The last part...
Sunday 17th
Now we are at Suez. Most of the men marched down to the station in marching order. I went down on the tender with the baggage. In that I was fortunate for it was a hot day.
Our stores etc. on the goods train were being shunted about. Then it dawned on someone that no Railway policies had been made out for them. I doubled half a mile down the road and got the job done, then doubled back just in time to catch the train.
The journey here was decidedly wearying. Every station we came to we stopped and they must have been fifteen or sixteen of them. The Gt Bitter Lake, with the deep blue waters, looked very fine, and once the train skirted it for several miles there was plenty of opportunity for a good look at it. From Ismailia to Suez the railway is never close to the canal, though near Shalbufa they are not far distant.
We passed our aerodrome when entering Suez - a thice long aeroplane shed and 2 dummy hangers of white canvas. Five minutes later we left the main, boarded two tenders and set off for camp. The road follows the railway for about a mile and then inclines slightly to the left till it ends at the ASC depot.
The camp is comfortable. There are 4 large huts, a lofty mess room, and a shower bath. The Orderly Room is next door outside[?] to the Dark Room. The whole with the OC room make up a block of buildings, flush with the aeroplane sheds.
Behind is another block of officer huts etc and the store. We should be very comfortable here.
Sunday 24 Sep
After the dreariness of the sights at Kantara, it is a treat to be able to slip down town and have a pleasant little supper. We have found quite a good place too. Trains run from close to the camp into the town, and troops get free tickets.
Wednesday the 27
Something is on. Col Joubert spoke to Capt Albrecht this morning and whatever it was gave him much concern. I fancy it is an expectation to somewhere overseas. ?nery where.
Sunday Oct 1st
Apparently it is to somewhere in Arabia. I have heard 140 miles S.W. of Medina mentioned. They are going to no end of trouble for it. We should leave in a week from now.
Wednesday the 4th
Hawkins came down here today. "B" flight are going to take over from us.
We have all been medically examined and one or two rejected.
The select ones have been inoculated again against cholera - a quarterly RAMS hobby.
This must be some trip, for we have a company of the Bedford as escort, and a complete field ambulance.
Sunday the 8th
The going is postponed as no boat is available. Went to church the evening. These occasional visits are regular oases in the desert. The Ismailia men who accompany us are here now, so the camp is somewhat overcrowded.
B y the way, most of our stores were loaded up, and then this RTO made us unload them as he wanted the flat trucks we had. Now he is objecting to our stuff being on his platform especially the B E cases. We have one row a day over them.
Saturday the 14th
All stores we've loaded yesterday on the "Belle View". Our workshop lorry will go with El Kahera, which will remain with us there. It carries our rations.
We embarked at 1000 this morning on the "Georgian". She is a four masted, single funnel cargo boat of the eyland line. At present she is filled for horses. Our quarters are forward, two decks down.
The chief characteristic of the ship is dirt. Every time you sit down you clean her.
The day passed slowly till we steamed out at 1600. The sea is quite calm.
Sunday the 15th
The Bedford are running the Orderly Room. I am just keeping up our own Orderly.
We rise at 0600. Breakfast at 0700, have a general inspection at 1000 and finish.
we have been steaming down the Gulf of Suez all day with land in sight on both sides.. The adjacent countryside seems to be very mountainous.
Monday the 16th
In the Red Sea. We keep well west so that the coast is dimly visible. At 1600 sighted a patrol boat. We both eased up and from it came Major Bannatyne[?]. The sea was choppy and it was good to watch them handle their boat.
At night we turned east.
Tuesday the 17th
Land dimly visible at dawn - a high mountain probably. After breakfast the coast was visible. We seem to be heading in between 2 high rocks. There is a large lagoon protected by a long coral reef. We steer past it into the lagoon and cast anchor. The Northholt - an ancillary cruiser - is close by.
I have been feeling a bit queer. Thanks to Welt - a cook - I am getting a good meal from the steward, It is very acceptable.
