Letters from William George Blaskett to his family, 1915-1916 - Part 10

2
On a nigger-hunting expedition.
I suppose you've heard in
Australia how successful the
Western Frontier force has been
in its operations against the
Bedouins. The largest portion
of the 11/16^th S.A. joined the Battalion
at a certain place near the
canal two days ago, but those
of us in the Reserve are still
in the same old spot, for which
we are truly thankful, as
things aren't too good down
where they've gone. They are
bivouacing in the open. Even
a leaky old shed is better
than that.

Bill & Tom Smith & I are
still together, & my original
section of S.A. lads has been
taken into the reserve Battn. so
that there are about 20 S.A's
all together in a W.A. company,
& we're a very happy family.
Mr Robin is still with us
though he is not my platoon
officer. I dont think we
shall ever form the 16^th now.
From latest information we
are to stop here to garrison
Cairo for a few months & then
go to the European Western front
via the "tight little isle",
"that precious stone set in the
silver sea". That will be

rather good, eh what? Especially
if we should happen to go
to "Ave Mater Angliae".
I should be very sorry ever to
go away from Cairo now except
to go home, as I have made
some good friends amongst the
people at the Presbyterian Church.
Bill also is in his element
among the Scotch people there.
I went to Choir practice on
Thursday & the organist let
me have a go at the organ.
He says, he will be most
pleased to have my assistance
& I can go & practice whenever
I care to. You can bet, I

am taking advantage of the
offer. The organ is a very nice
2 manual affair, electrically
blown. I think old Madge
would have been glad at
times if Watling St. organ had
been worked by anything
but hand power. I wish
now I had brought those
thin boots of mine over; these
beastly issue things are
no good for organ work.
I am not able to go to
church to day as we are duty
Battalion for the day. I haven't
received any parcels yet from
you. Its a beastly shame. Very

few of the lads ever get a
parcel, though they get letters
saying their friends have sent
them. If you send any more
be sure & address them in
full. 11^th Rfs 16^th Batt
4^th Brigade
A.I.F.
On Act Serv.
& even if it costs a bit,
register them.
Another thing as we seem
likely to stay here for a few
months would you mind
sending me a few pounds, say
3 or 4. Cable it to me or post it
as you wish but be very

careful about the address. which
should be
3232 Cpl. W.G. Blaskett.
11^th Rfs. 16^th Inf.
A.I.F.
On Active service
Of course, if you are short
of money dont bother, but
I'm rather stiff & should like
some money if you can
afford it. I hope the allotment
is being paid alright. Let me
know. Now, dear mother, I
think I must close with fondest
love from
Your loving son
Will.

[*Am
endeavouring
to keep up my
reputation as your
Knight. Bill sends his
kind regards to you all.*]
11^th Rfs. 16^th Inf.
Zeitoun
13.2.16
My dear mother/
There is nothing
much to tell you again this
week, things are very much the
same as usual here. The weather
has been much warmer of late,
which is a great improvement
We are still in
the same old place. Getting quite
used to Cairo now.
There's one thing I
shall remember Egypt for, & that
is the splendid treatment I
have received from the English
& Scotch people at St. Andrews
church. They dont know how

to do enough for us.
This morning I went to Church
& was invited out to dinner with
some American people who
attend St. Andrews. You can
guess I went. Had the time
of my life. Was sorry I had
to come back to camp for
Bill, who by the way is very
fit. The American gentlemen
is a missionary to the Egyptians.
They hold services during the
week, but attend St. Andrew's
on Sunday. They have a very
nice daughter about 20, born
in Egypt. Nuf sed.
How's business in S.A. Pretty
good. I hope. By the way,

some of our boys, as I told
you joined the Battⁿ some days
ago, & now they have discovered
that they cant pay us extra
duty pay as our duty
unit is away. However, I
think we shall be fixed up
alright again shortly unless we
join the Battalion.
We seem to be restless
somehow now. Shouldn't be
surprised if we get a move
somewhere or other shortly.
Hope they wont reduce us
permanently. All the NCo's
joining the Battⁿ w/- reinforcements
are reduced, but I think
my certificate may be useful.

I trust you & dear old dad
&  Madge are well.
'Spose Madge is just as cheeky
as ever, the bad old blighter.
Excuse language, but Egypt
doesnt improve one's language.
By the way, if you havent already
sent it, dont bother about sending
money. Think I can
manage now. If I dont get
extra duty you wont have
too much money, so will
do without. If Once we leave
here shant want any unless we
go home, which I hope
happens.
Now must close, with
fondest love from your
Soldier Son
Will