Information for those on their way home
Title
Information for those on their way home
Description
A booklet with advice for returning ex-prisoners of war and civilians who are stopping at Adabiya.
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Language
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18 page booklet
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
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SMilsonGW937875v20011
Transcription
INFORMATION for THOSE ON THEIR WAY HOME
FROM THE FAR EAST AND WHO ARE STOPPING AT ADABIYA, SUEZ, EN ROUTE
[crest]
THE MIDDLE EAST COMMAND
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
Our Welcome To You
To all of you on your journey home, whether in the Services or not, this brings you a warm welcome to the Middle East Command.
You may be here for up to 48 hours and the reason for this break is to provide you with the warm clothing you will need on arrival in England. Our object will be to make this break as pleasant as possible and to provide such entertainments as we can while you are here. This pamphlet tells you what will happen here.
Whatever you may think of our arrangements you can be sure of one thing – they have been tackled with the greatest keenness by everyone connected with them.
This clothing of thousands of people of all sizes and sexes is no small job. We shall have not had much information about your size and shape before you arrive, and you will realise that the quality of clothing has not got any better in the past four years of war. But we have done everything to produce our best for you.
Outfitting you with clothing will take place at ATAKA. The outfitting of individuals will not be a long process but to deal with all the passengers of your ship will take some time. Therefore, we have organised recreational facilities at ADABIYA to fill in your time of waiting.
There is a plan at the end of this pamphlet showing both places and the facilities of each.
[page break]
SECTION I
ISSUE OF WARM CLOTHING AT ATAKA
We are providing you with a free issue of warm clothing on arrival in Egypt. Outfitting will be carried out at the clothing centre, ATAKA, which is shown in the plan at the end of this pamphlet.
As some ships are containing passengers who are not entitled to free clothing we have asked your O.C. Ship to issue you with a clothing permit to show us you are entitled to free clothing.[italics] Please would you take this permit to the clothing centre [/italics].
JOURNEY TO THE CLOTHING CENTRE
You will be in a party of 400 which will be organised to travel by train from the docks to the clothing centre. The train journey will only take about 15 minutes.
On arrival at the clothing centre your party will be guided to a waiting room, where you will find comfortable chairs, reading and writing materials, a children’s playground, first-aid post and a shop. There will also be light refreshments for you.
From the waiting room you will be called by loudspeaker to the clothing shed.
In this shed there are four separate lanes – one for ladies and children, one for officers of all Services, one for other ranks, and one for civilian men.
As you move down your own particular lane you will be given, firstly, a bag and then the clothing shown on the relevant list at the end of this pamphlet.
We want you to make sure that the clothing we issue fits you, but we would be most grateful if you would be as quick as possible over fittings, as there will be up to 2,000 people on board your ship whom we have to pass through this “machine.”
[italics] In your own interest would you put your name on the label we issue to you and tie it firmly to your bag. [/italics]
SPECIAL GIFT BAGS
The British Red Cross and St. John’s War Organisation is giving a special gift bag to you if you have not already received one in the FAR EAST.
Please will you collect this from the Red Cross office at the end of your “lane” after you have received your clothing.
INTERROGATION FORMS
When you arrive in the waiting room you will be given an interrogation form which we should be grateful if you would complete and hand to the interrogation officer who will be present. [italics] This is important. [/italics]
4
[page break]
JOURNEY BACK TO ADABIYA
When you have obtained all your clothing and your Red Cross parcel you can return to ADABIYA, where your ship is berthed, either by train or by bus.
Returning by train may mean a small delay, but we would ask you to do this if possible as the number of buses is limited and we wish to reserve them for the use of people who have some special reason for getting back to the ship quickly (such as mothers of young children or those who are not feeling too fit.).
If you are returning by train, would you walk back to the waiting-room where parties for the train will be collected. Helpers are available to assist you with your luggage.
SECTION II
ENTERTAINMENTS AT ADABIYA
The plan at the end of this pamphlet shows you the following places where entertainment is available:-
(a) THE RESTAURANT – where there is a continuous CINEMA and a CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.
(b) THE CAMP of 1001 Docks Operation Company – where there is a SWIMMING POOL FOR MEN who are GOOD SWIMMERS.
(c) “SANDY BEACH.” Where there is GOOD BATHING suitable for CHILDREN.
(d) TRIPS round the HARBOUR or to GREEN ISLAND by launch or “Z” craft.
The Restaurant Area
In the Main building are reading and writing rooms, a restaurant where light refreshments may be obtained without charge, and an information room manned by military and Red Cross officers who will always be available to help you over any difficulties.
There is also a N.A.A.F.I./E.F.I. shop here at which gifts and necessities may be bought.
Toilet rooms and a shower bath for ladies are nearby, whilst shower baths and conveniences for men will be found just outside the building.
On the other side of the road from the restaurant you will find:-
[italics] A post office [/italics] from which you can cable.
[italics] A left luggage office [/italics] where any belongings you may care to leave will be kept safely for you.