As we see it the land is flat at first. Then it gives way to very broken country - impossible for forced landings.
No one seems about. A few natives scantily clad in dug out canoes, approach ??. Money is unknown to them, but a ration biscuit does wonders.
About tea time the Belle View arrived and anchored close by.
8 pm
There is a rumour afloat that there is a fire amongst out stores on the Belle View. They just asked us if we had any smoke helmets. A continual hammering suggests that something is amiss.
Rumour No 2 - We return tomorrow.
The Georgian could by the ship discussed on these pages, sunk by a U-boat Mar/17. The Belle View might be this ship, the Bellview, which was sunk by a U boat Apr/18. The only Northolt I can find was built in 1918, which might have been to replace an earlier ship, which would suggest all these ship were sunk with 18 months.
Wednesday the 19th
Weighed anchor at eleven and set off for home. Why? Rumoured sherif[?] only wants native troops - whites ???? to on religious grounds. Perhaps impossible to land our stuff.
The sea is a bit choppy and there is a strong head wind.
Thursday the 19th
Sea as yesterday. We are trying to reach Suez by tomorrow afternoon.
Friday the 20th
In the Gulf of Suez.
Sighted Suez at 4.30, but as ships are not allowed in after 5.0 anchored just outside. Where shall we go when we have landed?
"B" flight is at duty - Ismailia is full up.
Saturday the 21st
Disembarked at 4 o'clock and caught the 5.0 train to Ismailia. A hot march to the station, and dreary ride after it. No one is very pleased at going to Ismailia.
We got out at Moasca and marched up to camp. Rolled into bed and was glad that the morrow would be Sunday. and we could lie in a bit.
Sunday the 22nd
Ismailia is changed. The large proportion of ???[nucleaus?] men makes it hard to pick out our own men. There are many new men too in from England. Joses' canteen has gone and the EFC replaced it. There are 7 of us inthe Orderly Room where three ought to be.
Tuesday the 24th
One of the nucleus men having been posted away, went into clerks tent to my old bed.
The flights have been re-arranged. Am still in "C" flight - thank heaven.
Thursday the 26th
The men from the Belle View arrived today. It seems that the coal in the forward bunkers spontaneously ignited. The bulkhead dividing it from the hold where our stores were was of wood and soon burned thro', letting the burning coal drop among our stuff. They discovered the fire just before they came in sight of us. On top of the hold were 20 000 gals petrol and 1000 gals paraffin. Mercer and Piercey had to carry all this aft. It took 36 hours continuous work. While at anchor the navy flooded the hold and then returned to port.
Went down to Moascar siding to see what out stuff was like. Everything is soaked and smoke begrimed.
Got hold of our boxes and escourted them to camp. All our envelopes are spoi,t. That seems about all.
My photos were in box. Many are almost totally ruined. What is worse they are not replacable. I had a new pair of breeches too with leather facings. The leather is burnt off them. It must have been hot. Mercer says it was too hjot to sleep in his cabin which was just above the hold. My tunic[???] is browned too.
Monday the 30th
The Wing phoned thru' to night ordering me temporarily to Aboukir. What for?
Thuesday the 31st
Left Ismailer at 1.55. The train passed over the track I came in February. It was pleasant to recall that goods train journey. As far as Zagazig it is a jogtrot[?] express. There to Benla it is passable. I changed at Benha, waited 20 mins and then boarded a first class express. Very few stops brought us to Sidi Gabr, just outside Alexandria, where I proceeded to change for Abu-Kir. There were two hours to pass, and the place is only 10 miles away. I sat down and got out a book. I read about 10 minutes. Then an R.FC. man appeared on the station. I looked out and there was a tinder. I hopped on and in due course arrived at Aby Kir.
I found Morgan of the E.O. there as a cpl. He showed me a hut and I turned in with a host of transfer men.
