Egypt - December 1915

Thomas arrived at Port Suez (1) on Tuesday 7th December 1915 on the troopship Ascanius (codenane A11).  He went ashore with the 29^th Battalion and boarded a train to the Aerodrome Camp at Heliopolis (2), just outside Cairo.  In Heliopolis, The Palace Hotel (see photo) became a large military hospital for injured ANZACs from the Gallipoli campaign who required medical treatment. 

After arriving at Heliopolis, Thomas was given a few days recreational leave. Thomas visited Cairo, which was only 9kms from Heliopolis. Thomas and other members of his section visited many famous sights in and around Cairo and for a young working class man from Melbourne, some of the attractions would have been confronting.    Thomas' Section Corporal, George Spooner wrote,  "we went to see the dance (Can Can) and this was truly the vilest thing I have ever seen or wish to see".  



From the Australian War Memorial archives  Thomas probably used the opportunity to visit the 4500 year old Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which are located near the Nile river and only 19kms from Cairo. .     The photo shows members of the 29th Battalion with pyramid and Great Sphinx in background. (Corporal Spooner from No 8 section second from left).  

On Tuesday 13th December 1915, Thomas travelled by train to Ismailia.  From there he boarded a barge with his battalion, which was towed by a steamer along the Suez Canal to Serepeum (3).  

In late 1915, the Australian command was concerned that the Turks would attack the Suez.  The 29th Battalion became responsible for guarding the central sector of the Suez defence line.  Specifically, Thomas' 29th Battalion, 'D' Company was assigned to Serapeum West where he worked to strengthen defence structures and maintained the railway lines.

On Christmas day, Thomas received a special food issue of plum pudding and can of fruit, which was small comfort for the harsh desert conditions he had to endure.  During the day, temperatures were extremely hot whilst at night it was very cold.  Sand permeated every aspect of his living conditions.   Water was scarce in the outer sentry posts and soldiers were only allowed one bottle of water per day.