3 Egypt

The regiment had moved from Norfolk to Avonmouth, part of the Port of Bristol. These docks on the River Severn were an obvious destination as, situated to the far west, they had long supplied the trade with the Atlantic and on to the Mediterranean. From the Port of Bristol, the Rough Riders would make the journey into the Mediterranean and steam to the north coast of Africa, their destination the Egyptian city of Alexandria.

Egypt was significant to the British, for the Suez Canal – that vital lifeline that crosses the Isthmus of Suez – effectively links the North Atlantic to the Indian Ocean:

The Canal was, indeed, in the popular German phrase, the ‘jugular vein’ of the British Empire. Half-way between England and India, on the route which was later to be taken by troops from that country and later from Australia and New Zealand, on that followed by the bulk of the trade between Europe on the one side and Asia and Australasia on the other, it was the most vital focal point upon the communications of the world.i

Control of the canal was vital to Britain if it was to ensure trade with its vast Indian territory, yet Egypt was nominally a component part of the Ottoman Empire. With tensions in the region, Britain had occupied Egypt since 1882.

Having defeated the Egyptian Army at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, the British set about restoring stability to an otherwise politically volatile zone, in order to protect its own interests, and in particular, the security of the canal. With several nations jockeying for position and power over the waterway, in 1888 the Canal Zone was made neutral under the Treaty of Constantinople, though with Britain ensuring its neutrality, by force if needs be.

With the Ottoman Empire siding with the Central Powers in 1914, the British declared a formal protectorate over the whole country, and deposed the leader, the Khedive, replacing him with a man they referred to as the ‘Sultan of Egypt’. Now that the Ottomans were formally an enemy, it was of the greatest importance to the British – and the other Entente Powers – to maintain control of both the canal and the country as a whole. For this reason, a strong British force, under Lieutenant General Sir John Maxwell, was stationed in Egypt.

Maxwell had been in Egypt since he had seen action on the Western Front in 1914, but had previously already served some years in the country. For four years from 1908 to 1912 he had commanded the British forces there. In charge of what was termed the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in August 1914, Maxwell would have to fend off requests for reinforcement by other generals in the region – while defending the ultimate target for Ottoman ambitions, the canal itself. He had some 30,000 troops at his disposal, although this number would fluctuate with the arrival of troops destined for other theatres.

That the threat to the canal was a real one was identified by the fact that it had already been under attack. In November 1914, an Ottoman Army Corps was raised in Syria that was to advance on the east bank of the canal, and in early 1915 the attempt was made. Crossing the desert in seven marches – mostly at night – the Ottoman army of 16,000 men reached the canal bank. The German general sent as military advisor to the Turks, Liman von Sanders, was strongly against the plan:

On the night of February 2–3 [1915] the attacking troops in proper formation and equipped with boats were successfully moved forward as far as the eastern bank of the canal. When the small British post there opened fire, a panic seized upon the Arabian soldiers. Part of the men already embarked jumped from the boats, others dropped the boats and rafts they were carrying. British re-inforcements quickly arrived after fire had been opened. About two Turkish companies had reached the west bank of the canal; some were killed and some captured. In half an hour the Egyptian bank of the canal was so strongly occupied, that further attempts at crossing had to be given up.ii

This demonstration left the British, and Maxwell, nervous of further attempts to take the canal – and nuisance raids continued to test the British defences throughout 1915. If that wasn’t enough, an Ottoman-fuelled uprising by the Senussi tribe also underlined the need to have sufficient troops in theatre to combat new and continuing threats. And there would be plenty of troops ‘passing through’ – on their way to Gallipoli, and ultimately, on their way back.

In early 1915, the obvious destination for a cavalry division – and one trained to fight as mounted infantrymen at that – was Egypt. With the possibility of a mobile, mounted division deploying over the vast tract of open country against the Ottomans, the decision was made to despatch the 2nd Mounted Division to help bolster the number of troops available to Sir John Maxwell. But the logistics of sending mounted troops by sea were complex, with men, horses and materiel. The Talleys were heading for sunnier climes.

April 1915

My darling Parents,

I thought I must write you just once more before leaving, which we do on Saturday64 about 9 in the evening. I have not been feeling at all well, my throat which has been so sore is better, but [I] have a very bad cold I think flu, which makes me feel rather miserable, but think by the moving it will have nearly gone. Thank you so much for sending the camphor in the useful little bags I have put them into use at once. We had a group [photograph] taken round at the stables I have told the man to send to you one big and two post cards which I hope will turn out good.

Love to you my dear Parents

Percy

13 April 1915

Avonmouth

We are now on board just moving off a little way out, think we move about 2pm. Had a pleasant journey down, eight in a carriage. This is a picture of our boat65 rather a nice one, but if a little cleaner, would be better. I am in a bunk with three others all in the same section my cold is better although not gone. We have had gym shoes and slacks served out and I found great relief in getting in to them. There are about well over 2000 of us on board. The horses have gone on another boat, mine stood the railway journey quite well, so am in the hope he will do the sea voyage.

Love to all

Percy

Don’t worry

The Talley Brothers were fortunate: their trip to Egypt would be aboard a 10,322-ton cruise ship operated by the Allan Line, SS Scotian. Originally launched for the transatlantic run by the Holland America Line in 1898, she was bought by the Allan Line in 1911, and had operated the transatlantic route. Designed for passengers, unlike some troop ships, the men were accommodated in cabins, still strictly separated by rank. While the horses, farriers, drivers and grooms – together with their officers – were packed on board the ex-Wilson Line steamer SS Toronto, life on board the Scotian was hardly that of the average soldier on an average troop ship:

The routine on board was not exacting. Mornings had to be passed on deck, and were spent in physical exercises, lectures, musketry parades and games. Except for occasional boat- and fire-drills, the rest of the day was free for card-playing, sing-songs and concerts. The ship possessed a canteen of sorts, but its stock was very limited, its service snail-like, and it was all but ‘dry’.iii

13 April 1915

S.S. Scotian

Allan Line

Avonmouth

My dear Father

After my letter of Saturday I did not expect to write from England again, but you will see we have not made a move up to the present, I believe waiting for some of the other regiments to embark. We have just heard that we may move out of the dock this afternoon and preparations seem to indicate that we may be going although perhaps only to anchor out in the river.

I am in a six bunk cabin, but only five in at present mine is one of the top ones it is only a Second Class boat and we are all forward in the steerage, but fortunately only one floor down, so might be very much worse.

We have had khaki trousers66 - gym shoes issued and today we have each had a lifebelt given and a place appointed in the lifeboats so perhaps we may get practice at taking up our places on the way out.

Ever your affectionate son

Frank

14 April 1915

My dear Father

Today the pilot leaves us at 8 o’clock p.m. and will take the letters with him. There is no news of course except that we sail after dark tonight, so that tomorrow morning when we turn out land will be out of sight. It all seems very strange and little did I think that I should leave England under such conditions though I am still convinced that we shall be back home again before Xmas.

Ever your affectionate son

Frank

14 April 1915

My darling Parents

Just a note before we sail we have been on board since Sunday getting ready, and we are all very anxious to be on the move. We rise in the morning 6.30 have breakfast, then physical drill for an hour, at present we are not doing very much. We have had life belts given to us and told off to the different boats, so we all know exactly where to go. I am feeling better, throwing off my cold by degrees. I hear we sail tonight at 8 o’clock all the other transports out here in the bay are getting upstream.

This is a most beautiful spot here in the bay. We were brought here by tugs yesterday evening. I sent you news on two postcards which I hope you will receive, a picture of our boat. We are just off Avonmouth dock, quite near to land which I think is Somerset, perhaps you will be able to find out from the maps? I should like to tell you heaps but I want this to get through to you so am guarded in what I say. Now, my dear Parents, don’t worry as this may be the last letter for some time.

