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Alexandria. October 1943.
Posted 09:32, Tuesday 16 May 06.
It reminds me of Durell's Quartet of Alexandria in which he describes, with great subtility, the fairly insouciant atmosphere which prevailed in Alexandria and Cairo while Mountgomery was fighting his guts out to win the battle of El Alamein.
My grandfather lived in Egypt (and partly Syria) from the thirties up to Faruk's destitution in the fifthies. He was appointed there as chairman of the tramway company which, prior to the 'Great Nationalization', was run by the Belgian. He took a lot of pictures. Knowing my great interest in them, my aunt and uncles offered me to keep his photo albums which I'm patiently restoring and scanning for duplication.
Talking about Durell, I finally managed to get a copy of his humorous book entitled Antrobus Complete which is unfortunatly out of print. I like it very much. So British in style!
Comment 1:
Wow! That's really interesting, Sheri. This kind of information is priceless (for you and your family I mean).
My own family history is peppered with interest too - though in less interesting locations! :)
My own Grandfater - who was cousin to Fred Perry the tennis player and men's clothing designer - was the Southern area manager for a dvision of British Rail. This took him through the war as it was considered a vital service etc. I don't have many photograps, sadly, as my family became "fragmented" and I did not inherit any. though I do have his war-time "Home-Guard" berry!
Posted by Nigel, 10:23, Tuesday 16 May 06
Comment 2:
What 's a "Home-Guard" berry?
Posted by Sheri, 17:09, Tuesday 16 May 06
Comment 3:
Well the correct word is "beret" which will be one familiar I'm sure. I think I was just being a bit frivlous there!! My apologies :)
The "Home Guard" were various regional military units set up for men who were not actually sent to war as their jobs were often considered vital at home. Rather like your own Grandfather in charge of trams etc., I might guess. You might have seen the BBC TV series "Dad's Army"?
Posted by Nigel, 20:05, Tuesday 16 May 06
Comment 4:
Actually, Dad's Army is currently broadcasted on BBC 7. Funny you mention it.
Posted by Sheri, 21:20, Tuesday 16 May 06
Comment 5:
Sheri: Is it just me, or is there a hint of Brinsley in that picture of your Dad?
I think it is the mischievous smile and the wild blond hair...
Posted by John, 14:26, Wednesday 17 May 06
Comment 6:
Yes, they seem to share those features. The funny thing is that it jumped a generation. I didn't look like my father at all.
Posted by Sheri, 18:24, Wednesday 17 May 06
Comment 7:
Well they all look very healthy and glamourous! Please tell us more, Sheri! :)
Posted by Nigel, 22:30, Wednesday 17 May 06
Comment 8:
I don't know Quarter of Alexandria, but an interesting take on the pictures. I just saw an old photo of my fairly recently deceased grandfather. It smacked of the old photos of Manchester for some reason. Run-down, dreary, hard times.
Posted by Travis, 18:53, Friday 19 May 06