Tweed Daily (NSW)
26 May 1915
Sergeant J. McKinley writes to a member of the "Daily" staff from "Egypt , as follows:-
At last, the long promised letter. We have arrived at the above named place safe, and sound. We had a beautiful trip all the way. Of course you know that there were two boats left with the N.S.W. and Queensland troops on board. We then proceeded without further trouble, and then a very enjoyable trip. There were plenty of sports aboard, boxing, etc., to keep the men from getting stale. We lay at the wharf for two days, and the Major gave us a route march of about four miles and needless to say it was enjoyed by all hands. The native band escorted us. We steamed away for Egypt arrived at Suez and all hands were greatly disappointed when they learned they had to disembark.
We entrained to Cairo, where we arrived at two o'clock in the morning. We were there detailed for Ahessia Camp but only remained there two or three days. We were then sent to join our own battalion which is stationed at Aredrome Camp not far from Cairo. Nearly all the Australian and New Zealand troops are stationed here for how long we don't know, but when we do move it will be a big one.
General Ian Hamilton inspected us the other day, and had it been on good grassy land it would have been a beautiful sight, but the dust here is something frightful. They give us plenty of work in this dusty hole, route marches stretching over two or three days and I can assure you that it is not too pleasant tramping over these sandy deserts; sand as far as the eye can see. Many's the time I have longed for one of Tom O'Brien's pints.
I have been down to see the New Zealanders, and there are dozens of fellows that I know. I have met most of the Tweed boys since I arrived, and they all enquire after the good old Tweed and its lovely green valleys. I was with H. Gill and F. Jamieson last night and spent a very nice evening. I also met Molesworth over here. He's Farrier-Sergeant with the Light Horse and was rather surprised to see me. H. Gill and F. Jamieson and I have arranged to spend next Saturday in Cairo, but from what I have heard to-day I don't think it will come off. By the time you receive this letter we will be having Turkey for dinner, and that is what the boys are looking for.
I have not been to see Cairo or the Pyramids but from what the boys say about Cairo, it's the lowest town under the sun. I could tell you things that happen in this town that would make you turn your head.
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Soldier Identified: Sergeant Joseph McKinley (otherwise known as Michael Francis Ryan), B Company, 15th Battalion, 4th Brigade, A.I.F. Michael Francis Ryan, born in Seymour, Victoria, enlisted under the assumed name Joseph McKinley on 16 December 1914 in Murwillumbah NSW. No details are available as to why he enlisted under an assumed name. He was Killed-in-Action 8 August 1915, Gallipoli Peninsula.
- Soldier's Letter (1915, May 26). Tweed Daily (Murwillumbah, NSW : 1914 - 1949), p. 4.
- Two Tweed Heroes (1915, October 11). Tweed Daily (Murwillumbah, NSW : 1914 - 1949), p. 2.
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