[italics] A cinema [/italics] where there is a continuous performance.
[italics] A small refreshment room. [/italics]
1001 Dock Company’s Camp
The Officer Commanding and all ranks of the company offer a hearty welcome to any officers and men who wish to visit the camp, which is only a few hundred yards from the dock gates (see plan). Light refreshments will be available, and there is a good swimming pool here, but it is deep, and only good swimmers should use it. For those who wish to bathe here, however, bathing slips and towels will be provided on loan.
5
[page break]
“Sandy Beach”
“Sandy Beach” lies about three miles from the harbour. It is ideal for children – either as a playground or for bathing, for the water here is very shallow.
Buses and guides are available at the docks to take parties to this beach. The 1st Battn. The Caribbean Regiment has prepared a camp with dressing rooms, etc., and here we can provide both ladies, gentlemen and children with bathing dresses and towels.
At this beach there will be an ambulance and mobile canteen so that you can get tea.
May we say here that we should be most grateful if you would remember to return bathing dresses and towels before you leave. They have had to be made in a hurry and consequently their supply is limited. If you do take them away it will mean that passengers in following ships will not be able to bathe if they want to.
Sea Trips
“Z” craft, fitted with good seats and an awning, and also a launch will be available for trips round the harbour and to Green Island. These craft depart from the quay.
SECTION III
ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
Post Office
Besides the post office near the restaurant you will find another in the dock area.
For further information please will you turn to page 8.
Bands – Entertainment
Two bands will be available, one playing on the docks or at the clothing centre, the other in the restaurant area.
E.N.S.A. parties of entertainers are being arranged for some of the ships. We are sorry that we may not be able to provide these parties for every ship but we are trying to do so.
Welfare
Arrangements are being made to send book, papers, games, etc., aboard all ships for the onward passage to England.
Red Cross Welfare officers in uniform will be on duty both at the clothing depot and at the N.A.A.F.I restaurant. These ladies will be prepared to help you in every way.
Every effort is being made to enable any of your near relatives in the Middle East to contact you through the agency of the Red Cross who have already received many enquiries.
Red Cross and information officers are travelling home with you. Their object will be to put you in the picture regarding past events, the plans for Release and Resettlement, the conditions you will find at home, etc.
Laundry
We have arranged for any clothes you may want washed to be laundered if your ship is here for 48 hours. Laundry, [italics] property bundled and marked, [/italics] will be collected on board ship.
6
[page break]
Financial Matters
We are very sorry that we cannot actually issue you with money here, but we are sure you will realise the enormous complications regarding accounts should we do so. We are, however, making certain that the O.C. of your ship has enough money to issue you with what you are entitled to receive.
We do realise, however, that you may want a great deal of information regarding pay and other financial matters. We have, therefore, arranged for a paymaster and a representative from Barclays Bank to be available while you are here in order to answer your questions if possible. For officers and other ranks of the Army there is also a representative of Officer-in-Charge 2nd Echelon, who will be able to answer general questions about service, release, regulations about medals and all the hundred and one connected matters.
Medical
Arrangements have been made for patients to be seen by specialists, including the dental surgeon of 13th General Hospital at Suez.
SECTION IV
GENERAL POINTS
Shore Leave
We are sorry that we can only allow you ashore until dusk each day and that only places shown on the plant may be visited. These rules may seem rather arbitrary, but any “breaking of the bounds” will cause complications with the Egyptian authorities, who have stretched their regulations considerably to allow you to land at all without a proper medical inspection.
Visitors
Near relatives are being allowed to visit passengers at ADABIYA, either at the restaurant or on board ship. We are doing our best to help them find you, but often passenger lists do not allow sufficient time for us to find out that you are coming and to tell them in what ship you are.
Hawkers
You are strongly advised not to buy anything from hawkers on the roads or from boats as the food and drinks supplied by these vendors are often dangerous, and the prices for their goods are quite exorbitant, as you know!
Traffic Rules
In Egypt all traffic drives on the right side of the road and some of the native drivers consider all roads as speed tracks. To mothers and fathers especially – please take care of your children!
FINALE
We look upon it as a privilege to be able to do anything we can for you on your way home. There are more who will follow you, and any ideas which you can give us to improve our arrangements will be very welcome. If you can do this, please will you use the last page of this booklet for your suggestions and hand it to the information bureau in the restaurant before you leave.
GOOD LUCK, BON VOYAGE, AND A VERY HAPPY RETURN HOME.
7
[page break]
R.A.P.W.I. FROM FAR EAST – POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS
1. Two Army Post Offices will be established in the reception area at ADABIYA – one on the quayside and one adjoining the E.F.I. canteen.
2. Arrangements will be made to deliver aboard ship letters and telegrams redirected from the United Kingdom, India and the Far East.
3. The following postal facilities will be available at each A.P.O.:-
(i) sale of postage stamps
(ii) Sale and payment of postal orders.