Ever your loving son

Per

16 April 1915

My darling Parents,

I thought I would write you a letter so that I may be able to post at our first port of call. When we arrived at Avonmouth on the Sunday we went direct on board after shipping the horses67 and stayed there until we left Thursday evening. It has been very interesting on board although dull at times, this I mean before starting. When we were brought out to be for a time in the bay it seemed so strange, thinking perhaps it would be the last time we should see the shores of old England, then on the quay the Middlesex [and] Sharpshooters,68 gave us a good send off and we shipped each other, of course for the time your thoughts go in other directions.

Well we anchored in the bay for two nights, the night before we left the two torpedo boats which were to escort us came up alongside, of course we went all over them and made friends with the sailors who were indeed fine men and had been in nearly every sea fight. The boats are only 12 months old and can do about 40 miles an hour and the guns have a range of 8000yds, wonderful for such a boat; they say they are simply doing all they can for a fight but the Germans are frightened of these boats. The bay we anchored in was a most beautiful place. I think it was at the mouth of the Severn; there is a school on the front and you could hear quite plainly the cheers they gave as we passed by. Of course we returned them, which did make me think of home, all these cheers coming from such young throats.

Last night Friday everybody had to be below deck and all lights out by 8 o’clock, as we had to go through the danger zone69 and the torpedo boats had left us only coming about 150 miles which is also a very critical part of the journey, of course we do not know where we are going or our first port. We rise at 6.30 have roll call, then we are free till breakfast. Next is a parade about 9 for physical drill which lasts 1 hour, then we are free to do what we like; all sorts of games are played on deck boxing, wrestling, etc., some lie about and read or write.

Lunch starts at about 12 o’clock, in the afternoon there is a rifle inspection, of course there are fatigues and guards, but we are not over worked. I have not been sick yet although have been feeling rather giddy faint and weary and had to go to the doctor, but shall soon get over it no doubt. We are four in our cabin, all nice fellows and in the same section so we get on well together. On board besides the Rough Riders are the A.V.C., A.S.C., R.E.s.70 Brigadier, Colonel, and all the heads; our boat, which is the Scotian, is quite on its own, but she is a fairly fast boat and can I believe show a good pair of heels if needs be.71 We were all given a box of 50 cigarettes, don’t quite know who was responsible for it but it was quite acceptable.

I am writing you two or three letters, which is really one so do hope you will receive them all. Of course I cannot tell you all that has happened as I want you to have these letters and to know that I am doing alright. Frank at present is as fit as a fiddle, although he had a touch of diarrhoea as dozens of the fellows did - self included. All night-long you could hear people running about so in the morning there was a big parade before the doctor who gave them a dose of castor oil to clear germs out of the stomach, which I think did them all a deal of good. Please excuse the scribble and punctuation as I feel rather giddy and must stop writing for the time being.

Today is Sunday and a glorious one, sun shining brightly and so hot everybody is lying about the deck. This morning we had church parade and I think there is another this evening. Expect we shall arrive at Gibraltar tomorrow morning. So far about seven other ships have passed us; it did seem so strange at first to look over the water and see no signs of life, but you soon get use to it. I have actually had a smoke today the first for two days, so you see I am getting my sea legs there has been hardly any sickness on board of course we have been very fortunate, as we have had no heavy seas so far. Hope you have received the photo we had taken at Bacton before leaving.

Ever your loving son

Percy

18 April 1915

My dear Mother

I have not written a portion of my letter every day, as news is not plentiful and as I believe they are to be censored we cannot say too much.

We have been fairly fortunate regarding weather having only had one wet night. Today has turned out glorious and hot, this is due, I suppose to our nearing the Mediterranean. We are due to pass Gibraltar sometime tomorrow and hope it will be during the day, as should like to catch a glimpse of the place, and also hope we may be able to get our letters ashore.

The journey has been very successful on the whole. I felt a little queer on Friday but have quite got over that and feel OK now. Percy was also bad and I think rather rotten but he too is now much better, fortunately it has been calm otherwise we should have been very much worse.

This morning we had a church parade not very long which I was rather glad of, as the sun was boiling hot and we were all jammed up together in the stern and we now all make a rush for the coolest spots. We are not getting very much work to do, it is almost impossible with the number of men on board, what I like best is the hours physical exercise we get in the morning it has made me feel very fit and I quite look forward to it.

Washing accommodation is not great for so many, but if it were possible to get even a cold bath it would not be so bad, I shall endeavour to get one, if it is to be had. Please excuse the paper being dirty, but I have had to chase some of it round the deck, it would be very much easier to write down stairs, but it is so awfully stuffy there that we never go down when it is for meals.

You will find Percy’s letter has been opened he has just heard that they are to be handed in open so have to come to me for an envelope, what on earth they want to read the letters for at this period I don’t know, as we cannot possibly give any military information away, especially as we don’t even know where we are going to.

Love to all, yours

Frank

Leaving Avonmouth on 15 April, the Scotian picked its way carefully around the Iberian Peninsula on its journey to the Aegean. The danger from German submarines was all too apparent. Originally escorted by two destroyers, the liner was left to its own devices, so for the men aboard – aware of the loss of other ships – it was a nervy experience. Just four days before, SS Wayfarer, with 200 men and horses of the 1st Warwickshire Yeomanry – also bound for Egypt as part of the 2nd Mounted Division – had been attacked 60 miles west of the Scilly Islands. Torpedoed by the U-32, the Wayfarer was damaged, though fortunately casualties were light, with two men and five horses killed. The ship was towed to Queenstown and was later repaired in Liverpool.

The surviving Warwicks would arrive in Egypt and would ultimately take their position in the line at Suvla Bay. The near loss of the Wayfarer spawned a number of rumours about the passage of the Scotian.

The danger presented by the Atlantic passed as the ship sighted first the town of Tarifa, at the tip of Spain, in the Strait of Gibraltar, with the comforting sight of ‘The Rock’ in the distance:

Tarifa was sighted about noon on the 19th. Shortly afterwards Gibraltar was passed, but at such a distance that the squat rock seen dimly through the haze hardly seemed a ‘Pillar of Hercules.’ The glory of the first Mediterranean sunset, however, and the phosphorescence on the sea brought everyone on the deck.iv

Not stopping, the Scotian’s intermediate destination was the magnificent natural Grand Harbour of Valetta, in Malta. This island, in the centre of the Mediterranean, was an important staging post for the British – especially with their activities in Egypt, Gallipoli and subsequently, Salonika. Malta was also significant as ‘the nurse of the Mediterranean’, with, by the end of the war, some twenty-seven military hospitals established that would cater for the wounded of Gallipoli, Salonika and other campaigns.

Tempting as they looked from the decks of the Scotian, the evident delights of Malta were strictly off limits, for most soldiers, at least:

Reaching Malta on the 22nd, the Scotian put into the Grand Harbour, Valetta, to fill up with coal and water. Only the officers were allowed to land, but the men spent the day exploring through field glasses, bartering with the bumboat-men, and watching the gondola-like dghaisas darting in and out among the shipping.v

22 April 1915

Malta Harbour

On board S.S. Scotian

We entered the harbour this morning about 11.30, awfully interesting but fails description, have hoped to get ashore for a couple of hours, but no luck so far. Have been surrounded by boats, about 100 in all.72 Are about to start coaling?

Love to all, yours

Frank

22 April 1915

My darling Parents

We have just arrived at Malta, and am just sending this card in case you do not receive my letters and cards. Physical drill has been called, so that we may see everything, at the present we are both very fit and well.

Oceans of love

Percy

We have had an ideal voyage

Leaving Malta behind, the Scotian steamed on to the Greek island of Lemnos, just 30 miles off the coast of Gallipoli. Arriving at the natural harbour of Mudros on 25 April, the Rough Riders were only too aware that they might be directly embroiled in the landings on this hostile coast. Rumours were rife, particularly when the ship left the harbour three days later, bound for the peninsula itself. The men on board busied themselves with drills and letter writing.

