Z549/17/142

Letter sent from Egypt by Cyril Verdcourt to Louis Verdcourt.

undated [July 1919]

From: 1919 To: 1919

From: 62304 D Company, 1/4th Northants, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Egypt Dear Louis, Ink sketch of head and top half of body of man in uniform wearing dog collar and glasses. Do you recognise my sketch? I met him [Mr Knight] in Tanta on Monday, when he was conducting the peace Thanksgiving service there. An opportunity of confirming my recognition of him did not present itself, but I am certain that it is he, convinced by voice, and every trick of speech and [prose]. I longed to ask if he ever played cricket for Luton or remembered Mr Lowe. Your letter, which I have unfortunately mislaid for the present arrived yesterday just as I was about to start an inter-company match. I was delighted to receive, and to hear of your happy Whitsun, I am glad mamma [was] able to go after all. Tell her to remember what I threatened ie that if she does not go away at August I will not write to her for a week or two. Ink sketch of full length view of Egyptian man wearing a kaftan and turban and holding spade or broom with rear view of woman in background with basket on head. This is a ‘Gyppo’ road sweeper who was on my beat to-day. It is a wonder that they don’t sweep one another away in mistake for dirt heaps. Through carrying things on their heads always from infancy the women have all cultivated a peculiarly slow, upright and [dignified crossed through] carriage. Mama asked me to describe a day. Well in the morning we – er – Get up – and – er wash shave etc. Then we fold blankets and tidy kits, by which time breakfast (Death has just descended on another mosquito) is ready. Then we eat of our potage of porridge cold bacon etc, adding some tomatoes at 8 for 2½d (1 piastre) to our repast. Thrice accursed dixies are then cleaned. Afterwards we – er – parade for rifle inspection etc. The afternoon is our own but as we are usually on guard we have to clean up. A visit to the YMCA and a look round Tanta helps to pass the evening. You asked about photo-tints? Well write to Jimmy Woods at 40 Hollingsworth Street, Holloway, London. He will procure some for you. It is largely a knack, Louis. You must wet the surface of the photo with a sponge (I lick mine, it is better) and then put on your brush and cover the desired space as quickly as possible for the colour soon soaks in. Still you can always wash it out of a good photo. Your knowledge of water-colours and a little dabbling with one or two good quality photographs will bring your work to perfection. The better the photo the better the results. I have done some very nice ones for a chum. Well, please excuse my rambling style and scribble but I have done this in scraps. Please give my love to mama and papa and to Maude. I am Your’s lovingly Cyril

item

Verdcourt, Cyril,
Verdcourt, Louis,
Knight

army, Tanta