(iii) Acceptance of letters, telegrams and other correspondence. Passengers are asked to hand their letters over the counter – there are no pillar boxes.
4. The principal postal and telegraph services available are as follows:-
(a) [italics] Letters [/italics] up to one ounce in weight conveyed by air FREE OF POSTAGE to the United Kingdom and all countries of the British Empire. Letters conveyed by air normally take four to five days between posting in Middle East and delivery in United Kingdom.
(b) [italics] E.F.M. Telegrams [/italics] consisting of three fixed phrases – available to the United Kingdom and countries of the British Empire. Details of the fixed phrases which may be used can be obtained at the A.P.O. The charge is 2s. 6d. for each telegram. E.F.Ms. normally take three to four days to reach the United Kingdom.
(c) [italics] Greetings Telegrams (G.L.T.) [/italics] may be sent to the United Kingdom and countries of the British Empire. The telegrams are composed by the sender. The charge is 5d per word, with a minimum charge of 5s. for 12 words. Greetings telegrams normally take two to three days to reach the United Kingdom.
(d) [italics] Letter Telegrams (D.L.T. or N.T.L.) [/italics] may be sent to the principal countries of the world. The telegrams are composed by the sender. The minimum charge is based upon a telegram of 25 words. The charges vary according to the country of destination. The charge to the United Kingdom is 8s. 4d. for 25 words. Letter telegrams normally take two to three days to reach the United Kingdom.
(e) In computing the charges for telegrams the address and sender’s name are charged for.
5. The Army Post Office can tell you all about other postal services to the British Empire and the services and charges to countries not in the British Empire.
8
[page break]
OFFICERS OF ALL SERVICES
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Bags, s/carrying, leather, W/L., Dev. Type “A” . . . 1
2. Bars, medal ribbon . . . 1
3. Ribbon, medal, silk, Burma Star . . . 2 1/2 ins.
4. Ribbon, medal, silk, Pacific Star . . . 2 1/2 ins.
5. Ribbon, medal, silk . . . 2 1/2 ins.
6. Ribbon, medal, silk . . . 2 1/2 ins
7. B.S., Crowns, Wst on Melton E.G. . . . 2 sets
8. B.S., Stars, Wstd on Melton E.G. . . . 2 sets
9. Badges, cap . . . 1
10. Brushes, tooth . . . 1
11. Caps, G.S. . . . 1
12. Gloves, leather, lined, U.K. . . . 1 pair
13. Handkerchiefs . . . 6
14. Socks, thick. U.K. . . . 3 pairs
15. Ties, drab . . . 2
16. Towels, Terry hand . . . 1
17. Towels, Terry, bath . . . 1
18. Scarves, woollen, offrs . . . 1
19. Drawers, wool, thin, short, U.K. . . . 3 pairs
20. Drawers, wool, thin, long, U.K. . . . 3 pairs
21. Vest, wool, thin, U.K. . . . 3 pairs
22. Pyjamas, thick, U.K. . . . 2 suits
23. Shirts, Angola, C/A . . . 3
24. Shoes, offrs., brown, U.K. . . . 1 pair
25. Coats, trench, W/P, offrs. . . . 1
26. Linings, camel, fleece . . . 1
27. Battle dress blouse, N.Z. . . . 1
28. Battle dress trousers, N.Z. . . . 1
9
[page break]
O.Rs – ARMY
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2
2. Bars, medal ribbon . . .
3. Ribbon silk, medal, Burma Star . . .
Ribbon silk, medal, Pacific Star . . .
Ribbon silk, medal . . .
Ribbon silk, medal . . .
4. Chevrons, worsted S.D. . . .
5. Badges, Arm worsted S.D. . . .
Crowns small . . .
Crown in Wreath . . .
Royal Arms . . .
6. Jerseys, pullover, men’s . . . 1
7. Shirts, angola, drab, grade I . . . 2
8. Socks, worsted, grade I . . . 2
9. Drawers, woollen, short, grade I . . . 2
10. Bags, kit, universal . . . 1
11. Cap, Comforters . . . 1
12. Gloves, knitted, drab . . . 1 pair
13. Brushes, tooth . . . 1
14. Brushes, shoe, polishing . . . 1
15. Blades . . . 3
16. Vests, woollen, medium, grade I . . . 2
17. Ties, O.B. . . . 1
18. Boots, ankle, No. 1, grade I . . . 1
19. Laces, leather, 30-in . . . 1 pair
20. Greatcoats, D.M., grade I . . . 1
21. Caps, G.S. . . . 1
22. Battle dress blouses, grade I . . . 1
23. Battle dress trousers, grade I . . . 1
10
[page break]
O.Rs. – R.A.F.
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2
2. Bars, medal ribbon . . . 1
3. Ribbons silk, medal, Burma Star . . .
Ribbons silk, medal, Pacific Star . . .
Ribbons, silk, medal, (1939/45) Star
Ribbons, silk, medal,
Ribbons, silk, medal,
*4. Chevrons, worsted . . .
