Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 2, 1 February - 23 February 1915, Part 3
14
I will now give a short account of some of Cairo's
principle sights, beginning with the highest point,
viz., THE CITADEL. This building , which can
be reached by tram or cab, was constructed in
A.D. 1166, by the Sulyan Salaheddin, and is of con-
siderable historical interest. Furthur a splendid
view of Cairo is obtained from the walls. It is
garrisoned at the present time by both British and
Egyptian soldiers, but whilst it dominates Cairo,
yet it is dominated in its turn by the Mokattam
Hills behind.
THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM, near the British
Barracks at Kasr-el-Nil, is full of most interesting
and valuable antiquities. At least one day should
be devoted to this collection, of which, I believe,
there is no equal.
A sale room is attached to the Museum, at which
reliable objects can be purchased at reasonable
prices.
MOSQUES.- These number between four and
five hundred. The most celebrated can be visited,
usually on payment of a small fee. The visitor
_______________________________________________
E. Hatoun, Mousky street, Cairo.
15
should also remember that on entering a mosque it
is necessary to remove one's shoes, or at least to
cover them with a pair of Oriental slippers.
The Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun is the oldest
in New Cairo. It was built in A.D. 879, and is said
to be a copy of the Kaaba at Mecca. Some say it
marks the spot where Abraham offered up the ram,
others say the Ark rested here.
The Mosque of 'Amr, in Old Cairo, is the oldest
Mosque in Egypt, its foundation having been laid
in A.D. 643. Very little of the original building,
however, remains.
The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is close to the
Citadel, and perhaps the grandest in cairo. It is
built of stone taken from the Pyramids of Gizeh,
and some say the architect's hands were cut off
when the building was finished, to prevent him
constructing a similar work.
The Mosque of Mohamed Ali inside the Citadel
is built of alabaster, and has a very beautiful effect.
It has lofty and elegant minarets, and is visible
from many points around Cairo.
__________________________________________________
Hatoun's Mouchrabea is the best.
16
The Mosque of Kait Bey has some fine mosaics,
and is generally thought to be the finest piece of
architecture in Egypt. Kait Bey was one of the
last independent Mameluke Sultans of Egypt.
At the Mosque of Barkook, a beautifully illumin-
ated Koran , written by the Princess Fatima, is
shown
The Al-Azhar University is very fine, and is the
chief Mohammedan University. There are often
from 10,000 to 12,000 students. It is said to have
been founded by General Johar about A.D. 980, but
great alterations have been made at different
periods.
The minarets belong to different periods, and the
University has six gates.
The TOMBS OF THE KHALIFS should be
visited in the early morning, and the excursion can
be conveniently made on donkeys. These fine
buildings contain the tombs of the families of the
Circassian Mameluke Sultans, who ruled over
Egypt from A.D. 1382-1517.
Amongst other tomb-mosques here is that of
Barkuk, where this Sultan, his son, and various
__________________________________________________
See Hatoun's Oriental Carpets.
17
other relations are buried. There are some very
fine specimens of stonework in this tomb.
The Tombs of the Mamelukes are about a mile
from Cairo, and although practically in ruins, there
are still some very fine minarets.
The BAZAARS are situated at the end of the
Mousky Street in the Khan-Khalili. There are a
number of excellent stores, where fine Oriental
goods of every description can be purchased, but
most notable tourists agree that there is nothing
comparable to Hatoun's world-famed Store and
workshops. Every description of Oriental wood-
work, carpets ,precious stones, old books, curiosities,
&c., &c., are on view, and, in fact, to call Hatoun's
Store a Museum of everything that is worth having
in the Oriental world is no exaggeration. His
assistants are most courteous and willing to oblige,
and no pains are spared to ensure every visitor
being fully satisfied.
The ARAB MUESUM is well worth a visit, and
contains a spendid collection of objects of the Arab
Period, having an artistic or archaeological interest.
______________________________________________________
For Ancient Manuscripts call on Hatoun.
18
PYRAMIDS OF GIZEH AND SPHINX. Every
one as a matter of course visits the Pyramids and
Sphinx, and everyone returns more than ever con-
vinced that they are one of the Wonders of the
World. They can be reached by tram from the
Central Tramway Station, or by carriage at a cost
of about P.T. 60. On the return journey, visitors
can take lunch or tea at the Mena House Hotel,
situated nearly at the foot of the Pyramids.
An interesting way of visiting the Pyramids is by
moonlight, in which case a cold supper can be taken
out and eaten on the desert, in full view of these
gigantic monuments. Donkeys or camels should be
taken from The Tramways Terminus, as the sand is
soft, and makes walking a little tiring.
MEMPHIS AND SAKKARAH. These can be
reached from Cairo by either river or rail, via
Bedrechein. In this district the City of Memphis
once stood, but there is now very little to show
its limits.
