HLI Chronicle 1921 - The Royal Highland Fusiliers

lUUlILAXI) LWIIl' INFANTRY CffRONICLE.
41
lost much music by his absence. By that
same token the prospects of his" Rooty gong"
deteriorates considerably.
The train occupied about, two and a half
hours. Arrived at Tel-el-Kebir, the party
paraded outside the railway station, and
marched off to the tune of " The Campbells
are Coming."
After the ceremony (described elsewhere in
this issue), the party dispersed to inspect the
cemetery and graves. A G.S. wagon, drawn
by six mules, took them out to the battlefield.
This ride wa·s somewhat more uncomfortable
than the ride through Cairo, as more than one
member complained of stiffness and jolt
bruises.
Here, on the spot, they had the position,
the plan of attack, and the attack fully described
and explained to them.
Then thev wandered around the trenches
and forts in search of souvenirs and for
photographs. Our Mess Camera Fiend was
not with the party, and it is regrettable that
his deputy, after securing some good snaps,
including one of a certain W.O. "caught
bending," had the misfortune to. lose the
camera and films.
The 5th Dragoon Guards, with whom we
voyaged to this country, were stationed at
1'el-el-Kebir, and treated our party very well.
Their movements and ours coincide, and we
shall be frequent neighbours during our tour
of service out here. At present they are nnder
canvas on the desert, but will shortlv be moving
to better quarters. "
The party arrived back in Cairo about five
o'clock, and spent the evening in various
amusements in the city before returning to
barracks, well satisfied with a very enjoyable
and interesting day.
The first whist drive (on Friday, 10th
December) was quite a success. The attached
members participating added to the numbers
and to the merriment- a prominent member
of the R.A.P.C. winning the" booby." The
interval was enlivened by music and SOll.g,
and by a character sketch by Sgt. IIowson.
Messing arrangements and accommodation
were severely taxed by the attachment of 23
members of the R.A.P.C. and C.M.A., but
amicabllO .arrangements were successfully obtained.
Sunday, 12th December, was spent in
preparation for G.O.C.'s inspection, on account
of which church parades were cancelled.
A small party of our members visited Luna
Park-to the benefit of at least one very bad
sailor. After several rounds of the switchback
railway and the waterchutt>, he no longer
dreads the return voyage by sea, and may at
some future day return home. It is believed
that he is taking a. systematic course of
switchback and waterchute, and advises all
bad sailors to join him. .
On Friday, 17th December, after our
Commanding Officer had handed over command,
he, accompanied by Mrs. Grahame,
honoured our Mess with a visit for the purpose
of personally bidding fa,;.'ewell to every member.
This gave Regimental Sgt.-Major Waddel
an opportunity to present to Lieut.-Colonel
Grahame, as a memento of the days spent
with us, a. case of pipes, subscribed for by all
members. Our Colonel's pleasure and delighted
surprise were very gratifying, and his kindly.
words in parting will always be borne in mind.
The best wishes of our Mess go with him always
throughout his well-deserved rest.
There was room for many more players
at the whist drive on Fridav, 17th--counterattractions
in Cairo causing ~weral absentees
The interlude was nearly spoiled by that very
necessary ·duty "Last Post." Sgt. HowsoD,
in the middle of an entertaining sermon on
"Mary had a little lamb," hearing the first
notes of the bugle, frantically grabbed his
watrh, belt, and stick, and murmuring" Good
God, I'm for the Post," rushed off. The
impromptu prayer fitted in quite well, but
no parson has ever left a pulpit in like manner.
Christmas festivities amongst Ollr English
neighbours (Middlesex, Hussars, and Artillery)
brought many invitations and convivial meetings,
and we got quite busy in the preparation
for the New Year.
The Middlesex Sergeants, sending an open
invitation to their dance on New Year's eve,
offered a welcome opening to our festivities.
We invaded the dance hall in force, and spent
three good hours before leaving at 11.30 to be
home at Hogmanay.
New Year's Day was spent in traditional
Regimental manner, and everyone thoroughly
enjoyed themselves. Our Mess Committee
had worked strenuously. with bunting, paper,
and tartan plaids, and transformed our
whitewashed barn into a cheery decorated
dining-room. At 8 p.m. we sat "down to an
excellent dinner. The splendid efforts of
Sgt. Osborne in this respect, who prepared
and served a most enjoyable meal, under very