Z549/17/147

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

Wednesday 24 July 1919

From: 1919 To: 1919

From: 62304 D Company, 1/4th Northants, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Egypt Dear Mama, I am going to ease your mind a little by this letter, revealing a few things that seemed to have worried you somewhat. When we first arrived at Tanta, our Sergeant major came to me and asked whether I would like three weeks holiday at Alexandria. Being very anxious to see all I could of Egypt I very naturally said ‘yes’ and found myself put down for a three weeks course at Carlton School of Cookery. Reynolds, the sergeant major said that men must be sent there to keep the school on the go, and that there would be no need to take employment as a cook upon my return. Nothing further was said about the matter for some days and I concluded that the affair had been dropped. Demobilisation had robbed the band of many of its players and the band-master being anxious to secure any men with a knowledge of the theory of music was canvassing eagerly for them among the new arrivals. Caz joined and I after hesitating was finally decided to join by the numerous guards we were having to do. So one evening I carried my kit across to the band tents. Next morning the orderly sergeant warned me to pack in readiness to proceed to ‘Alec’ on the cookery-course at 10 am. The Band-master’s endeavours to retain me were futile, so in company with those who are on the photograph you have, I entrained for ‘Alec’. Life at the cookery-school was very comfortable and easy and we would all most willingly have finished our time in the army there. I have already described our life in ‘Alec’ and our return to Tanta in previous letters. The results of the exam came through shortly after our return to the battalion and we had all passed, I gaining a ‘special’ certificate and obtaining second place in the class results. I’ll cook some dinner for you when you want a Sunday morning off. The usual army procedure was followed and the other three were given jobs as cooks while I found myself ‘on guard’ every other night, and prohibited from ‘staff’ jobs and other ‘sciffles’ by the fact that I had qualified as a cook. This lasted for nearly a month, and when on Sunday, a corporal asked me if I would become a bugler, I replied that I would do anything rather than guards. He put my name before the adjutant who told him that we could not have me, because I was in the band!! He, the corporal, said that however that might be, I was ‘on guard’ at that present moment. The adjutant then expressed his surprise and gave orders that I was to report to the band immediately. I ‘came off’ guard. So this morning, I joined the band and can now (with luck) manage a scale on the cornet. The band is one of the best and easiest means of passing away life in the army, and I am once again, constantly in the company of Caz. How long my good fortune will last I cannot say. Some Brigade sports are shortly forthcoming and I have been entered for the 100 yards, high-jump, and swimming. This afternoon, I was rather successful in the trial sprints and may be picked to represent the battalion. The high jump has not been attempted yet. The swimming will certainly mean a trip to ‘Alec’ or Cairo if it comes off. Alf is the only one whom I know could probably beat me, although there may be many others, so I may stand a chance there off doing something towards representing the battalion. What a boastful letter, you will say, but there! You mustn’t think that I am bragging for I have only been fortunate in the competition against one. Alf has not returned from his Physical Training course yet. I received a letter from Les yesterday and it most wonderfully well-written and extremely interesting. A Czecho-Slovak, in our company who is awaiting demob on over-age grounds, has become very friendly with me. He is splendidly educated and has given me some very interesting accounts of the Pyramids, Cairo and also of his old home, now the newly-made Republic of Czecho-Slovakia. His home is in London now and he is in business (or rather was) as a motor-engineer. Another friend for me to visit in London. He wrote for the ‘Field’ on fishing before joining up so you may imagine that he is interesting company. Please give my love to papa, Louis and Maude and tell Papa, I am eagerly awaiting that promised letter. I did not tell you of the cooking course before, for fear you would think it may interfere with my demob. I am Yours lovingly Cyril

2 pages

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Verdcourt, Cyril,
Verdcourt, Helena Annie

army, Tanta, Alexandria