28 April 1915

My dear Mother

We have suddenly been warned that a mail is to leave shortly and there has been a stampede to our cabin for writing paper and envelopes, as we have been anchored since Sunday in a most glorious bay and thought that we should have the chance of getting any letters away.

We are having glorious weather and the sea this morning is like glass, but we are getting rather tired of our confinement quarters and shall be glad to get on land again. Owing to the censorship it is impossible to give details that we should like to and therefore makes letter writing rather difficult. Time is now up so I must stop.

Love to all yours

Frank

Both very fit and well

28 April 1915

My darling Parents

It is now 8 o’clock and here there is a mail at 9, so am just scribbling you a note to tell you we are both quite fit and well. We hear quite a lot of rumours here and one is that our ship has gone down, well it has not - we heard that this had got into the London papers.73

We are still on board hidden in a little bay74 and as to our movements nobody knows anything. Am afraid our letters will not be newsy as we dare not say more than we are quite safe, as the letters may be destroyed. Don’t listen to any rumours about ships being sunk and as far as I can see letters may be few and far between; don’t worry, specially at the present, as we are rather cut off from things. Remember our address and you have a good idea as to our position; at times we hear the guns.

Ever your loving son

Percy

From Lemnos, the Scotian and its human cargo moved offshore from the Gallipoli Peninsula, arriving to see the struggles of the 29th Division pressing forward up the slopes at Cape Helles towards the village of Krithia and the heights of Achi Baba, thought to dominate the Narrows of the Dardanelles. Rumours were rife that the Rough Riders would put ashore; if that was to be the case, they would be landed as infantry – the Toronto had already arrived at Alexandria and was offloading its cargo of horses and equipment. In any case, the Talley brothers were in time to observe battle in progress – before finally moving on to Egypt.

5 May 1915

My darling Parents

You will be surprised to hear that we have been on board nearly a month, of course we do not know when we shall get off, but we arrive at Alexandria tomorrow.

We have had quite an exciting time, we have been right up to the fighting line in the Dardanelles. Our troops only landed last Sunday week, the fighting was terrible, you will hardly believe what I am about to say, but it has been worse than Mons. We had certain troops on board which had to be landed,75 so we have been kept near all the fighting, shells have dropped quite close to us. We could see our men and horses on the land, we could hear the rifle fire, aeroplanes have been over us and dropped bombs, so you see we have seen quite a lot. The firing of our battleships76 is wonderful and my word the noise is terrific.

Fighting is done mostly at night, when a big battle was on we would all go up on board and watch the flashes from the guns, some of our fellows could hear the cheers on land the losses are truly terrible, as I have already said worse than in France. We are not required yet awhile, there is no base formed we should only be in the way, no doubt we shall come on the scene later. It would be so nice to see a paper and hear what is going on, we have been absolutely cut off.

The sunsets are beautiful I cannot describe them such wonderful colours, to be seeing all this and yet hear the roar of the guns and all the time your countrymen are falling in thousands

seems almost, well ... A long dreary fight is in front of us here, we shall need many more men if we are to conquer, although everybody is very confident.

I wish I could only describe to you a little more fully but dare not. I will say this that the enemy are very cunning, they had actually got barbed wire in the water which of course stopped our little boats, the courage of our men is wonderful. I believe if they had lost their heads while landing they would have been wiped out; instead they were up and at them and made two bayonet charges in ten minutes, so secured a landing. Some of our fellows have been fortunate to row the officers ashore,77 so of course had a good look around.

I do hope you have received my cards and letters I have written quite a lot. We are both well although of course not as fit as one might be after such a time on board. Will you please tell anybody the contents of this note who might be interested. I am writing this on a nasty hard wooden table in our mess room, so excuse the scribble. One poor chap (not our regiment) died, we had to bury him at sea.78 How are you all keeping? Well I hope, and not worrying about us, as of course when we have to leave again for fighting you may not hear from us for a very long time.

Ever your loving son

Percy

In his regimental history, A.S. Hamilton, himself a Rough Rider, adds further dimension to Percy’s story of observing the shores of Gallipoli. On 28 April 1915, the Scotian was moored off the coast of the peninsula, close to HMS Queen Elizabeth and Gully Beach beyond:

With terrific din every warship was blazing away shorewards with every gun that could be brought to bear. The crest of Achi Baba was hidden in a halo of bursting shell; Krithia smouldered under a huge, black pall; burning scrub sent heavy clouds creeping along the ground, while shrapnel bursts marked the front lines and the main avenues of approach. Apart from the smoke, however, little could be seen; the cliff top hid most of the country nearest the shore, and the beach was so crowded that, although the view was uninterrupted, one could not see the wood for the trees. With nightfall, the bombardment died down, and the First Battle of Krithia came to an end.vi

6 May 1915

Are just arriving in view of Alexandria, and am sending this in advance of a letter as we may not get time for a day or two to write, so will keep all news until then. Both very fit but shall be glad to get off the boat.

Love to all, yours

Frank

9 May 1915

City Beach

Alexandria

My dear Father

We arrived here on Friday, after leaving the boat we had a terrible march through the town of about an hour in full marching order in blazing sun before we reached the team. At present we are only about 300 yards away from the sea and get two dips a day, which is a great blessing.

Our work is done early in the morning, we get up at 5 o’clock and go out for horse exercise, returning at 7.15 and get our own breakfast at 7.30. Then if we are lucky enough to dodge the fatigues, we have nothing further to do until midday stables at 11.45; during this time we have our first dip, the same happens in the afternoon.

At lunch we only have bread and cheese and tea, and one meat for the last meal at 6.30, which is a very good idea, as it is so hot that we do not feel like eating much. Oranges are plentiful and fairly cheap, five for 1 piastre, which is about equal to 2½d. In a week or two we are to move off to a place called Ismailia, somewhere on the Canal.

Yesterday evening I went into the town of Alexandria, chiefly to get a new watch glass, as had unfortunately broken it, but it did not affect the watch at all and still keeps beautiful time.

Love to all, yours

Frank

9 May 1915

My darling Parents,

After going to the Dardanelles, we are now at Alexandria in Camp. My word it is awful, what with the heat and sand, one thing we are near the sea and can pop down for a swim, which I have [done] everyday and felt the benefit of. I think we move off in a short time to a place very much hotter, don’t believe any reports you may hear about our transports, we had quite a safe journey. I wrote you a long letter telling you everything that happened which I hope you received.

I hope to go into Alexandria this evening we are situated about 9 miles away, it is not much of a place from what I could see as we marched through, and from what I have heard. Father’s letter came to us here at Sidi Bishr (our camp) on the 7th. I loathe this camp life. My horse is quite fit and seems in a better condition than when in England, we lost over thirty horses,79 one or two have died here on land. The natives here are a funny lot make an awful noise, will do you right and left, you have to bargain with them, and if they don’t agree to your price you tell them to clear off or threaten to hit them. I will try and write you a long letter later on at present I am fed up.

Ever your loving son

Per

9 May 1915

Percy Talley

Telegram, Eastern Telegraph Co

TALLEY TELCON LN

OWING TO RUMOURS WIRING BOTH FIT BEEN

DARDANELLES NOW ALEXANDRIA = TALLEY

10 May 1915

My darling Parents

Just a note to say we are moving again tomorrow, I hope you received my wire saying we were safe. It is has been very hot again today, the flies are terrible crawling all over you. Our clothes and boots are white with sand. I often think of you specially when I look at my watch, it is most useful. I do not know what I should do without it.

Ever your loving son

Percy

Arriving at Alexandria on 10 May 1915, the Rough Riders were reunited with their horses and the personnel that had been despatched to Egypt with them on board SS Toronto. From their location on the shores of the Mediterranean the City yeomen moved quickly to the Suez Canal, travelling the 200 miles to take their place alongside the other defenders of this strategically important waterway. Their first destination was the town of Ismailia, close to Lake Timsah, and then, for B and D squadrons at least, farther south to Port Suez, where the canal meets the Red Sea.