*5. Badges, Arm - Eagles . . .
Props. . . .
W/Operations . . .
R/Arms . . .
Crowns . . .
as required
*6. Jerseys, pullover, B/G . . . 1
*7. Shirts, B/G . . . 2
*8. Collars, B/G . . . 4
*9. Socks, B/G . . . 2
10. Drawers, woollen, short, grade I . . . 2
11. Bags, kit, universal . . . 1
*12. Cap, comforters, B/G . . . 1
*13. Gloves, knitted, B/G . . . 1 pair
*14. Ties, O.Rs., black . . . 1
*15. Boots, Army or R.A.F. . . . 1 pair
16. Brushes, tooth . . . 1
17. Brushes, shoe, polishing . . . 1
18. Blades . . . 3
19. Vests, woollen, medium, grade . . . 2
20. Laces, leather, 30-in . . . 1 pair
*21. Greatcoats, Army or R.A.F. . . . 1
*22. Caps, F.S., O.R. or W.O. . . . 1
*23. Button stick . . . 1
*24. Studs, front . . . 1
*25. Studs, back . . . 1
*26. Air crew badges, brevets (as required) . . .
*R.A.F. Supply
11
[page break]
CIVILIAN MEN
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be Issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Overcoat . . . 1
2. Sweater (woollen) . . . 1
3. Trousers (flannel) . . . 1 pair
4. Sports jacket . . . 1
5. Dressing gown . . . 1
6. Shirts (khaki or sports) . . . 4
7. Braces . . . 1 pair
8. Socks (thick or thin) . . . 4 pairs
9. Vests (woollen) 4
10. Drawers (woollen, long) . . . 4 pairs
11. Pyjamas (thin or heavy) . . . 2 pairs
12. Shoes (leather) . . . 2 pairs
13. Gloves . . . 1 pair
14. Scarf . . . 1
15. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
16. Bags, kit . . . 1
CIVILIAN LADIES
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be Issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
2. Overcoat . . . 1
3. Jumper (with sleeves) . . . 1
4. Skirt . . . 1
5. Dresses (cotton) . . . 2
6. Blouses . . . 2
7. Dressing gown . . . 1
8. Stockings . . . 4 pairs
9. Vests . . . 3
10. Knickers . . . 3 pairs
11. Corsets . . . 1
12. Nightwear . . . 2
13. Shoes . . . 2 pairs
14. Gloves . . . 1 pair
15. Scarves . . . 1
16. Belts, sanitary . . . 1
17. Bags, soft, carrying . . . 1
18. Towels, S.T. . . . 1 packet
12
[page break]
BOYS (3-15 years)
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be Issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Overcoat . . . 1
2. Trousers . . . 1 pair
3. Jacket . . . 1
4. Dressing gown . . . 1
5. Sports shirts . . . 3
6. Stockings (or socks) . . . 3 pairs
7. Vests . . . 3
8. Pants . . . 3 pairs
9. Pyjamas . . . 2 pairs
10. Shoes . . . 1 pair
11. Gloves . . . 1 pair
12. Braces . . . 1 pair
13 Scarves . . . 1
14. Soap, toilet` . . . 2 tablets
15. Valises, A.G. . . . 1
GIRLS (3-15 years)
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be Issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Overcoat . . . 1
2. Scarf . . . 1
3. Jumper (with sleeves) . . . 1
4. Skirt (tweed) . . . 1
5. Dress (cotton) . . . 1
6. Dressing gown . . . 1
7. Stockings . . . 2 pairs
8. Vests . . . 2
9. Knickers . . . 2 pairs
10. Nightwear . . . 2
11. Corsets . . . 1
12. Shoes . . . 1 pair
13. Gloves . . . 1 pair
14. Blouses . . . 1
15. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
15. Valises, A.G. . . . 1
13
[page break]
BOYS (under 4)
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
2. Valises, A.G. . . . 1
3. Overcoat . . . 1
4. Vests . . . 3
5. Pants . . . 3 pairs
6. Sleeping suits . . . 2
7. Shorts (flannel) . . . 2 pairs
8. Jerseys . . . 2
9. Socks . . . 3 pairs
10. Shoes . . . 2 pairs
11. Suits . . . 2
12. Shirts . . . 3
13. Dressing gown . . . 1
14. Gloves . . . 1 pair
14. Nappies . . . 4
GIRLS (under4)
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
2. Valises, A.G. . . . 1
3. Overcoat . . . 1
4. Frocks . . . 2
5. Socks . . . 3 pairs
6. Shoes . . . 2 pairs
7. Vests . . . 3
8. Knickers . . . 3 pairs
9. Bodices . . . 2
10. Coatees . . . 2
11. Dresses . . . 3
12. Blouses . . . 3
13. Dressing gown . . . 1
14. Gloves . . . 1 pair
15. Nappies . . . 4
16. Sleeping suits . . . 2
14
[page break]
[map]
[page break]
[underlined] Suggestions [/underlined]
Signature . . .