Near Bebrechein is the colossal statue of
Rameses 11, which is made of limestone, and is
about 42 feet high.
_____________________________________________________
The Finest Silks & Embroideries at Hatoun's.
19
At Sakkarah there are several pyramids, the one
known as the Step Pyramid being perhaps older
than the Pyramids of Gizeh. The exact date is,
however, not known. The arrangement of the
chambers inside this Pyramid is quite peculiar to
itself.
VIRGIN'S TREE AND OBELISK. These are
situated at Matarieh, about five miles from Cairo.
The tree is a sycamore, and the Holy Family is
said to have rested under it. There is a Jesuit
Church close by, with an interesting painting of the
Biblical scene.
The Obelisk is one of the oldest in Egypt, and is
a few minutes' drive from the Virgin's Tree. This
excursion provides for a pleasant afternoon's drive,
and the return journey can be made through the
new town of Heliopolis, called by the natives "New
Cairo".
HELIOPOLIS. The new suburb of Cairo, and
connected with that city by an an electric railroad and
tramway. A clean, up-to-date town, with fine Hotels,
race meetings and other attractions. A nice motor
_______________________________________________________
Visit Hatoun's collection of Brasswork.
20
drive can be taken with lunch at Heliopolis Palace
or Heliopolis House Hotels, from which a beautiful
view over the desert to Cairo is obtained.
The NILE AND DELTA BARRAGE. This
excursion can be recommended to visitors who wish a
short trip on the Nile, and at the same time to inspect
one of the wonderful modern barrages. Steamers
leave frequently for the Barrage, a good view of both
sides of the Nile is obtained en route, the sakkiehs,
which irrigate the fields on the borders of the
famous river, are seen quite close, and at the Barrage
itself, in addition to the interest from an engineering
point of view, there are some beautiful gardens.
For those who have little time to spare, the journey
can be made by rail from the Central Railway Station.
Zoological Gardens. These are on the way to
the Pyramids, and besides being most beautifully
laid out, have some of the finest specimens of animal
life.
Esbekieh Gardens. These should be visited.
They are situated opposite the Continental Hotel,
and contain a fine collection of tropical plants and
trees.
________________________________________________________
E. Hatoun, Mousky Street, Cairo.
E. HATOUN
MOUSKY STREET, CAIRO.
============
FINEST ORIENTAL
SILKS and EMBROIDERIES.
OLD AND RARE
CHINA, PORCELAIN & POTTERY
__________
MANUFACTORY OF
Mouchrabea Furniture,
Finely carved & inlaid with mother of pearl & ivory.
____________
MARVELLOUS SELECTION OF
ORIENTAL RUGS and CARPETS
IN FINE NEW SHOWROOM.
______________
Old and Modern
Jewellery and Precious Stones.
___________
Antiquities, Old Manuscripts & Books
___________
EGYPTIAN BRASSWORK
Inlaid with Gold, Silver and Other Metals.
_________________________________________
MOUSKY STREET, CAIRO
Conference of C.O's
8.30 p.m. 5/2/15.
1.Brigade Canteen
Contract, Site, Messes, Committee -
2. Visit Detention Barracks, Abassia.
3. Reinforcements 1 off & 100 per Bn - Await Action
4. Necessity for punctuality in returns -
now alongside other brigades.
5 Concentration Wed 10th
Field Firing F. 12th.
5A Issue Maps - 1 each
6. Musketry 13th 8th
14th 9th
15th 11th
Drawing of Ammunition
7. Div. Sig. Co.
8. Uniformity in dress of officers.
9. Training - Platoons
DIVISIONAL OR DERS 6/2/15
The following extracts from Divisional Orders are
issued for the information of the Reinforcements :
47 and
249
Sanitary.
It is no-tified for the infomation of Commanding Officers that
a contract exists for the removal of manure and refuse, and for the
emptying of latrines and cess-pits.
Any failure on the part of the contractor to carry out
his contract should be reported to the officer in charge of
Supplies.
Commanding Officers will arrange for the sites from which
the contractors will be req uired to remove manure and refuse to
be clearly marked by notice boards. These sites are to be well in
rear of the Rgeimental Lines.
All refuse should be passed through the incinerator before
being deposited on the refuse heap.
Units will maketheir own arrangements with native contractors
for the removal of kitchen refuse. Contractors will supply
bins, and are willing to pay for the privilege. Regimental funds
are to be credited with all receipts on this account. Contracts
have already been let|for the disposal of refuse other than
kitchen refuse.
Wash basins must be used, and men are forbidden to wash
under running taps. Commanding Officers will be held responsible
that water is not wasted.
Only water that has passed through a grease trap is to be
drained into these pits.
