Papers relating to the service of Stewart Murray Hansen, 1915 - 1917 - Part 13

The yellow color gradually began to disappear but
but they would not let me out of bed even to wash, but
was sponged twice a day. On Saturday last
he examined me thoroughly and as my temperature
was normal for the first time - previously 100^o - 101^o
he booked me for this delightful Convalescent
Hospital - Al-Hayat at Helouan, a winter tourist
resort but now principally reserved for Australasian
Officers and men. I am now able to walk about
slowly and my feet are only painful occasionally
but I have lost nearly two stone in weight and I
am afraid my present clothes only fit me where they
touch. But as the weather here - winter - is like a
Victorian spring, good feeding and gradually plenty
of exercise will soon put flesh on again.
Having come away causes me to relinquish the
tempy rank of Captain, which was to be gazetted in
Army Corps orders just after my leaving but I will
probably receive the three months extra pay during the
time which I was to have held the tempy rank.
August 28^th - November 30^th 1915. There's still a change
chance to get it again when I return.
I will naturally receive no letters for some time as
they will first go to the Battalion and then be
forwarded to where-ever I am stationed here.
The last mail received was dated Oct 5^th. So I
have not had any further news since.
Yesterday - Brown, late Williamstown Cricket Club
Captain spoke to me while walking through the
corridor - he also is ill but is anxious to get across
to the Peninsula. I was pleased to see him as
Willamstown boys seem very scarce of late. I do
not seem to see any of them of late. Too tired to write any
more so will close Stewart
 

"Al Hayat"
Helouan
Sunday 19-12-15
Dear All,
As previously mentioned the last mail received
by me was dated Oct. 5^th but I have informed the Base
Post Office at Alexandria of my whereabouts and
all future mail will be stopped and forwarded direct
to my address at the time.
My health has improved a good deal but my weight
is only 11 stone 6 lbs - a loss of 1 stone 8 lbs in three weeks.
The color has not left my eyes altogether and I am
on diet of broth, chicken, custard and fruit.
Helouan in 10 miles out of Cairo and the climate
at the present is beautiful - a change from Anzac
snow and frost. The Nile in only a short drive away
and a ride along its fertile banks gives one an
appetite. The Convalescent Hospital is or was a large
German Hotel at which the ordinary tarif was
£1 per day without extras or attendance. You can
imagine what comfort we live in. We get everything
thrown in.
The two chief Medical Officers in Egypt Cols Manifold
and Ryan are here today so will probably know
 

2
whether I am to stay a while longer or be transferred
to Base details. I am not at all anxious to leave
here for at least another week as I am feeling too
weak to “jerk men round the landscape.”
Visited the Pay office on Thursday and drew some
back money which is intended to refit me with
complete rig out according to Regulations. But I
am entitled to ₤15 kit allowance and having
been on the Peninsula for seven months and
evacuated sick am also entitled to ₤10 refitting
allowance. There is doubt whether I can
draw this here or cable it home after the same
has been checked in Melbourne. However I
intend to write and find out.
To 30^th Nov. the pay dept. owe me ₤50 back
money and I will decide what to do with it
on receiving word to rejoin my unit at Anzac.
I will certainly cable most of it home.
Fred Grassick - a friend of Will Philip’s- is employed
at pay office and he informed me that the
Gladstone Bros had just arrived at Heliopolis
I straightway made an excursion there but found
the Brigade had left that morning for some other
part of Egypt too far away for me to reach
until I at least get strong enough to have two
full days leave.
 

3.
Arthur Watt landed in Egypt on Thursday and I ran
into him in Cairo. We chatted for a good while.
I saw Bob Johnstone also but could not catch up
to him before he disappeared so could not speak to him.
I found two old boys of W.H.L. Alan Mitchell
and Charlie Boyes working at Base Pay Office
and spent quite an enjoyable time. There is nothing
to beat old friends after one has been away from
them so long.
Living mostly in my room so news otherwise
is nil.
Yours
Stewart
P.S. Unofficially Les Linklater is reported wounded
but cannot substantiate report.
SH 

“Al Hayat”
Helouan Egypt
27.12.15
Dear All,
Christmas has passed once more, the second since
I left Port Melbourne pier. On Thursday last the convalescent
officer, medical Staff and a portion of the Nursing staff
indulged in a trip by ferry steamer along the river
Nile to the Burrage - The Nile river where its waters
are diverted into five smaller streams for irrigation
purposes. The surroundings consist of a garden city built
on truly American lines. A trolly propelled by Arabs
similar to the eastern “rickshaw”, takes one through
numerous gardens miles in length, all lawns and
foliage. On the outskirts is the usual desert and the
five “rivers” flow though the picturesque surroundings
which compare favourably with the Melbourne Botanical
Gardens. The place is easily the prettiest I have seen in
Egypt.
You are all aware by the receipt of this letter that
Anzac has been evacuated. Comment is unnecessary
as far as reasons are concerned but the manner in
which the difficult withdrawal was carried out speaks
well for those responsible. Prior to my own evacuation