Printed by The Printing and Stationery Services, M.E.F. – 7046m/5,000/9-45
FROM THE FAR EAST AND WHO ARE STOPPING AT ADABIYA, SUEZ, EN ROUTE
[crest]
THE MIDDLE EAST COMMAND
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
Our Welcome To You
To all of you on your journey home, whether in the Services or not, this brings you a warm welcome to the Middle East Command.
You may be here for up to 48 hours and the reason for this break is to provide you with the warm clothing you will need on arrival in England. Our object will be to make this break as pleasant as possible and to provide such entertainments as we can while you are here. This pamphlet tells you what will happen here.
Whatever you may think of our arrangements you can be sure of one thing – they have been tackled with the greatest keenness by everyone connected with them.
This clothing of thousands of people of all sizes and sexes is no small job. We shall have not had much information about your size and shape before you arrive, and you will realise that the quality of clothing has not got any better in the past four years of war. But we have done everything to produce our best for you.
Outfitting you with clothing will take place at ATAKA. The outfitting of individuals will not be a long process but to deal with all the passengers of your ship will take some time. Therefore, we have organised recreational facilities at ADABIYA to fill in your time of waiting.
There is a plan at the end of this pamphlet showing both places and the facilities of each.
[page break]
SECTION I
ISSUE OF WARM CLOTHING AT ATAKA
We are providing you with a free issue of warm clothing on arrival in Egypt. Outfitting will be carried out at the clothing centre, ATAKA, which is shown in the plan at the end of this pamphlet.
As some ships are containing passengers who are not entitled to free clothing we have asked your O.C. Ship to issue you with a clothing permit to show us you are entitled to free clothing.[italics] Please would you take this permit to the clothing centre [/italics].
JOURNEY TO THE CLOTHING CENTRE
You will be in a party of 400 which will be organised to travel by train from the docks to the clothing centre. The train journey will only take about 15 minutes.
On arrival at the clothing centre your party will be guided to a waiting room, where you will find comfortable chairs, reading and writing materials, a children’s playground, first-aid post and a shop. There will also be light refreshments for you.
From the waiting room you will be called by loudspeaker to the clothing shed.
In this shed there are four separate lanes – one for ladies and children, one for officers of all Services, one for other ranks, and one for civilian men.
As you move down your own particular lane you will be given, firstly, a bag and then the clothing shown on the relevant list at the end of this pamphlet.
We want you to make sure that the clothing we issue fits you, but we would be most grateful if you would be as quick as possible over fittings, as there will be up to 2,000 people on board your ship whom we have to pass through this “machine.”
[italics] In your own interest would you put your name on the label we issue to you and tie it firmly to your bag. [/italics]
SPECIAL GIFT BAGS
The British Red Cross and St. John’s War Organisation is giving a special gift bag to you if you have not already received one in the FAR EAST.
Please will you collect this from the Red Cross office at the end of your “lane” after you have received your clothing.
INTERROGATION FORMS
When you arrive in the waiting room you will be given an interrogation form which we should be grateful if you would complete and hand to the interrogation officer who will be present. [italics] This is important. [/italics]
4
[page break]
JOURNEY BACK TO ADABIYA
When you have obtained all your clothing and your Red Cross parcel you can return to ADABIYA, where your ship is berthed, either by train or by bus.
Returning by train may mean a small delay, but we would ask you to do this if possible as the number of buses is limited and we wish to reserve them for the use of people who have some special reason for getting back to the ship quickly (such as mothers of young children or those who are not feeling too fit.).
If you are returning by train, would you walk back to the waiting-room where parties for the train will be collected. Helpers are available to assist you with your luggage.
SECTION II
ENTERTAINMENTS AT ADABIYA
The plan at the end of this pamphlet shows you the following places where entertainment is available:-
(a) THE RESTAURANT – where there is a continuous CINEMA and a CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.
(b) THE CAMP of 1001 Docks Operation Company – where there is a SWIMMING POOL FOR MEN who are GOOD SWIMMERS.
(c) “SANDY BEACH.” Where there is GOOD BATHING suitable for CHILDREN.
(d) TRIPS round the HARBOUR or to GREEN ISLAND by launch or “Z” craft.
The Restaurant Area
In the Main building are reading and writing rooms, a restaurant where light refreshments may be obtained without charge, and an information room manned by military and Red Cross officers who will always be available to help you over any difficulties.
There is also a N.A.A.F.I./E.F.I. shop here at which gifts and necessities may be bought.
Toilet rooms and a shower bath for ladies are nearby, whilst shower baths and conveniences for men will be found just outside the building.
On the other side of the road from the restaurant you will find:-
[italics] A post office [/italics] from which you can cable.
[italics] A left luggage office [/italics] where any belongings you may care to leave will be kept safely for you.
[italics] A cinema [/italics] where there is a continuous performance.