53
Routine
Order No. 39 of the 5th. December is cancelled and the following
Routine is substituted :
Reveille 5.30 a.m.
Retreat 5 p.m.
Last Post 10 p.m.
59.
Natives.
No Natives or hawkers are to be allowed in the lines. Any Natives
necessarilyemployed must be authorised by Brigadiers or Heads of
Departments, and will be provided with a pass signed by the Assist-
ant Provost Marshal. Officers and N.C.O's will not employ Native
servants or grooms.
85.
Returns.
O'S.C. Units will render to the A.A.G.'s Office direct, by NOON
every Sunday a return of strength on Army Form B213. Units who have
not got these forms in their possession will find a specimen on
page 154, Field service regulations, part 2 1909 (Old Edition),
from which forms will be prepared in manuscript.
105.
Fuel.
Wood must be very carefully used as it is a commodity which this
country does not produce to any great extent. Wood is exceedingly
difficult to get in Egypt, being imported from Smyrna and the
Turkish Islands, a source of supply which is now closed. The quan-
tity available locally is now very limited, and it is to be clearly
unerstood that unless wood is carefully used the supply will run
out completely in a very short time.
1250.
Men
attending
s Out Patients.
Soldiers receiving medical treatment are not to leave camp without
the approval of the Regimental Medical Officer.
121.
enereal.
An inspection for venereal disease is to be held weekly on Sundays.
Attention is drawn to K.R. 462, Cases of Venereal disease under
treatment in the Lines will be isolated in special tents p-ending
Div Order 2
131.
Alarm Posts.
On the Alarm sounding, on account of fire or any other
reason the following proceedure will be adopted,-
(a) Alltroops will fall in fully armed and accoutred.
(b) Mounted Rifle Regts. - The men will immediately saddle
up and stand by their horses on the horse lines ready to
move.
(c) Field Artillery Brigade - The gun teams will be
harnessed all ready to hook in, the remainder of the men will
fall in on their Battery parade grounds, and the whole will
await orders.
(d) The Units of the INFANTRY BRIGADE will fall inon
their respective Battalion parade grounds.
(e) All Divisional Units will fall in on their respective
parade grounds.
(f) All transport horses, including those of the Ambulance
wagons, are to be harnessed, and will await orders.
(g) Guards and sentries are to remain at their posts.
(h) A small guard is to be detailed by each unit to remain
in charge of the lines and Regimental property.
(i) The Assistant Director of Ordnance Services, with his
Staff, will be on duty at the Ordnance Store ready to serve
out ammunition as required.
(j) A Staff Orficer from each Brigade, and an Officer from
each Divisional Unit, each to be accompanied by an orderly,
will proceed immediately to Headquarters (Divisional), for
orders.
(k) In the case of fire breaking out in the lines, and
especially in the Supply Depot, the Fire Picquet of the
Infantry Brigade will immediately proceed at the double to
the Supply Depot, and carry out the instructions offthe
Officer Commanding Supply Deopt.
(l) a Fire Picquet of not less than a hundred rank and
file is to be detailed weekly by each of the Infantry,
Mounted Rife, and Field Artillery Brigades, and arrange-
ments made by the Officer Commanding Supply Depot for 30
buckets to be kept continuously filled with water under charge
of the Guard and to be used only in case of fire.
(m) All other troops will remain at their alarm posts.
(n) Sentries over the ammunition in the Ordnance Depot
are to be doubled.
264.
Side Arms.
Side Arms will only be worn when walking out by N.C.O's of
the rank of Sergeant and upwards : they will not be worn by
other ranks except when on duty. (Vide. L.G.O. 1062).
143
Leave.
In accordance with Standing Orders for the Army of Occupa-
tion in Egypt, no leave will be granted beyond 10 p.m.
Men visiting Cairo, however may be absent from camp until
10.30 p.m. They must be in possession of a pass
signed by their Company Commander, and must be clear of
Cairo by 10 p.m.
144.
Arms, Cleaning
of.
In dusty countries, such as this, it has been found that if
the working parts of the bolts of the rifle are kept oiled
they rap idly become clogged with sand and dust which stick to
the oil. Consequently it is advisable to keep these parts
wiped dry and bright_ in this way the rifles never become
clogged, and jambs are infrequent. Officers Commanding
Brigades and Divisional Units will ensure that this is done.
150.
Men absent
without
Leave.
Whenever a Soldier has been absent for mor than 24 hours
a Special report of the circumstances, accompanied by a full
personal description of the missing man, will be rendered to
Divisional Headquarters. Should the Soldier subsequently return
a further report to that effect will be forwarded at once.
308 &
341.
Proceedure on
an Award of
Detention by
a C.O.
