Orvieto arrives Alexandria

The 5th Battalion Unit Diary (AWM Ref 22/23/1) notes that the H.M.A.T Orvieto arrived Alexandria, Egypt, on 3rd December. Four companies were sent by train to Cairo on the same day, the remainder of the Battalion on the 4th and 5th of December.

The army camp was about 10 miles from Cairo at Mena. Training commenced here on 10th December. At the Mena Camp the men were put on the 'Imperial Scale of ration and this was not sufficient', notes the Unit Diary. Later, these rations were supplemented with extra rations purchased with an additional 6d. per head per day.