[italics] A small refreshment room. [/italics]
1001 Dock Company’s Camp
The Officer Commanding and all ranks of the company offer a hearty welcome to any officers and men who wish to visit the camp, which is only a few hundred yards from the dock gates (see plan). Light refreshments will be available, and there is a good swimming pool here, but it is deep, and only good swimmers should use it. For those who wish to bathe here, however, bathing slips and towels will be provided on loan.
5
[page break]
“Sandy Beach”
“Sandy Beach” lies about three miles from the harbour. It is ideal for children – either as a playground or for bathing, for the water here is very shallow.
Buses and guides are available at the docks to take parties to this beach. The 1st Battn. The Caribbean Regiment has prepared a camp with dressing rooms, etc., and here we can provide both ladies, gentlemen and children with bathing dresses and towels.
At this beach there will be an ambulance and mobile canteen so that you can get tea.
May we say here that we should be most grateful if you would remember to return bathing dresses and towels before you leave. They have had to be made in a hurry and consequently their supply is limited. If you do take them away it will mean that passengers in following ships will not be able to bathe if they want to.
Sea Trips
“Z” craft, fitted with good seats and an awning, and also a launch will be available for trips round the harbour and to Green Island. These craft depart from the quay.
SECTION III
ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
Post Office
Besides the post office near the restaurant you will find another in the dock area.
For further information please will you turn to page 8.
Bands – Entertainment
Two bands will be available, one playing on the docks or at the clothing centre, the other in the restaurant area.
E.N.S.A. parties of entertainers are being arranged for some of the ships. We are sorry that we may not be able to provide these parties for every ship but we are trying to do so.
Welfare
Arrangements are being made to send book, papers, games, etc., aboard all ships for the onward passage to England.
Red Cross Welfare officers in uniform will be on duty both at the clothing depot and at the N.A.A.F.I restaurant. These ladies will be prepared to help you in every way.
Every effort is being made to enable any of your near relatives in the Middle East to contact you through the agency of the Red Cross who have already received many enquiries.
Red Cross and information officers are travelling home with you. Their object will be to put you in the picture regarding past events, the plans for Release and Resettlement, the conditions you will find at home, etc.
Laundry
We have arranged for any clothes you may want washed to be laundered if your ship is here for 48 hours. Laundry, [italics] property bundled and marked, [/italics] will be collected on board ship.
6
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Financial Matters
We are very sorry that we cannot actually issue you with money here, but we are sure you will realise the enormous complications regarding accounts should we do so. We are, however, making certain that the O.C. of your ship has enough money to issue you with what you are entitled to receive.
We do realise, however, that you may want a great deal of information regarding pay and other financial matters. We have, therefore, arranged for a paymaster and a representative from Barclays Bank to be available while you are here in order to answer your questions if possible. For officers and other ranks of the Army there is also a representative of Officer-in-Charge 2nd Echelon, who will be able to answer general questions about service, release, regulations about medals and all the hundred and one connected matters.
Medical
Arrangements have been made for patients to be seen by specialists, including the dental surgeon of 13th General Hospital at Suez.
SECTION IV
GENERAL POINTS
Shore Leave
We are sorry that we can only allow you ashore until dusk each day and that only places shown on the plant may be visited. These rules may seem rather arbitrary, but any “breaking of the bounds” will cause complications with the Egyptian authorities, who have stretched their regulations considerably to allow you to land at all without a proper medical inspection.
Visitors
Near relatives are being allowed to visit passengers at ADABIYA, either at the restaurant or on board ship. We are doing our best to help them find you, but often passenger lists do not allow sufficient time for us to find out that you are coming and to tell them in what ship you are.
Hawkers
You are strongly advised not to buy anything from hawkers on the roads or from boats as the food and drinks supplied by these vendors are often dangerous, and the prices for their goods are quite exorbitant, as you know!
Traffic Rules
In Egypt all traffic drives on the right side of the road and some of the native drivers consider all roads as speed tracks. To mothers and fathers especially – please take care of your children!
FINALE
We look upon it as a privilege to be able to do anything we can for you on your way home. There are more who will follow you, and any ideas which you can give us to improve our arrangements will be very welcome. If you can do this, please will you use the last page of this booklet for your suggestions and hand it to the information bureau in the restaurant before you leave.
GOOD LUCK, BON VOYAGE, AND A VERY HAPPY RETURN HOME.
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R.A.P.W.I. FROM FAR EAST – POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS
1. Two Army Post Offices will be established in the reception area at ADABIYA – one on the quayside and one adjoining the E.F.I. canteen.
2. Arrangements will be made to deliver aboard ship letters and telegrams redirected from the United Kingdom, India and the Far East.
3. The following postal facilities will be available at each A.P.O.:-
(i) sale of postage stamps
(ii) Sale and payment of postal orders.
(iii) Acceptance of letters, telegrams and other correspondence. Passengers are asked to hand their letters over the counter – there are no pillar boxes.
4. The principal postal and telegraph services available are as follows:-
(a) [italics] Letters [/italics] up to one ounce in weight conveyed by air FREE OF POSTAGE to the United Kingdom and all countries of the British Empire. Letters conveyed by air normally take four to five days between posting in Middle East and delivery in United Kingdom.
