Letter - 9 November 1916 - transfer to Kantara

Athol is transferred, along with the whole of 'A' Flight from Sherika to Kantara where they join the rest of 1 Squadron, AFC. During WW1 Kantara was a key distribution and supply depot. Being a convenient port on the Suez Canal the allies were able to land supplies and take advantage of the major railway line which passed through Kantara linking Port Said with the Gulf of Suez. The Headquarters for the Canal defences and Eastern Force was located at Kantara. In 1916, whilst Athol was located at Kantara, the base supported the ANZAC troops and British units in operation in the Sinai.

The locations of the Battle of Romani (5 August 1916) and the El Arish engagement can also be seen on this map. Cairo is about 160km southwest of Kantara (not on this map). Port Said is about 50km to the north.

Kantara and East of the Suez

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Romani#/media/File:Duguid_map_opp_p.48Arish.jpeg

Athol writes that he expects to be moved further east. The men seem to be quite comfortable at Kantara and Athol meets up with other members of the AFC - in fact the whole of the AFC was together as a Squadron in operation as a single unit for the first time at Kantara. He seems to have more than enough clothing and asks Adah to stop sending socks as every man in the Squadron 'has heaps' and there are a lot in store. He says he is sending home some photos and I have uploaded these in earlier posts. In a throw-away line he says he had a little crash a few days ago but no damage to anyone.

Kantara
Egypt
9.11.16

Dear Mater,

As you see by the above we have at last left Sherika and are here for a little while. Then we are going further east.  I came down by train in charge of the men and stores. This place is on the east side of the Canal between Port Said and Ismailia. We are very comfortable here and the other chaps in the Squadron are a fine lot of fellows. I expect to get away to school pretty soon now, in fact as soon as a couple more observers qualify.

I have to thank you for two parcels of socks, two of food and one of clothing also for letter 60. I think for the present anyway it would be a good idea to stop sending me towels, shirts, and singlets as I have more than I want. Also the parcels of socks for the men as every man in the Squadron has heaps and there are a lot in store.

There is really no news, we haven't done any work for ages only joy rides.

I'm sending you a few photos most of which are under separate cover. You may get some idea of the country round Sherika from one of the big ones. Also I'm sending Aunt May a lot and as very few are duplicates you better have a look at them.

This is the last mail before Christmas so all greetings for the season. I don't think I told you I had a little crash a few days ago. Quite gentle and no damage done to anyone and mighty little to the machine.

Love to Aunt Puff and Pater.

Yours lovingly,

Athol