On a Commanding Officer awarding detention, form C388 will be
prepared and sent by Commanding Officers direct to the Assist-
ant Provost Marshal before 9.45 a.m.
The AssistantProvost Marshal will ascertain whether there
is accomodation at the Detention Barracks, and if there is not
will notify the Unit before 12 noon when accomodation will be
available.
If Units do not receive notification that there is
not room in the Barracks they will cause their men for detention
to be paraded under escort in front of th A.P.M's office tent,
Divisional Headquarters lines, at 12.45 p.m.
Men for detention will take with them their arms and
equipment and full kit, an inventory of which will be taken, and
for which a receipt must be obtained. They will also take suf-
fficient rations to last until the following mornings breakfast
exclusive.
Commanding Officers will send to the Detention Barracks
for men whose sentence has expired. the hour of release is 2 P
In addition to the form C388, mentioned above as sent to
the Asistant Provost Marshal, a copy of the face only is to be
sent to Headquarters, Brigades, who will forward by 11 a.m.
to Divisional Headquarters.
A supply of A.F. C388 can be obtained from Divisional
Headquarters.
The following are points to which particular attention is
directed -
(1) A.F. C388 is to be used in the case of a Commanding Officer's
award. For men sentenced to by Court-Martial Forms C355 and C385A
are to be used.
(2) Men for detention will take with them the whole of their
kit except only entrenching tools and bayonets, which will not
be accepted.
(9 3) Fatigue dress 9dungarees) should be sent with each man.
(9 4) As there are no facilities for for the safe custody of money
at the Detention Barracks, the responsible officer should take
charge of all cash before men leave their Units.
(5) It is inadvisable to send men for detention for short term
as, for example, 48 hours, without making this known, for
with limited accomodation a man sentenced to a much longer term
for a more serious offence may have to be refused admission on
this account.
(6) It has been noted that many mistakes are made in entering
the award on the forms of Commitment. For instance, a man com
mits two offences, and he is often given two terms of detention
instead of the two being considered together by the Commanding
Officer and one award given.
Para. 494 (ii) K.R. isfrequently disregarded _ "Any award
of detention up to 7 days will be in given in hours, if exceeding
7 days, in days."
Burials. In order to avoid delay and trouble in burials, the attention of
Officers Commanding Units is directed to their duties. The O.C.
Units of deceased is responsible for :-
1. All burial arrangements. Vide Standing Orders Egypt,
231-250.
2. To arrange for Gun Carriage.
3. To obtain key of Mortuary, and have everything ready to
hand over to Officer i/c of burial party.
4. That the deceased is properly shrouded, coffin closed,
and flowers arranged.
Divisional Orders 4.
5. To arrange for coffin bearers.
6. To arrange for pall bearers.
7. To notify Hospital authorities the time the funeral
cortege will be at the hospital.
8. To return key of mortuary.
9. To see that the flag is returned to the Hospital
authorities.
10. To note and arrange all details with the Officer i/c.
Burial Party.
241.
Trenches.
etc.
Troops will invariably fill in all trenches, etc. dug
during Field Training before returning to Camp.
299.
Exercising
Horses.
When horses are sent out for exercise they should not be
sent out independently, but in small parties under the
control of an Officer or Non-commissioned Officer, at proper
hours, viz. in the morning and not in the evening.
Horses are to be exercised on the desert and not on the
roads.
[3?]72.
Medical.
Owing to the prevalence of pneumonia in Camp, all Officers and
men are warned against the danger of taking a chill at
Sundown.
Chills are also easily contracted by getting into the
shade in order to cool orf after taking heavy exercise.
373.
Small Arm
Pistol Ball
War Office having prohibited the use of Mark iV Pistol
Ammunition Ball for practice, Officers Commanding Units in
possession of this Mark, will at once return it to Ordnance
Officer, Captain Beck, and indent for Mark II to replace.
411.
Cable and
Telephone
Wires.
When in the field or doing the manoeuvres all ranks are requested
to avoid damaging the Cable and Telephone lines, which are
such vital links of Communication between Headquarters of
Division Brigades and Units.
The cutting of a telephone wire by a wagon wheel, or by
a horse shoe, might lead to disastrous consequences.
To avoid the cutting of cable and telephone wires by
traffic, it would be preferable, if time allows, to cover
them up in a shallow trench.
Troops should not only avoid breaking lines, but should
assist by replacing any that have got out of position at|the
sides of roads etc.
415.
Identity
Discs.
Units requiring Identity Discs to complete should requisition
on the Ordnance Depot at once for necessary supply.
(sgd.) L.W.C. Chaytor
Colonel.
Assistant Adjutant General.
6/2/15
Jacqueline KennedyThis transcription item is now locked to you for editing. To release the lock either Save your changes or Cancel.
This lock will be automatically released after 60 minutes of inactivity.