(b) [italics] E.F.M. Telegrams [/italics] consisting of three fixed phrases – available to the United Kingdom and countries of the British Empire. Details of the fixed phrases which may be used can be obtained at the A.P.O. The charge is 2s. 6d. for each telegram. E.F.Ms. normally take three to four days to reach the United Kingdom.
(c) [italics] Greetings Telegrams (G.L.T.) [/italics] may be sent to the United Kingdom and countries of the British Empire. The telegrams are composed by the sender. The charge is 5d per word, with a minimum charge of 5s. for 12 words. Greetings telegrams normally take two to three days to reach the United Kingdom.
(d) [italics] Letter Telegrams (D.L.T. or N.T.L.) [/italics] may be sent to the principal countries of the world. The telegrams are composed by the sender. The minimum charge is based upon a telegram of 25 words. The charges vary according to the country of destination. The charge to the United Kingdom is 8s. 4d. for 25 words. Letter telegrams normally take two to three days to reach the United Kingdom.
(e) In computing the charges for telegrams the address and sender’s name are charged for.
5. The Army Post Office can tell you all about other postal services to the British Empire and the services and charges to countries not in the British Empire.
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OFFICERS OF ALL SERVICES
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Bags, s/carrying, leather, W/L., Dev. Type “A” . . . 1
2. Bars, medal ribbon . . . 1
3. Ribbon, medal, silk, Burma Star . . . 2 1/2 ins.
4. Ribbon, medal, silk, Pacific Star . . . 2 1/2 ins.
5. Ribbon, medal, silk . . . 2 1/2 ins.
6. Ribbon, medal, silk . . . 2 1/2 ins
7. B.S., Crowns, Wst on Melton E.G. . . . 2 sets
8. B.S., Stars, Wstd on Melton E.G. . . . 2 sets
9. Badges, cap . . . 1
10. Brushes, tooth . . . 1
11. Caps, G.S. . . . 1
12. Gloves, leather, lined, U.K. . . . 1 pair
13. Handkerchiefs . . . 6
14. Socks, thick. U.K. . . . 3 pairs
15. Ties, drab . . . 2
16. Towels, Terry hand . . . 1
17. Towels, Terry, bath . . . 1
18. Scarves, woollen, offrs . . . 1
19. Drawers, wool, thin, short, U.K. . . . 3 pairs
20. Drawers, wool, thin, long, U.K. . . . 3 pairs
21. Vest, wool, thin, U.K. . . . 3 pairs
22. Pyjamas, thick, U.K. . . . 2 suits
23. Shirts, Angola, C/A . . . 3
24. Shoes, offrs., brown, U.K. . . . 1 pair
25. Coats, trench, W/P, offrs. . . . 1
26. Linings, camel, fleece . . . 1
27. Battle dress blouse, N.Z. . . . 1
28. Battle dress trousers, N.Z. . . . 1
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O.Rs – ARMY
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2
2. Bars, medal ribbon . . .
3. Ribbon silk, medal, Burma Star . . .
Ribbon silk, medal, Pacific Star . . .
Ribbon silk, medal . . .
Ribbon silk, medal . . .
4. Chevrons, worsted S.D. . . .
5. Badges, Arm worsted S.D. . . .
Crowns small . . .
Crown in Wreath . . .
Royal Arms . . .
6. Jerseys, pullover, men’s . . . 1
7. Shirts, angola, drab, grade I . . . 2
8. Socks, worsted, grade I . . . 2
9. Drawers, woollen, short, grade I . . . 2
10. Bags, kit, universal . . . 1
11. Cap, Comforters . . . 1
12. Gloves, knitted, drab . . . 1 pair
13. Brushes, tooth . . . 1
14. Brushes, shoe, polishing . . . 1
15. Blades . . . 3
16. Vests, woollen, medium, grade I . . . 2
17. Ties, O.B. . . . 1
18. Boots, ankle, No. 1, grade I . . . 1
19. Laces, leather, 30-in . . . 1 pair
20. Greatcoats, D.M., grade I . . . 1
21. Caps, G.S. . . . 1
22. Battle dress blouses, grade I . . . 1
23. Battle dress trousers, grade I . . . 1
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O.Rs. – R.A.F.
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2
2. Bars, medal ribbon . . . 1
3. Ribbons silk, medal, Burma Star . . .
Ribbons silk, medal, Pacific Star . . .
Ribbons, silk, medal, (1939/45) Star
Ribbons, silk, medal,
Ribbons, silk, medal,
*4. Chevrons, worsted . . .
*5. Badges, Arm - Eagles . . .
Props. . . .
W/Operations . . .
R/Arms . . .
