Z549/17/135

Letter sent from Kantara [El Qantara] by Cyril Verdcourt to Louis Verdcourt.

Monday 19 May 1919

From: 1919 To: 1919

From: No. 1 Ammunitions Camp, Base Depot, Kantara [El Qantara] Dear Louis, We are having a very lazy time here, although what with the sand, flies, heat and mosquitoes, I find it fearfully difficult to settle down to anything, even a book, which is fairly easily obtainable out here at present, although a few dilapidated books would make a good trial parcel. Possibly at some future date I may require something you see. I expended quite a sum on Erasmic soap, Kolynos tooth paste, etc before leaving England, and my forethought is certainly rewarded for such things are practically unobtainable here. The Kolynos, which is absolutely the best of its kind was purchased with a view to counteracting the effects of a pipe on my teeth. It is never possible to predict the future in the army, consequently I cannot say whether we shall remain here, on the banks of the Suez or be removed to other parts. To-day we are being issued with new numbers and transferred to (so rumour says) to the 1/5th Beds. Rumour is not infallible so I am leaving this letter open for a time, until something authentic transpires. Our Company Sergeant Major states that 6 days leave will be granted every two months to the Army of Occupation in order that the troops may have opportunities of visiting Jerusalem, Cairo and other places and things of interest in Palestine and the Land of the Pharoahs. Such being the case, I do not object to remaining here, during our stay in Egypt, but I am anxious to see something of the country. Have you found Kantara [El Qantara] on the map. It is marked as El Kantara – something or other I believe. Somewhat unfortunately, Alf and Caz have been put on a permanent guard over a bridge, but really it matters very little for I am able to spend my spare time with them still. Nearly every morning, Alf who although thirty-five can still lick me, and I go into the Suez for a dip. You may judge my improvement when I tell you, that I can cross and recross the canal, 175 yards in width, on the trudgeon stroke. I can throw the polo ball splendidly now. Swank! Caz, who is a bit of a linguist and I are picking up a certain amount of Arabic from the more intelligent natives on the bridge. The bridge itself is a splendid piece of workmanship, constructed by a Belgian, who now supervises the opening and closing of it, last year from scraps of material ‘scrounged’ from all parts of Egypt. The centre span, which is swung to an fro to admit the passage of vessels, originally belong to a bridge across the Nile. Last Saturday evening, a friendly native took me on to the floating platform during the operation of closing. The span is lifted of its supports A by means of a hydraulic piers and capstans, thereby transferring the weight on to the float which is then hauled into position by a steam winch cables and drums. When in position, it is lowered on to the other part of the bridge B, so that the weight of the trains is borne by the stationery end of the bridge and not the float, Savvy? Tell mamma not to worry for I am not having too bad a time. Hoping that all is well at home and sending my love to Papa and all. I am Yours truly Cyril Ink sketch showing elevation and plan with A and B marked.

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Verdcourt, Cyril,
Verdcourt, Louis,
Bryeeson, Alf,
Cazaly, CA

army, El Qantara