Wednesday Now 1st
The roadway and railway come up parallel to each other from Alexandra. Our station is about amile and a quarter long on both sides of them. As you come up there are in succession on your right - a large transport shed, three aeroplane sheds[there is "XAD" added just beneath] and about a dozen huts for living and messing etc. These border one side of one of the aerodrome. A second aerodrome is on the other side of the approach[?]. From the end of the huts, at right angles to the road are four 3-bay aeroplane sheds - 22. R.S.
A level crossing crosses the railway here and from it a road runs down to the first (XAD). Behind the ??? sheds are a power house and XAD workshops a large well filled building about the size of a 2 bay aeroplane shed. Across the road is an RE depot for the REs are superintending the construction work.
Just behind the workshops is abnother shed which, as soon as it is completed will accomodate blacksmith, tinsmith[?], ec. B eyond it are the canteen, wireless and photographic rooms. Each in a separate building about 50 yds beyond the previous one. On the other side[?] of the road, beyond the RE depot are two or 3 B E cases[?canons?] which do duty as Equipment Office and PO. Then come 4 3-bay sheds - 23RS. Beyond there a road branches off to the left, passed the Officers quarts, to a lidure[???] hall an uncompleted buiding and the Camera Obscura. Beyond again is a Rifle Range.
Reported to Ady at 0900. Sent to RE. Plans there about suggeated alterations. Offered to find levelling screws for lens.
22.R.3 can do it.
Thursday Nov 2
Col Broad saw me at 0900. Has no idea of what we need. Went after screws at XAD.
Friday Nov 3
Have had to get my alterations ratified. Took a long time. Then RE refused to continue without written authority.
Saturday Nov 4th
Got written authority. Started XAD as screws - a poor attempt at good work.
Sunday the 5th
Pass to Alexandria. Strolled round the town. Tea at YMCA excellent, where I last saw Harold. Alexandria quiet. Church in evening.
Monday the 6th
May have to return any time. Saw Capt Dixon Spain. Gone fired me.[?]
I may be misreadinmg that; nothing in context suggests he got fired! Captain Dixon-Spain was mentioned in part 2; one of the few officers who rates more than one mention.
Tuesday the 7th
Table in place levelled lens, gave report to Col Broad. Am to return with Cameron[?or Jameson?] tomorrow.
Wednesday the 8th
Back by 0955 train. Express. Stood on rear platform and watched the miles slip by. Ismailia train crowded at Binda[?Benha maybe?]. No tinder to meet us. Got one and back to camp.
Find we start on Sunday for Arabia - once more.
Thursday the 9th
Getting things straight.
Friday the 10th
Capt Albrecht ill. May not come with us.
Saturday the 11th
Major Ross to take us over. He is as impossible as he is incompetent.
Tell it like it is, Bernard! This may be Robert Knox Ross.
Sunday the 12th
Lorry to Moascar, train to Tewfik[?]. Embarked on "Elele" - about 6000 tons. Went into Suez estensibly on business.
Some details about the Elele here. It was sunk by a torpedo eight months later.
Monday the 13th
Sailed at 1220. well filled. Orderly Room on board. Sea calm.
Tuesday the 14th
Just emerging from Gulf of Suez. Sea choppy.
Wednesday the 15th
Sea quite objectionable. Should be in at 1800. Expect we shall have to wait till tomorrow to get in as it will be dark then. With difficulty kept from being sick.
Thursday the 16th
Entered harbour at 0900. ??? ship in - HMS Minerva and Aux cruiser Scotia and Hardinge.
The HMS Minerva may be the ship in the photo at the top of the page, but the photo below is labelled "Hardinge"! Mineva and Hardinge took part in a defence of the Canal the year before. Both survived the war.
Friday Nov 17
Steamed close in shore - 800 yds
The Minerva sent 2 cutters tied side by side with a platform across both of them. This was loaded and then towed ashore by a steam pinnace. Tenders ??? tents and parts of hangers unloaded.[not sure about much of that]
A motor lighter came up too and took off 3 BE cases.