Crowns . . .
as required
*6. Jerseys, pullover, B/G . . . 1
*7. Shirts, B/G . . . 2
*8. Collars, B/G . . . 4
*9. Socks, B/G . . . 2
10. Drawers, woollen, short, grade I . . . 2
11. Bags, kit, universal . . . 1
*12. Cap, comforters, B/G . . . 1
*13. Gloves, knitted, B/G . . . 1 pair
*14. Ties, O.Rs., black . . . 1
*15. Boots, Army or R.A.F. . . . 1 pair
16. Brushes, tooth . . . 1
17. Brushes, shoe, polishing . . . 1
18. Blades . . . 3
19. Vests, woollen, medium, grade . . . 2
20. Laces, leather, 30-in . . . 1 pair
*21. Greatcoats, Army or R.A.F. . . . 1
*22. Caps, F.S., O.R. or W.O. . . . 1
*23. Button stick . . . 1
*24. Studs, front . . . 1
*25. Studs, back . . . 1
*26. Air crew badges, brevets (as required) . . .
*R.A.F. Supply
11
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CIVILIAN MEN
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be Issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Overcoat . . . 1
2. Sweater (woollen) . . . 1
3. Trousers (flannel) . . . 1 pair
4. Sports jacket . . . 1
5. Dressing gown . . . 1
6. Shirts (khaki or sports) . . . 4
7. Braces . . . 1 pair
8. Socks (thick or thin) . . . 4 pairs
9. Vests (woollen) 4
10. Drawers (woollen, long) . . . 4 pairs
11. Pyjamas (thin or heavy) . . . 2 pairs
12. Shoes (leather) . . . 2 pairs
13. Gloves . . . 1 pair
14. Scarf . . . 1
15. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
16. Bags, kit . . . 1
CIVILIAN LADIES
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be Issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
2. Overcoat . . . 1
3. Jumper (with sleeves) . . . 1
4. Skirt . . . 1
5. Dresses (cotton) . . . 2
6. Blouses . . . 2
7. Dressing gown . . . 1
8. Stockings . . . 4 pairs
9. Vests . . . 3
10. Knickers . . . 3 pairs
11. Corsets . . . 1
12. Nightwear . . . 2
13. Shoes . . . 2 pairs
14. Gloves . . . 1 pair
15. Scarves . . . 1
16. Belts, sanitary . . . 1
17. Bags, soft, carrying . . . 1
18. Towels, S.T. . . . 1 packet
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BOYS (3-15 years)
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be Issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Overcoat . . . 1
2. Trousers . . . 1 pair
3. Jacket . . . 1
4. Dressing gown . . . 1
5. Sports shirts . . . 3
6. Stockings (or socks) . . . 3 pairs
7. Vests . . . 3
8. Pants . . . 3 pairs
9. Pyjamas . . . 2 pairs
10. Shoes . . . 1 pair
11. Gloves . . . 1 pair
12. Braces . . . 1 pair
13 Scarves . . . 1
14. Soap, toilet` . . . 2 tablets
15. Valises, A.G. . . . 1
GIRLS (3-15 years)
List of Clothing and Necessaries to be Issued
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Overcoat . . . 1
2. Scarf . . . 1
3. Jumper (with sleeves) . . . 1
4. Skirt (tweed) . . . 1
5. Dress (cotton) . . . 1
6. Dressing gown . . . 1
7. Stockings . . . 2 pairs
8. Vests . . . 2
9. Knickers . . . 2 pairs
10. Nightwear . . . 2
11. Corsets . . . 1
12. Shoes . . . 1 pair
13. Gloves . . . 1 pair
14. Blouses . . . 1
15. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
15. Valises, A.G. . . . 1
13
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BOYS (under 4)
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
2. Valises, A.G. . . . 1
3. Overcoat . . . 1
4. Vests . . . 3
5. Pants . . . 3 pairs
6. Sleeping suits . . . 2
7. Shorts (flannel) . . . 2 pairs
8. Jerseys . . . 2
9. Socks . . . 3 pairs
10. Shoes . . . 2 pairs
11. Suits . . . 2
12. Shirts . . . 3
13. Dressing gown . . . 1
14. Gloves . . . 1 pair
14. Nappies . . . 4
GIRLS (under4)
Item . . . Quantity entitled
1. Soap, toilet . . . 2 tablets
2. Valises, A.G. . . . 1
3. Overcoat . . . 1
4. Frocks . . . 2
5. Socks . . . 3 pairs
6. Shoes . . . 2 pairs
7. Vests . . . 3
8. Knickers . . . 3 pairs
9. Bodices . . . 2
10. Coatees . . . 2
11. Dresses . . . 3
12. Blouses . . . 3
13. Dressing gown . . . 1
14. Gloves . . . 1 pair
15. Nappies . . . 4
16. Sleeping suits . . . 2
14
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[map]
[page break]
[underlined] Suggestions [/underlined]
Signature . . .
Printed by The Printing and Stationery Services, M.E.F. – 7046m/5,000/9-45
Collection
Citation
Middle East Commnad, “Information for those on their way home,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed August 12, 2026, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/collections/document/55325.