Z549/17/140

Letter sent from Egypt by Cyril Verdcourt to Mama [Helena Verdcourt].

Sunday 30 June 1919

From: 1919 To: 1919

From: 62304 Pte CV, D Company 1/4th Northants, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Egypt Dear Mama, So peace has been signed at last. The first intimation we had of the fact, was the sight of the Main Guard buildings in Alexandria decked out with the Allies flags, on Saturday night. A drunken soldier hiccoughed to us that peace had been signed at 4 o’clock. We had spent the evening at a picture-palace in ‘Alec’ and it was nearly nine o’clock before we knew. Our time at Alexandria has finished and we returned to Tanta this morning. When I arrived I discovered that Alf Bryeeson had gone on a ‘refresher’ course for Physical Training and has been made full corporal. He is likely to regain his old rank as Sergeant. Tanta is quite three times as hot as ‘Alec’. Peace will not make much difference to us I fear, but I am glad it is all over. Did you do any of the outrageous things you threatened to do when the treaty was signed? I am hoping to get an opportunity of using my sketch book, but have not had any chances yet. I have seen some professional photo-tinting and painting out here that I could beat, I think. Life will once again be a round of guards etc I suppose now, but we are now in a large cool building, which is a great blessing. The flies are our greatest worry; you can slay them in thousands and they advance to the attack in millions. Brush them off, they buzz angrily at being disturbed, and resettle on a vulnerable spot. A ‘direct hit’ is all that will settle them. I hope papa is quite well, and trust that he will not allow work to knock him up. I wish I knew as many languages as he does. In a place like this they would be very useful. Caz is in the band still and is puffing away at his baritone now in the band-room just above this. One never sees a poorly dressed woman out here, and all seem to be ladies among the Europeans although they are not. Well, good-bye, mama dear, I have little to say to-day. Am writing to Maude. Love to all. Yours lovingly Cyril

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Verdcourt, Cyril,
Verdcourt, Helena Annie

army, Tanta