The British defences were arranged along the west bank of the canal, originally in the belief that the inhospitable terrain of the Sinai Peninsula would be too much for any attacker. This had proven not to be the case following the Ottoman assault in February, and the enemy continued to threaten to test the defences. The Rough Riders were needed to bolster the British presence on the canal and on their arrival were added to the reserve of Indian Army troops already on site, becoming the first British troops to be stationed there.

On their arrival on 11 May, the Rough Riders were placed in reserve, in the trying conditions of a fly-blown tented camp. Arthur Hamilton, then a lance corporal in the Rough Riders, described the scene:

New Camp, where the reserve was stationed, lay behind the town astride the old caravan road to Cairo. Open desert surrounded the camp on three sides and this, though mostly firm and becoming gravelly as one went inland, yet contained much powdery dust, which swirled through the camp in sand-pipes, enveloped men and horses on parades, and permeated everywhere. At first the Regiment was lodged in single-fly bell-tents, so that during the day helmets were as necessary inside as out.vii

The Talley brothers soon settled down to the routine of a yeomanry regiment in the desert. Captain Wedgwood Benn, of the 1st County of London Yeomanry, brigaded with the Rough Riders, recorded his experiences of the camp:

The day’s work commenced very early, sometimes at half-past four or five, with a parade. By eight o’clock the sun was up and we were home to breakfast. Thereafter there were ‘stables’ and two waterings of the horses, but after stables those who were not told off for watering had little to do for the rest of the day. I soon made the discovery that the great heat had the power of sapping all energy.viii

15 May 1915

Port Suez

My dear Mother

Thanks for your letter, which reached us at Alexandria. I think I told you in my letter sent from there, that we expected to get sent off to Ismailia, instead last Tuesday we got pushed off to the above town, which is the hottest place I have yet been to, and ever want to go to either.

Our hours of work are the same as at Alexandria, up at 5 and work till 8 o’clock and then unless we are on any fatigue we do nothing until 12 o’clock and then again until 5 o’clock, but we find it quite enough to do to keep still and keep the flies off.

We are about 20 minutes walk from the town itself and about 200yds from the Canal on a nice sandy plain, so that when we get anything of a breeze we get plenty of dust thrown in.

I shall not give any news, as all letters are to be censored, so will only say that we are both fit and well and hope in a little time to get more accustomed to the heat. All details will have to remain until our return.

Love to all, yours

Frank

15 May 1915

My darling Parents,

I hope you read my cable from our last destination,80 we are some miles from there now. It is very, very, hot and the flies numerous, between the two life at times, at least to me, is almost unbearable; you know how I suffer from the heat, at night it generally blows hard and the sand is enough to suffocate you. We have had strict instructions as to giving any information regarding our position, movements, troops, etc, so you see I cannot write you a very interesting letter at present. The only thing is that we are both fit although at times your stomach gets out of order, but you have to get used to such trifles.

Ever your loving son

Per

Note added by censor

Your son is near Suez

17 May 1915

Hear there is another post, so am just sending this card, I sent a letter on Sunday which I expect you will receive by this. This card does not denote where we are. I have had my hair cut off and doubt if you would recognise me now, the heat still continues and my dress is a shirt and pair slacks, so you can guess how hot it is.

Yours

Per

22 May 1915

My dear Mother

It is difficult to give much news of one’s doings when our letters are censored, as to where we are my last letter will have told you if it has reached you, and now I can only say we are still in the same place, and doing much the same with each day, and, so far as we can gather, we are likely to be here for an indefinite period, and therefore not likely to do anything in the fighting line at all.

If our local Egyptian Mail reports [are] true, Italy has at last joined in with us;81 this is only what we have been waiting for a long time and now that it has come, only hope it may mean far more to our side than we expected.

As far as we are concerned we are both very fit, but fed up with the sun, sand and heat, and we miss the bathing we had at Alexandria. It is now nearly time for midday stables, so I must stop.

Love to all, yours ever

Frank

22 May 1915

My darling Parents

I was so pleased to receive all your letters yesterday, they all came together, those dated 29th April and May 6th. While writing this letter the perspiration is simply pouring off me and I only have a shirt on, you must keep your helmet on even when in your tent, the sun is so powerful and of course all our work is done early morning. We rise at 4.30, the rest of the day, unless you are on guard or a fatigue, you may do much as you like, the only thing to do is to keep in your tent, of course you must go down to stables at 12 and 5 which last about one hour at each time. I do wish I could write you more fully but it is of no use as it would be stamped out, and perhaps I might have to write the letter again. Frank is in a tent about 20 yards away, so we see quite a lot of each other. Things are very expensive and money runs away like water, Gold Flake cigarettes cost 1/8 for 50. I must go, I have to fall in for stables.

Ever your loving son

Percy

26 May 1915

The heat today is unbearable, hottest we have had and what little breeze there is, is quite warm, it is like opening an oven door. Inside some of our tents it registers 109 degrees.

Cannot write more

Love to all

Per

29 May 1915

My dear Father

Many thanks for the offer of tobacco, etc. but so far I think we are all right. Personally I am not doing much in the smoking world, I suppose the heat puts one off it, we are now getting it pretty hot 108° in the shade. This we have heard will last another month, so have a good time to look forward to.

You must have had a pretty lively time in London with the Germans, it is a pity it was not done long ago, all of them right to be locked up.82 Italy I am glad to see has at last joined in and hope it will help considerably to bring matters to a speedy end; she seems, according to the paper we get here each morning (the Egyptian Mail) to be well prepared as regards her supply of artillery and munitions, this no doubt was the cause of her keeping back for such a long time. Owing to Mr Censor83 we are rather handicapped for news, and when we have said we are both fit and the weather hot, we exhaust all that we feel we can say in safety, to ensure our letters getting through.

I have been sitting for about ½ hour without writing anything and now there are about seven fellows in the tent kicking up an awful row, so writing is rather difficult especially with a lack of news. There is nothing to report about our doings, we are still in camp at the same place and very much fed up with the existence whether we even do anything more is very uncertain as far as we know.

The light is getting bad now and as I shall not have time to add anything tomorrow before the mail goes I must post now.

Yours ever

Frank

2 June 1915

Just a card to tell you I am still fit although feeling the heat very much. You might send a paper now and then a Mirror for preference; we can only buy the Egyptian Mail, which is not much of a paper.

Love to all

Per

5 June 1915

My darling Parents

Your letter of 20th May received yesterday, in it you ask what happened to us at the Dardanelles. Well I wrote you a long letter just before landing at Alexandria telling you everything that happened to us, and what we saw; but presume I said too much, this being the reason you have not received it.84 Of course we are not at Alexandria now, but about 250 miles away, which I told you in one of my letters. One of our Squadrons has been under fire, a rumour, whether it will be our luck or not I don’t know, I wish we could, the life here is very monotonous.

The only thing our squadron is fighting is the flies, and a change from this would be most acceptable. The postcards I send will tell you where we are I have sent you many and trust by this time you have received them. You might send a paper now and then, it does not matter where we are, expect we shall receive them. You might let me know anything about the Stock Exchange, about my people if you can. You ask in your letter the reason we left the Dardanelles, it seems they do not want cavalry yet, while there we saw the bombardment it was terrific and one or two of the enemy’s shells dropped quite close to us, they also dropped bombs from aeroplanes but of course no damage was done. Of course I could write you an interesting description but had better not risk it.

Ever your loving son

Per

13 June 1915

Suez

My dear Mother

I have very little time for writing this week, in the ordinary way I want until Friday when we generally get some of our mails, but this week we went out for a night march so have lost a day, now the mail bag closes in a few minutes.

Percy has sent an Indian Field Service P.C.85 this mail; don’t think by this that we are doing anything serious, as we are not, he also is pressed for time and it is a curio. We are still in the same place86 and getting a little more accustomed to the heat, and as far as possible the flies, the latter are only troublesome during the heat of the day, especially when we are trying to rest during the day. At night, however, they disappear altogether, so don’t worry us.

