Australian troops at the Pyramids
Australian and New Zealand troops arrived in Egypt in December 1914. They set up Mena Camp near the Great Pyramids outside Cairo and began training in preparation for the Western Front and Gallipoli. This footage sees them exploring the extraordinary landmarks - the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
While they waited in Egypt to be deployed, the Australian and New Zealand forces were formed into the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) under the command of Lieutenant General William Birdwood. The training the Anzacs received was only rudimentary, and did little to prepare them for what was to come.
Australian troops at the Pyramids
Australian and New Zealand troops arrived in Egypt in December 1914. They set up Mena Camp near the Great Pyramids outside Cairo and began training in preparation for the Western Front and Gallipoli. This footage sees them exploring the extraordinary landmarks - the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
While they waited in Egypt to be deployed, the Australian and New Zealand forces were formed into the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) under the command of Lieutenant General William Birdwood. The training the Anzacs received was only rudimentary, and did little to prepare them for what was to come.
Year: 1914
Length: 00:45
Production Company: Pathe
Source: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Catalogue Reference: NFSA title 77966
Location: Eqypt
Tags: Australia, Anzacs, Egypt, Pyramids, troops, Australia, Birdwood
Subject: Pyramids
The AIF convoy of ten transport ships and several warships departed from Albany, WA on 1 November 1914, for British-controlled Egypt. Upon arrival they based themselves at Camp Mena, about 16 kilometres outside Cairo and within sight of the Great Pyramids.
The men’s letters home reveal that, released from the restraints of family commitments, and afraid of what lay ahead of them on the battlefields, they became unruly. “The men are playing up a treat here. They get into town, forget that they are Australians, forget their uniform, their self-respect, & associate themselves with the very lowest vices & pleasures. We Australians have a bad name already…” (Bert; 27 December 1914).
As it was so near to Christmas, Princess Mary, the 17-year-old daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, started a public appeal to ensure that every soldier received a present. This was in the form of a brass tin filled with various gifts such as tobacco, confectionary, spices, pencils, a notebook, postcards and a picture of the princess.
Australian troops at the Pyramids
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Egypt
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Australian troops wander around the pyramids and Sphynx. Some ride donkeys.