was relieved on Apr 7th, I do not know how much interest the trouble in Eggpt has created in Canadain papers, so I will give you a brief resume of what has happened. You ought to take the ''[?????]" Regularly these days and get things first hand.
Now as you know the Eggptions think the time has come for them to govern themselves under some method, and although Britain of course was bound some day to let them, and in fear ever since Kitchener's period here has been trying to teach them constitutional methods of government, still there is no doubt that Britain did not think the time was yet ripe, or that forein interests would be servere under entirely Eggption control. Hence when the Nationalist party here applied for permission to [????] London and the Peace Conference the application was returned. Permission was given to first nationalists but the latter would not go [??????] The nationalists were allowed to go also. Hence the initiation of the trouble. From pa[???] Who [??????] up trouble were deported to Malta (personally I conaid[????] That a great mistake as we have learnt in Canada that talk is a safety value) then the fireworks began. Eggpt has a long railway here from Alex to Assuam near the [??????] London. Being [????] vulnerable natures began to break It and the telegraph line everywhere. Roiting begun and as usual the niff-naff joined it and began looting and even murdering Europeans. Hence troops were sent everywhere along the line, detachments being posted at [???????] A[?] places and the whole line was patrollers. As this stopped [...???...] On the whole little damage was done to our troops. [??] The [??????] The troops often were forced to fire as a last [?????] And considerable casualties were inflected. Nothing really has happened since the 11th, [???????] Took hold as high commissioner and at once released the four pasha's at Malta and allowed them to proceed to Europe. [?????] [??????] the gratitude and [???] Of the people and for three days following my relief they paraded demonstrating [??] Their thousands. During this period of demonstrating all troops except necessary guards and patrols were confined to camp. Everything is quiet now. Patience, [???????????] And reason will settle the question of Eggpt amicably.
It was pretty hard for the troops to keep from acting as I know from my own experience but such has been their exemplars conduct that [???????????] Of all [??????] Of Eggptions and foreign residents have explained their hgh appreciation of the discipline and [???????] [????], under treat provocation, shown by the British troops. It is under[????] That none but British troops could have done it, or so we think.
In my little place my own men of the artillery and the cape Corps behaved extremely well & although I was very firm in what I allowed the villagers to do, to avoid any chance of clashing, at the same time I was equally [?????] with the men and they looked me up in great style so that I think our show was as quiet as any place along the line and shops were kept open and business carried on. One branch of the reliving units was not so firm and trouble happened at once so that the [??????] And village officials [????] They were very sorry that we were being relived and did not feel so secure. So all together it was an experience not only pleasent in that i made great friends and had a comfortable "homey" [?????], but helpful in an instructive sense and I am quite glad it fell upon me. I quite believe the entire misunderstanding will be cleaned upto the satisfaction of Britain as well as Eggpt for Britain's oldtime [???????????] And [???????] Is again her chief method of solution. Eggpt is getting back to into ancient knowledge and prominence and no one grudges her antonomy if she proves she can protect foreign residents, that is the keystone.
So much for Eggpt and perhaps you have already read deep into the the question but mark my words Eggpt and the Sudan are only in their infancy as legands [??????????] [????????????] For the [????]sation system not even yet complete has worked wonders and will work more.
Now while I was up there I learned I was in the Army of Decupation posted to the 60th DW. And due to go to Palestine or Syria shortly. It was true too but a couple of days after my return to Alex I was taken off the list as I am down for repatriation to Canada and so exempt. I was there upon placed to the "cadne" of 267 Bde (in the 53rd Dw aso) a "cadne" is the nucleus, small and compact, of the former large unit, and it goes back intact not being demolilised by [?????????????]. I am a battery commander on 261 Cadne having command of 439 Ble, which is the "C" or [????????] Battery of that [???????]. I am the only officer in the battery. The cadnes should have gone home before this only for the untheak of the trouble, and should be going very shortly now. I do not believe we will be here after the medals in May, at any late it wont be long. I of course may be personally repatriated before the cadne goes but I believe the cadne is the best bet and most enjoyable way of travelling as well.
My new camp is at chalty about 10 minutes walk from Alex and 5 minutes train ride from the Sporting club where we play tennis, golf, or any game like that. I have been going in for tennis to keep fit. Our tents beeing on the sea shore, we have splendid swimming also.
266 and 265 con[??????] [???????] And moved to Hadna a near Norgha Saldells and life was very enjoyable the few days I was with them. Both these [??????] are famous [??????] Sport and there was always something to do [????] Besides I felt at home. The new [???????] Plays few sports and I am [??????] At a [????] For pleasure having generally to rely on my old [??????] For partners in game. They are decent fellows [????????] And I am adapting myself to new conditions. One thing, I can always read. Heaven help the man who cant live with looks, I say for he must live a dog's life.
These places where we have our camps are the old camping grounds of Calsan, and Napoleon etc, isint it [?????]?
I received two letters from you while up the railway. I am glad you thought as I did about [????????] My train and not pulling wines to get demolished. My [???...????] An increase of pay of $30 a month dating back to Feb 1st so it is quite a [????????.] Also my three weeks up there with little expense followed by confinement to camp here to complete a month served [???] Nearly a month's pay so I am O.K. finanically and will have no difficulty in paying for the rather costly [?????????] Of my life in the East and still leave me travelling expenses. If our [????????] Are promptly paid in England I should be able nicely to finance my farewell units there and perhaps home. If not I may have to scratch but cratching is a sport in [??????]. So you need not worry about my finances. I think a good idea, and entailing no expense would be for you to get the Dominion back to unite their London E.C branch guaranteeing an amount up to say 25 euros. That would be a equal help to me when I arrive in England as on the strength of it I could deal easily with Cox's in London and use my accuming pay as cirumstation would demand to avoid being broke there for the deration of a week or so as often happens under the army system where one is paid monthly and where one occasionally has heavy expense + unexpected, the last week of a month with no chance of getting money till the first day of the new month. A guaranteed overdraft does the trick without one's earning any extra money. But don't send any money, just have a lot of a "letter of [??????]" Or guarantie pays to the Dominion Bank in London. If they wont do that don't do anything for I'm bound I wont use any "home" money. I hope to see you very shortly now,
Cheerio
Harry
P.S. absolutely don't do anything [??] Dominion Bank if it is going to tie the money up so you cant use it when you want it, and don't have any expense [??] [????????] either. If my scheme would entail either of the above DON'T TOUCH it.Transcriber
Victoria StewartLanguage
English