Thank Father also for the papers he has sent, we are glad to have them to read, though we get a little news every day as to how things are going on, I see in our papers the Egyptian Mail that a Frenchman is agitating for the Japanese to send troops to France. I wonder if anything will come of it?87

I hope now that our letters will reach far quicker now that the mail service is to be sent through France. I must stop now and rush for the bag. We are both still very fit and with love to all.

Yours

Frank

Army Form A2042

Nothing is to be written on this except the date and signature of the sender.

Sentences not required may be erased.

If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.

I am quite well.

I have been admitted into hospital

Sick and am going on well and I hope to be discharged soon Wounded

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your telegram

letter.

parcel.

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you lately

for a long time

Date 13th June 1915 Signature Percy

G.S. & Sons, Calcutta.

Camp routine was monotonous, under trying conditions, but order was restored and training resumed in May, with parades in the morning and evening, and lectures after breakfast. In the heat of the afternoon there was little to do but sit out of the glare of the sun. Occasional night operations were tried. With horses susceptible to ingesting sand, it was necessary to maintain them in good health at all times. This could be a dangerous pastime, as Percy Talley was to find out.

17 June 1915

My darling Parents

You will see by the address that I am in hospital. I spent a day in the camp hospital, then came on to the one in the town. On Monday at Regimental Drill I got a most awful kick by our troop leader’s horse. I fell off into the arms of one of the fellows who came to help me, I got it just below the knee which is very lucky; my leg and knee are much swollen and a most ghastly colour, I cannot walk, I was brought here by motor ambulance and carried up on a stretcher. In the same room is a blue jacket88 who has been operated on for rupture. In another bed is a civilian, a Frenchman I think who has had his leg amputated below the knee. The blue jacket very kindly showed me his cuts, also I have seen the stump, not pleasant sights, he groans terrible when having it dressed.

The heat is tremendous, yesterday, I lay with a sheet over me and a thin net and yet the perspiration was running off me, our guard heat registered 150 the other day, it is truly terrible. It would be nice if some of you could pop in and have a chat. I should like it so much. The day before this I stopped one in the face when on stable guard but I only got a thick nose and cut lip, so taking things all round have been very lucky. I had to come to hospital because a kick like I have wants very careful attention in case water on the knee sets in.89 You must not worry about me as no doubt by the time you receive this I hope to be about again. I do not feel like writing more, as it is such an effort in bed.

Ever your loving son

Per

20 June 1915

My dear Father

I cannot thank you for the letters received this week, as the small mail that came in did not contain any from you, only the papers dated June 1-2nd. Perhaps they will come along in a day or so.

I suppose you, like others, heard the effect of the Zeppelin raid at Muswell Hill;90 fortunately they did not come any nearer, you remember the fellow, Martin, Percy introduced to you at Bacton, he heard in a letter from home, that houses in the next street to his were seriously damaged.

I am sorry to say Percy has had rather a nasty kick from a horse, fortunately it is not serious, though it has forced him to keep to his bed for some time, so to make him comfortable they sent him to the hospital near by where he can have a bed and decent grub. I went down to see him yesterday afternoon and he was much better and seemed quite happy and cheerful, there is absolutely no need for you to worry about him, and by the time you have got this letter he will have been back again to us.

We are getting a little more accustomed to the heat, though at times it is trying, specially when the temperature is about 150°in our tents, which was the case last time I looked. I wish I could give you fuller details of our work and surroundings but it is not much good doing that as I should have to write the letter again, on the other hand we are not doing anything very startling, and seem to be a fixture here.

You will remember Ray Lumb. May tells me he has got a commission in a South Lancashire regiment, whether he is only commencing his training or going straight out to France I have not heard. Grub has just been shouted us so will go.

Yours ever

Frank

21 June 1915

In Hospital at Suez

My darling Parents,

I have just posted to Alice.91 Since doing so I have had my leg cut the stuff that came out was awful like jelly, but it is so much easier, I am glad it has been done. I asked the doctor how much longer he thought I should be before coming out, he said about 10 days or 2 weeks, if that is so, I shall have done nearly 3 weeks in hospital all through a beastly kick. The cut is about 1 inch long and ½ inch deep, it looks very healthy, and the colours of my leg are grand, quite a sight. An Australian lighthouse man shaved my leg, he is here in hospital having been down with pneumonia.

June 22. Your letter of June 4th received but no parcel as yet perhaps Frank has it and will bring on to me. The food things will be most acceptable; a few cigarettes would have been nice, although the Egyptian we buy are cheaper than London ones they are not so nice. Gold Flake costs 1/8 for 50, which is awful.

The mark on the letter was made, from your description of the name, by our Captain E. Percy.92 For washing we do quite well, paying so much a week, and will write when I want any new clothes. You must not worry about the raids.93 I know it is terrible, but keep calm if any should come your way, I will certainly think of you all and that no harm will come to you. The parcel has come and Frank has brought my share round to the hospital, it is very sweet of you. Think we receive all your letters, my remark about the telegram perhaps I made too soon. Don’t forget to mention about my money. Don’t think things are going well with us in the Dardanelles,94 they seem to be fighting over the same hills as when we were there.

Ever your loving son

Per

26 June 1915

Hospital Suez

My darling Parents

I am still in bed making my 12th day there, my leg seems to be getting on well and think the doctor is pleased; am now waiting for him to come and see me. I asked the sister if I could get up she said she would ask the doctor, but did not think he would allow me yet. The cake was quite good, the sweets had turned tougher, of course, the paste sarnies will be quite alright. Wallie,95 in his letter to us, asks if we would like papers sent to us. I forgot to answer; well, we are always most pleased to have papers from anybody. Frank is coming in today to see me. Of course I do not have any news to tell you lying here in bed. Am sending a few photos one of our fellows took which thought might interest you, you will not find me in any of them, although in some I must be quite near, hope they will come safely through as our Major has passed them all. He has about 100 in all, wish I could buy them all, but they cost 3s each. The doctor has just been to see [me] and is quite pleased, and has let me get up, but I feel very shaky and my knee is a trifle stiff, but shall soon be fit again. I do trust that you are all keeping well at home and whatever you do don’t worry about me.

Ever your loving son

Per

29 June 1915

Hospital Suez

My darling Parents

Your letters, also papers, parcel all received safely and am now looking forward to the cigarettes. Don’t think me piggy, but they will be acceptable; Gold Flake, as I say are expensive, and the Egyptian ones - even the best - are rotten. You ask what we do of an evening? Well I might say nothing; it gets dark about 7 o’clock, practically no twilight, the only thing to do is to go into one of the wooden mess rooms and write, or perhaps go to the Canteen and turn in early. If you are very flush you go into town, (you have to get a pass for this) and have a good blow out, which costs you 2/6 to 5/- which as you see costs too much, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which are half holidays. You may leave camp at 2pm returning 10pm, which means of course tea, and by the time night comes you have spent about 5/-. Result is I don’t go in often. As for the so-called town, there is absolutely nothing to see, of course the first time it is interesting but after once seen never forgotten. This completes two weeks with my bad leg, glad to say it is going on although discharging and will continue to do so, I am afraid, for some time but no need to worry, there is still plenty of go in me yet for an olden, my bones must be made of iron.

I have just witnessed an awful sight, this civilian patient in my ward, suddenly started calling out. I went to find somebody to come to him, and when I came back the bed was simply covered in blood, one or two of us stayed by him until the doctor came, he immediately operated on his legs, meantime I went to tea, and could see from where I sat, the doctor had got his hand right in and was cutting away (the leg is cut off just below the knee as I told you in my last letter) from here this was opened back to the knee. Of course I need not have watched this but thought it good for me, a most terrible sight, he is now coming to. I shall be glad to get out of this, but perhaps it is all for the best. Some of the sights here are awful, the wounded I mean, will not go into any more details.