A pinnace is basically a tender.
Nov 18 - Saturday
A barge from the Minerva lands[?] ashore any men who work there. One ??? up
Nov 19 - Sunday
Went ashore. The water here is wonderous clear. Down its depths you can see the fish in huge shoals. The water is quite deep tiull you get about six yards from the shore. Then the coral reef comes up in a yard you change from twenty feet to two. A small pier juts out and there the boats off load. I went on the cullins, and we grounded on the coral. It does rasp along the bottom. Had to move some of the cargo to get off.
The ground is coral rock covered with two inches of sand. The aerodrome stands well back, as the foreshore is flooded at times. Aerodrome 400' sq and level and hard. Hard ground a nuisance for pegs, etc.
Monday Nov 20
Beyond the sending ashore of the sheef[?] the unloading is over.
Little doing.
Nov 21
Very amusing to watch him taking the sheef ashore.
Everyone ordered ashore. Went, but was naturally sent back immediately .
Nov 22
There are swarms and swarms of fish round the ship - mostly small. A few get caught by the ??? ardent fishers on board. Every so often a large fish livens them up, and you can watch a life and death chase - the smaller the fish ??? turning, doubling back, rising, diving deeper, rising again, leaping clear of the water in shrds[?] at a time, while the ??? feast to on the near ones.[not sure about much of that!]
Nov 24
Moved closer in shore. Can see aerodrome quite distinctly now. Egyptoian RE camp has moved to aerodrome also. The first reco was done today. He got fired on too, by friendly arabs.
Nov 20
When we came here last time there were numerous small sand??? blowing about. We have had none this time. This afternoon we had the genuine aticle instead. A strong sea breeze got up. In half an hour the further RE hanger came down, but the others stood it all. The dinghy had to go to the ???????? ??? in the rough sea that resulted. It got just beyond the ship and then Major Ross recalled it. He and Lt Hoyer took it. As soon as they passed the Elele, they rowed steadily for about 10 minutes without moving. Then they steadily drifted back astern, they would have missed the ship altogether and been blown ashore. Eventually the Minerva's pinnace did the job.
The date is not clear. The previous entry was originally 25, and he overwrote the five to make it 24. This also originally had a five; it is likely it should be 30th.
And there it stops. there is a blank page, so it looks like he stopped writing, but perhaps he got another book to start December.
We have very little about the next two years of the war, or the aftermath. A few hints.
01/Jul/17 He got a pass giving him Sunday afternoon off to go into Cairo, from Abbassia statio
13/Jul/17 Bernard was removed from the ranks (as corporal) and became an officer. The order was from the commanding captain of No.3 School o Military Aeronautics, Middle East Brigard. It looks like it was signed in Abbasieh (or Abbassieh near Tyre or Abbasieh was the commanding captain).
11/Nov/18 WW1 ended.
25/Nov/18 He got a return ticket from Luxor to Kantara (West) by himself for "special leave", authorised by M? Sykes, captain Adjutant, 5 Wing RA7. It certifies Bernand had had no leave in the previous six months. This was the RAF by now.
12/Feb/19 Also have a movement order for the Kantara military raailway. Nature of duty: Proceeding and demobilising after Capture(?) Kantara. From Luad (or Head or something) to Kantara
5/Nov/19 A telegram from Kingsway telegram office (London), to Flying Officer B Benson RA7 Lanka House, Knareborough
9162 C/020045 PSA/5.11.19 aaa report to room 763 Kingsway on 6.11.19 aaa
Air Ministry PSA
10/Nov/19 A further telegram from London 3 telegram office, to Flying Officer B Benson RA7 Lanka House, Knareborough
3170 C/020045/PSA/10/11/19 aaa Coluy[???] did you not report to room 763 Air Ministry or 6th instant in accordance with wire of 5th aaa Report forwith and wire explanation aaa
[continues on second sheet]
Urgent aaa air ministry P3A[I think this sould be PSA, but is wrong in the telegram]
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