Letter - 21 November - trip to Cairo

Athol writes home to mother. He thanks her for another parcel of socks. He made a short visit to Cairo with his mate Lt Ellis. This short letter, sent from Kantara, must have been dashed off very quickly as parts are quite illegible.

Kantara
Egypt
21.11.16

Dear Mater,

Many thanks for No.61 also 1 bundle of socks. Also for enclosure from (illegible). Do you know if I hold any other H.P. shares? because Aunt May said something about some in a letter about 18 months ago since when silence has reigned supreme. It doesn't really make any difference ...but find out on the quiet.

Les Ellis and I went up to Cairo for the weekend. It wasn't bad. We saw Ada Reeves' boy. Quite a change after assorted days, etc shows.

I hope to get away to school in the every near future and then it's more or less only my own fault if I'm long on the road.

There is absolutely nothing to tell this time. I'll try and put up a better performance next mail. Mine to Pater and the Aunts.

Yours lovingly

Athol

Athol photos - 30 October 1916 - aeroplane 4155

Athol appears to have taken these photos at Sherika whilst attached to 'A' Flight. They are the usual size, 68mm x 43mm, quite faded and not at all clear. I have grouped them together as I think they all record the same event.

I believe this is a B.E.2c type aircraft. The B.E.2c came into the AFC in July 1916 and was originally part of 16 Sqn, RFC (see more at: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/afc4.htm). In the ADF-Gallery list this plane, 4155, is noted as a B.E.2c aircraft.

The notes on the reverse read:

'30.10.16'

The notes on the reverse read:

'4155 crashed Sherika 30.10.16'

The notes on the reverse read:

'Ellis getting out of 4155 30.10.16'

The notes on the reverse read: 

'4155      30.10.16'

The notes on the reverse read:

'4155 burrowing  Sherika  30.10.16'

The notes on the reverse read:

'Casely Kilburn Andrews Soames    4155 Crew'