Ever your loving son

Per

3 July 1915

My dear Mother

I don’t quite know why your letters do not come in the usual way with our biggest delivery at the end of the week, but generally at the beginning as a rule our mail is sent out from here on a Sunday at least as far as we know, so we have to wait over a week before we can reply.

The first of the papers with the new wrappers came today, I have not opened them yet, but shall probably be taking them down to Percy at the hospital tomorrow. I am glad to say, when I saw him on Saturday last he was much better and beginning to hobble about, and no doubt will soon be back again. I should have gone down to see him again during this week but have had no time. Wednesdays and Saturdays are the best times for going as they are our half-day and visiting hours are between 3 and 5 o’clock.

I am sorry to say his horse has kicked the bucket, peritonitis was the cause.96 It was only ill for 2 or 3 days, whether due to the sand, which is always flying about I know not, he will be very upset about it, as he was always asking how it was and who was riding it in his absence, so I may not tell him tomorrow, unless he is coming back soon.

I think I told you my old beast was left behind at Bacton; the one I got next was not good for drill, it would not walk, but was always on the jog and throwing up its head. So unless I sat well back, it would catch me in the face, thanks to the good offices of Mr Lower our troop officer, I have another one, the best I have had since joining the regiment, the only thing about her is that she kicks a bit, especially when grooming up, but I keep a pretty close eye on her and so far have got off quite lightly, and we are beginning to know one another.

It is now nearly time for evening stables so must stop, as afterwards I shall not get any time for writing, as I am grub orderly and by the time I have finished washing up the dishes, etc., the light is too bad.

Love to all, yours

Frank

5 July 1915

Hospital Suez

My darling Parents,

Just a line to tell you I am going along alright, but still in hospital. Hope you receive all my letters, I write about three times a week and no doubt you receive them all together. Of course there is no news to tell you, but I know you want to hear just how I am going on. Whatever you do, don’t worry while I’m in hospital. I hear my horse has died, dropped down dead, I feel very upset, my luck seems quite out. All papers have been received, it does cheer me up, it takes my mind off things, as it is very slow here in hospital. Please remember me to all kind friends. So glad to hear you are both keeping so well, I do think such a lot of you all at home, and often picture it myself, and say now they are having breakfast, now dinner in the evening. Father coming home, in the garden, etc., and so you see you are all continually in my mind. Almost certain by the time you have read this letter I shall be back at camp again.

Ever your loving son

Per

9 July 1915

Hospital Suez

My darling Parents,

Still here but getting on well think I ought to be out in a day or so, fancy I have been in so far 3½ weeks. I hear we are moving to Cairo, don’t know if there is any truth in it. Mr Meyer sent me quite a nice pipe and 1lb of tobacco, it came quite safely. Hope you are all well at home we have had no letters for 12 weeks now, expect they have been delayed. The matron has lent one of our chaps her camera and he has taken four photos of four of us who have been together practically the whole time. I hope they will be good, as they are funny also. One chap here is in the H.A.C.97 and it does seem funny to meet people out in this distant land that you have never seen before and to learn that they work next door to you. Am sending you a photo of our horse lines, which is very good, hope it will go through am sending under separate cover. Will let you know immediately I come out.

Ever your loving son

Per

10 July 1915

My dear Mother

First of all, I know you will want to hear about Percy. I am glad to say he is getting along A.1. and is quite cheerful when I go down to see him, generally twice a week and his leg very much better. He certainly had as nasty a kick as one could wish for, but fortunately no bones were broken and the skin only slightly

grazed; it has been more a question of complete rest than anything though water might have set in last Monday week. The doctor cut the leg to get the fluid off and since then he has been walking about a little. I shall be going down to see him this afternoon, all being well, and hope to hear when he will be coming back; however, there is no need to worry about him, as he is quite OK and splendid doctors at the hospital to look after him.

Thank Father for his letter, he will be interested to hear that when I went down to the docks last Monday for guard the first boat I saw was the Cambria98 sending about 16 miles of old cable ashore that she had picked up in the Red Sea. I did not know she had changed hands about 3 years ago, and went on board to see the Captain, to ask him to tell you when he got back that he had seen me but as she belonged to the E.T.C.99 I did not do so. I spoke to one or two of the officers on board including the Chief Steward, who gave me a cup of tea, most acceptable, he also sent some ashore for the other men. He about 20 years ago, was in the Garrison Artillery - which when the Territorials came into being were converted into the 3rd London Brigade, R.F.A. - my old regiment100 and the new Colonel was his Captain.

There is no news to give you, except that we are both keeping very fit, though the life is very monotonous. We have got to turn out to stables in a minute so will stop now.

Love to all, Yours

Frank

12 July 1915

Hospital Suez

My darling Parents,

Just to tell you I am getting on well and am going to ask the doctor if I can go back to camp and do light duty, I have been in here just a month. You ask if any bone was broken, well no, my leg seems quite alright. All papers have arrived with many thanks. I do not think I require anything at present. My dear Parents I was almost sorry I wrote and told you what happened, as I knew you would be so worried, but you need have no fear for me, my leg is only a trifle stiff which will no doubt pass off in time.

We hear that we have got into the narrows which is splendid news and think must be true.101 Hope you have received all my letters with the photo by now which I thought would interest you, shall hope to send you soon as possible these that have been taken of me in the hospital. Am afraid our moving to Cairo is off, don’t know what will happen to us, expect to stay here for a long time but one never knows.

Have just seen the doctor and he says I may go out tomorrow on light duty. It will be quite nice to get back to camp and see all my chums. The man riding next to me trod on the troop leaders horse and I got the kick, think I have told you everything you asked me in my last letter how I came to get kicked.

Ever your loving son

Percy

16 July 1915

4th Troop D Squadron

4th Mounted Brigade

2nd Mounted Division

City Ldn Yeo Rough Riders

Newcamp

Suez Egypt

My darling Parents,

I hope you will have received my letter of last Tuesday telling you I was leaving hospital on that day. Am afraid I shall not be able to ride for a little time, as my knee is still stiff, but feel sure it is improving everyday. Will you note the change of our address am afraid we are stuck here for good, I feel very sick about it as I certainly want to see some of the fun,102 all the boys at Muswell Hill seem to be wounded.

We are hoping to have it cooler here next month so I hear, I so hope it will be so. What do you think of the meeting of the German bankers?103 Of course you have read of it, I wonder what it all means, perhaps Father will be able to hear something.

Ever your loving son

Percy

The Abdulla cigarettes are grand quite like old times to have a good smoke, ever the best I think and Egyptian ones are rotten.

No worrying about me.

23 July 1915

My darling Parents,

Thank you for all your kind letters the last dated 14th was safely received. You speak of the Stock Exchange doing a little, which as you say the war loan104 is the cause, I had thought of buying a little, but not being on the spot thought I would leave it alone.105 They don’t seem to be doing much at my place Mr Smith and Mr Podger tell me the same, but think things must wake up soon, at least I hope so.

Ever your loving son

Per

I think of you every time I smoke my Abdullas.

24 July 1915

My dear Mother

I am glad to say your letter of the 14th turned up with this weeks mail. Many thanks for it and the parcel on the way, they generally take a little longer to come but will probably be here next week. Many thanks also for all your good wishes, I have been away for many of these days, but this I think will be the strangest I have had.

There is no need to worry about my horse, I have got to know her tricks now, and she has quietened down a lot and only has occasional outbursts, which I am always ready for.

Sun Morning. I have just had a bath and done a little washing before breakfast, but have been at a standstill for the last 10 minutes waiting for the news spirit to work, but it won’t. I must stop now, as breakfast is ready. I shall not have time to add more after as the box is closed about 9 o’clock.