 

2
we had tried a scheme of ceasing fire for three days and
keeping strict observation on enemy movements. The
Turks were evidently utterly bewildered for they also
ceased the rifle fire except sniping but continued fairly
heavy artillery fire. This test was apparently carried
out with the subsequent withdrawal in [[ view? ]]
This final operation is the only one of any consequence
that has happened on Gallipoli – Anzac portion - that
I have not been personally connected with. By an unlucky
sickness I only missed a fortnight of the whole time
we were in occupation of Anzac. Major Young and
Mrs Young - late Young & Jackson’s to Hotel opp. Flinders
Street station, - gave me a dinner at the Continental Hotel
Cairo on Christmas night in honor of my stay in
Gallipoli. We sat down at 8 pm and finished at 10.30 pm
- Egyptian dinner hours – I arrived at the Convalescent
Hospital at Helouan – 18 miles by train from Cairo – quite
early (in the morning). You can judge by the above that
I am getting on fairly fast and ought to be well
enough to join the Battalion as soon as they arrive
and their whereabouts become known. Still living
on chicken and custard but am certainly much
stronger.
Christmas day at “Al Hayat” was spent with
frivolity in which even the Matron joined - terrible -
 

3
The men were presented with their boxes from Australia
The billies are only intended for those still well and with
their Battalions & Regiments. Their meals were gorgeous even for
the “diet” patients. Concerts by professional English Artists
were given during during the late afternoon and cheers resounded
throughout the buildings all day. The Officers presented
the nursing staff with gold brooches in the shape of the
Egyptian symbol “key of life” and as there were plenty of
officers and only 13 Sisters we were able to give the something
of quality. We did have a time all day.
Jack Hewitt - Rodge knows him well - is in the
Hospital here, but like me has not had any mail
for ages - it is probably being kept for me by the
Regimental Postal Corporal. We have been renewing
acquaintance.
I found my flute in good order and condition after having
been stowed away for twelve months. As one of the staff
plays rather well a little music each evening is very
acceptable.
Sent two cables since being in Egypt so hope you
received them and understood them.
Finis
Stewart
 

A & N.Z. Convalescent Home
Helouan Egypt
3-1-16
Dear All
I am almost myself again but “little mary” is
troublesome and consequently the “fattening” process is
somewhat tardy. Malt extract mixed with cod liver oil
alternating with a quinine mixture after meals is
the fodder on which I grow healthy. Chicken - some
of which must have been drawing ploughs in the year
of Rameses II - (4000 B.C.) - judging by the tenderness of
their flesh – and custard still accommodate me
at each meal except breakfast when a sticky mess
called porridge is brought me by the faithful Hassan
to devour. The niggers can cook most things from
pheasants to camels but porridge – bah!.
I must tell you about Hassan - the smiler. He is
the boy who ministers to my needs. A well built, coal
black, curly haired boy of the Soudan - not the
despicable and filthy Arab type you meet at every
step you take, but a refined nigger in pure white
flowing robes girded up with a red sash and
wearing the universal tarbush – fez hat -
At 6 am he greets you with a cup of tea & biscuit
 

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3-1-16
and the inevitable “saieda” while his red shoes slip
noiselessly along the marble mosaic floor - no wooden floors
in this hotel. At 8 am you breakfast in bed and
Hassan may be seen - with several others – gliding along
the corridor with a piled up tray balanced easily on
a couple of fingers. He was educated as a waiter
and can speak enough English and French to
carry on his job. An occasional half piastre (11/4d)
as a tip brings forth a profuse bow and salutation
but has the desired effect of efficient service during
meal hours - at 1pm and 7.30 pm.
Truly Hassan is a most [[ dignified? ]] person but faithful.
On New Year's eve I spent a few hours in Cairo
and ran across Jack Fowler on piquet duty.
Have promised to go out to Zeitoun and see
him before I join my Battalion.
General House Surgeon-General of A.I.F.
inspected the Officers here on Friday and ordered
me another ten days at least. My weight is
creeping up slowly – now 11 stone 10lbs.
I have received several parcels here from you,
please thank the donors. But my mail has not
yet arrived. six week’s letters will taken some
reading and answering when I get them.
Can get no W'mstown information at all, everybody
appears to be in the same boat owing to the Anzac
evacuation and consequent disorganised mail sorting
 

3
3-1-16
Sgt. Alex Hepburn ran into me in Cairo. He is in
charge of our kits at the Base, Giza. Everybody I
have tried to see I have sometimes missed but have
run across them all, when just wandering about Cairo.
The place is full of Australian & English Sisters - there are
also Canadian nurses here. Egypt is evidently being
kept alive by Military.
Visited Giza Camp on Friday and ran across Les
Northage. He didn't know me for a few minutes
but placed me afterwards without assistance.
Beginning to think all Williamstown must be here
at least the male portion.
Leading a very quiet life. Must ring off as
this fountain pen will drive me crazy it will not
write and the more I swear the less it works,  spect it
wants a spell
Yours
Stewart