Love to you and all

Yours

Frank

30 July 1915

My darling Parents

We have been issued here with mosquito nets, life is now worth a little more.106 The only parcel we have received to date was the one with Abdulla cigarettes and the soaps which we are very grateful for, when next sending a little of our tooth powder would be a blessing. No news here, except we have to work harder than ever, only having one night at a time in bed, it runs alternately in bed, on guard, this is of course besides the work for the day, some of us feel very tired out at times. In future I shall mention the dates of your letters, so that we can see if any go amiss, glad you are receiving all ours, am afraid at times they are very short and no news, but it tells you how we are keeping which is the chief thing. When my new horse comes I will write and tell you about him. At the present moment of writing we are both fit, I do not think May need worry about Frank at the present he is very well, please tell her from me.

Ever your loving son

Per

While the Egyptian garrison waited for the Ottomans to attack the canal, at Gallipoli matters had become acute. In early June, the failure of the British assaults – the Third Battle of Krithia of 4 June 1915, and the Battle of Gully Ravine some eighteen days later – meant that the commander-in-chief in the Dardanelles, General Sir Ian Hamilton, was running out of ideas. The regular 29th Division, bolstered by the Territorial 42nd (East Lancashire) Division fresh from Egypt, had again made attempts to capture the heights of Achi Baba, while there was a holding operation in the more geographically limited Anzac Sector of the peninsula. Helles seemed a tough nut to crack, and with the ‘fire-eater’ Hunter-Weston commanding the 29th Division being invalided home with sunstroke, options were ever more limited.

The Dardanelles adventure was becoming a major embarrassment to the government. The naval campaign, the germination of the idea, was stalled and unlikely to be resumed in the near future without the principal objective of the military campaign – the neutralisation of the threats to the navy – being enacted.

In early June, with the possibility of failure looming large, Lord Kitchener moved from his previously intransigent position – that no further reinforcements could be spared for the Dardanelles – and proposed that with Hamilton’s assertion in late May and suitably bolstered by fresh troops, it should be possible to break the Ottoman stranglehold on the Allied beachheads. On 5 July, with little hope of a decisive engagement on the Western Front, Lord Kitchener agreed that five divisions should be sent to Gallipoli, and that, for a brief two-week period only, the supply of artillery shells be diverted wholly to the Dardanelles. Tellingly:

He informed the Government at the same time that in case of necessity he would also allow Sir Ian Hamilton to call upon Sir John Maxwell, commanding the Egyptian garrison, for 15,000 British and Indian troops from Egypt. But neither of these officers was informed of his intention until the latter part of July.ix

This confusion would have ramifications. According to the official historian, C.F. Aspinall-Oglander:

The arguments which preceded the despatch of 5,000 dismounted Yeomanry to Gallipoli were symptomatic of the difficulties which Sir Ian Hamilton experienced throughout almost the whole period of his command in obtaining reinforcements for the Expeditionary Force.x

What followed was a confusion of farcical proportions. Kitchener had promised men, but in a number of communications seemed to waiver in his resolve. Maxwell, keen to ensure that the most vital of all waterways be protected from an Ottoman threat, however remote, was reluctant to release any more ‘garrison troops’ from his command. And Ian Hamilton, with the offer of seemingly adequate troop numbers for the first time in his command, was equally reluctant to relinquish them. He recalled the affair in his Gallipoli Diary:

In the cable telling me I would have 205,000 troops for my push, the S. of S. [Kitchener] had informed me categorically that 8,500 Yeomanry and mounted troops in Egypt ... were mine. As the present garrison of Egypt was 5,000 and as, further, there is no question of serious attack on Egypt from outside ... I therefore wired to Maxwell and asked him to organise a portion of the 8,500 mounted men, in order that, at a pinch, they might be able to come and reinforce us here.xi

As Hamilton would also report, Kitchener seemed to renege on his promise, when he once more cabled the commander-in-chief in the Dardanelles over the matter of the ‘Egyptian Garrison troops’:

Maxwell wires that you are taking 300 officers and 5,000 men of his mounted troops. I do not quite understand why you require Egyptian Garrison troops when you have the 13th Division and Alexandria, and the 14th, the last six battalions of which are arriving in five to six days, on the Aquitania.xii

When the 2nd mounted Division left England for Egypt at the end of April, Lord Kitchener intended it as a reinforcement for Gallipoli, ‘if Sir Ian Hamilton needs it’. But Sir John Maxwell, commanding in Egypt, was soon urging that he could not spare it, and there for the next three months, while the Expeditionary Force was languishing for more troops, it was retained for garrison duty.xiii

Hamilton put an end to the debate by guaranteeing that he would not ask for the yeomen until all the other troops at his disposal were ‘used up’; Kitchener relented, again asserting that Hamilton should not hesitate to ask for ‘Maxwell’s troops’ if he required them. With Hamilton sure he would need them, Maxwell was forced to release ‘5,000 rifles’ for service in Gallipoli as dismounted infantry. Captain Wedgwood Benn of the Middlesex Hussars, the senior regiment in the brigade, was, for one, hopeful that this would happen:

The only relief from the tedium of our camp at Ismailia, by far the dullest spot I was in during the War, was the persistent rumour that we were soon to be moved to this theatre [Gallipoli] on which all our hopes were fixed. But month after month passed without news. It was probably with the intention of including our brigade in the first Suvla landing that at the end of July the definite announcement was made that we were, forthright, to equip as infantry.xiv

To make up this number of men, to the 2nd Mounted Division was added a fifth brigade, composed of the 1/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry, and more London yeomen, the 1/2nd County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons). Orders were received by the division to prepare for its move on 2 August 1915; in just under three weeks, the Yeomen of England would see their first action in the First World War. Yet the orders to move were not without some confusion.

The Rough Riders’ War Diary survives from the 1 August 1915;xv in the clipped language of the day, the regiment’s adjutant, Lieutenant Underwood, recorded the muddle associated with the orders and counter-orders to move:

1st Aug 1915 SUEZ Col G.V. CLARKE DSO Comdg City Y, Capt and Adjt H.W. MALLET and Major and QM A.C. SHAWYER proceed to HQ 4th Mounted Bde ISMAILIA to receive instructions to regiments move. Returned same day arriving at 4.30

3 August 1913

My dear Father

I am sorry to be late in writing but I was suddenly called up for dock guard so did not get time. We are living in rumours again, for the last 4 or 5 days we have heard that there is a move coming. Now we have heard definitely that we are to hold ourselves in readiness to move off at any moment, so we have packed our saddles and handed them into stores, as we shall not be taking our horses with us at present. We believe our destination is Gallipoli, but as I say nothing is yet certain and we may only be there for a short time, anyhow we have been told that our last opportunity for using the Field Post Office stops at 12 today, so I wanted you to have a line to let you know what is happening and warn you not to worry if our letters stop for some time. We shall of course write whenever opportunity permits, and the Service P.C.s here I must stop turn out for drill.

Breakfast over, which we were in need of after an hour and half foot drill followed by stables, so came back wet and dusty. The last post from here is 12 o’clock today so I must finish up as I have several things yet to do and other letters to write.

Love to all, yours

Frank

3 August 1915

My darling Parents

I suppose by this time you are back from your holidays, well I hope you are both feeling very much better. I am glad to say I am quite fit again. The latest news here is that we are off to the Dardanelles in a day or two, we are not taking our horses we have been turned into infantry, we have made all preparations for moving we may meet the Stoecker boys107 as this regiment is going I hear. Think you had better address our letters with the old address, if it should be altered again will try and let you know. You must not worry if our letters are few and far between, as no doubt our time will be fully occupied. Please remember me to all kind friends at Muswell Hill.

Ever your loving son

Per

Don’t worry whatever you do, as we shall both turn up again.

7 August 1915

My dear Mother

There is no news to give you, I think I told you everything in last Thursday’s letter and this is only to tell you that after all we are not going to the Dardanelles but are to remain here. Of course we are all sorry not to be going, as we want to do our little bit, but I know you will be glad to know that we are not in it, anyhow at present, somehow I don’t think now we shall get another opportunity of going.

I don’t remember if I mentioned in my last letter, that the parcel of books etc., had arrived on the Sunday previous, in the excitement of going away it is quite likely that I did, however, many thanks for it all. This is only a line to let you know that we are not going away so will stop now.

Love to all, yours

Frank

8 August 1915

My darling Parents

I am afraid my last letter will have given you rather a shock, well you need not worry we are still here. Our General108 wrote to Sir Ian Hamilton,109 he wrote to Lord Kitchener asking if we might be sent to Gallipoli, but General Maxwell who is in Command of the forces in Egypt said he would not be responsible if anything happened here if so many troops were moved. The Colonel110 paraded the regiment and said how sorry he was that we were not to go, but said we must take this disappointment as we had taken the others, that in future shall not advise you of our movements until it is an accomplished fact.

All our saddles, swords, etc., had all been stored, and we had a good bye concert when our Colonel said we were really going this time. You see nothing is certain on this game. Your letters of 23 and 28 July and papers all received yesterday, think the postal department must be weary at times, when we receive about five dated five days later. You had better address letters to the new address I told you, you can still use the envelopes simply add to them, sure that will be alright.

Three of us have come out for a swim this afternoon, after we go to Suez to have dinner. I finished my swim first and am writing this letter on a brick, hence the scribble. Will you please send me £3 from my August cheque? It will come through quite safely if you send it registered. You seem to want such a lot of money here. I am keeping quite fit, also Frank.

I have got quite a nice pony in place of the one that died, I like him very much. Frank’s parcel for his b’day came quite safely, and thank you so much for the Abdulla cigarettes you enclosed for me. We have just had a splendid dinner and have come on to our club to finish this letter. Two rooms, one for music and one for writing, a school by day. We must now be getting back to camp.

Ever your loving son

Per

11 August 1915

My darling Parents

Since my last two letters, one telling you we were going to the Dardanelles, and the next cancelling it. Well it seems we might be going yet, we are getting ready to move, so perhaps I may be able to tell you something definite when I write on Saturday. We are both keeping fit, the last few days seem to have been much cooler, which makes it much easier to do ones work. This is only a note.

Ever your loving son

Per

13 August 1915

Just a card to say we are on board, about ready to sail. We are both fit, although tired. Don’t worry about us will write as soon as possible, dear.

Love to all

Per

Notes

65 The illustration of SS Scotian in the picture section is the front face of Percy’s card.

66 The Rough Riders would normally wear breeches and putties. These trousers were referred to as ‘slacks’ by the brothers.

67 On board SS Toronto. The Toronto would be the first to arrive in Alexandria – leaving much to be done by the Rough Riders on board.

68 Both battalions of the County of London Yeomanry had been accommodated within the docks themselves, and were on hand to see off the first of their brigade to move overseas.

69 The Germans had declared a maritime ‘danger zone’ around the coast of Britain.

70 Army Veterinary Corps, Army Service Corps and Royal Engineers – all essential components of the 2nd Mounted Division.

72 Maltese boatmen, aware of their captive customers, plied a trade in the Grand Harbour at Valetta, supplying soldiers with postcards, fruit and all manner of goods.

75 Sappers of the Royal Engineers, and naval personnel. Captain Wedgwood Benn of the Middlesex Hussars recalled: ‘The Roughriders … had enjoyed a splendid spectacular view of one of the preliminary bombardments, and when we met them again in Egypt some of them were beginning to show traces of the “narrow shave” infection in conversation.’ In the Side Shows, p.13.

76 ‘When an ear-splitting explosion resounded through the ship, everyone tumbled from his bed and feared the worst, only to find on reaching the deck that it was the “Queen Elizabeth” using her main armament against some remote target!’ A.S. Hamilton, City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders), 1936, p.33.

77 ‘Of what was happening ashore no authentic news reached the ship, but from officers who went sight-seeing, the men who rowed them, and the crews of lighters which came alongside, something was learned of the bitter fighting and the crippling losses.’ A.S. Hamilton, City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders), 1936, p.32.

78 SE/559 Private Ernest William Scutt, 11th Veterinary Section, Army Veterinary Corps, died of pneumonia and was buried at sea on 3 May 1915; he is commemorated on the Chatby Memorial, Alexandria.

79 ‘The horses were all on the decks, and for those in the bowels of the ship [the Toronto] the atmosphere was appalling … It was not surprising therefore that the septic pneumonia the remounts had brought on board soon spread to the Regiment’s horses … two or three horses a day succumbed.’ A.S. Hamilton, City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders), 1936, p.34.

81 Italy joined the Entente Powers, formally declaring war on Austria–Hungary on 23 May 1915, though it had revoked the Triple Alliance (with this country and Germany) on 3 May.

82 After the sinking of RMS Lusitania in early May 1915, there were widespread anti-German riots across Britain. On 12 May 1915, Prime Minister Herbert Asquith announced a policy of ‘segregation and internment’ of enemy aliens. By November 1915, some 32,440 men had been interned, and some 10,000 older men, women and children ‘repatriated’ to their country of origin.

85 Field Service Postcards were pro forma cards that required the sender to strike out the phrases that did not apply in their case; these cards were used as a convenient means of letting the people at home know that their loved one was safe. However, as they were often sent prior to, or after, an engagement, they could be associated with a difficult time ‘at the front’. Percy’s card is illustrated in the picture section.

87 The Japanese, allies of France and Britain, operated mostly in Asia and the Pacific.

89 ‘Water on the knee’ is the body’s reaction to an injury to the ligaments, in order to surround the injured area with protective liquid.

90 The first Zeppelin raid over London was that of LZ-28, which attacked the city on 31 May 1915. Flying over the northern suburbs, the airship dropped some ninety incendiary devices, and thirty grenades. In all the raid killed seven civilians and injured thirty-five more.

92 Officers were required to censor the letters of their soldiers, and to indicate this had taken place, would sign the envelope.

93 Referring to the Zeppelin raids over London; total casualties inflicted by airships over Britain during the war was some 1,914, of which 556 were killed.

94 Percy’s comment is accurate; the campaign was heading towards stalemate at Cape Helles by this stage of the war.

96 Peritonitis in horses is commonly a result of the ingestion of sand, which attacks the stomach wall. This was a constant threat in Egypt.

98 The Cable Ship Cambria was built in 1905, and worked for the Eastern Telegraph Company in the Red Sea during the First World War. The Talley brothers’ father, George Talley, had worked in the submarine cable industry.

99 Eastern Telegraph Company; the ship was sold to the ETC in 1912, having originally been built for the Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Company Ltd.

100 Frank Talley had served with the 3rd London Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, prior to the war; he would later be commissioned into the brigade.

101 The Narrows, as their name suggests, are the narrowest part of the Dardanelles; there was no truth in the rumour that the ships had reached this point, though battle was still raging on land.

103 It was reported in the Allied press on 14 July 1915 that a deputation of German bankers had met with the Kaiser to inform him that prolonging the war into another winter almost certainly would mean bankruptcy for Germany. He seems not to have heeded the advice.

104 ‘The case for a new War Loan is overwhelming. Since the yield of the last War Loan ceased to cover the cost of the war, the country has been living from hand to mouth on money brought in by the issue of Treasury bills.’ The Spectator, 26 June 1915.

106 Two Rough Riders died from illness – enteric fever – while at Suez, caused by the heat and flies. Both men, Troopers A.C. and H.S. Herring, who were unrelated, are buried in Suez War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt, the first of the City yeomen to die in the war.

107 Charles (Karl) and Max Stoecker of the 4th County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons), a regiment that was destined to join the 2nd Mounted Division for Gallipoli as part of the newly attached 5th Brigade.

109 Commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and commander of the Gallipoli Campaign.

i. George MacMunn & Cyril Falls, Military Operations: Egypt & Palestine, 1928, p.7.

xv. War Diary, 2nd Mounted Division, 2nd (Composite) Brigade, The National Archives, Kew.