The Battle of Britain

Tregear, Frederick Mansel Vincent (IWM interview)

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Catalogue number
  • 4464
Production date
1979-08-24
Subject period
Alternative Names
  • object category: IWM interview
Creator
Category
sound

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Object description

British officer served with 2nd Bn King’s Own Scottish Borderers in Egypt, 1924-1926

Content description

REEL 1 Recollections of period as officer with 2nd Bn King’s Own Scottish Borderers in Egypt, 1924-1926: family’s military background; conditions on board HMT Assaye during voyage from GB to Egypt; reasons for initial confusion on arrival in Egypt; brief stay in Sidi Bishr; drinking habits of officers; camp security; train journey to Moascar in winter weather; description of Moascar Camp; interest in neighbouring 208 Squadron, RAF; battalion’s role at Moascar; problems encountered during practice firings. REEL 2 Continues: frequent marches undertaken; compulsory sports; explanation of term ‘poodle faking’; ‘showing the flag’ marches; night training; seasonal pattern of training; autumn camps at Mena and Helwan; a brigade exercise affected by morning mist; reprimand received for leaving camp whilst supervising clearing up; attitudes towards Egyptian population; servants employed by officers; degree to which Arabic was spoken by officers; recruitment of servants; officer pay. REEL 3 Continues: different contracting systems in Egypt and India; stories illustrating contractors’ knowledge of troop movements; officer accommodation in Moascar and Abbassia, 1925; problems with insects and necessity for hygiene; uniform and headgear; mess life; recreational activities; occasional discipline problems; troops’ use of brothels; out of bounds areas; story illustrating relations between Kings Own Scottish Borderers and Royal Irish Fusiliers; lack of contact with Egyptian Army; leave; story of how High Commissioner Field Marshal Allenby was arrested by his own guard at resisdency. REEL 4 Continues: requirement to carry arms despite nature of security situation; firearm accident at Shepherd’s Hotel; degree of knowledge of political situation; amusing story relating to over keen sergeant major; leaving Egypt for Hong Kong, 1926.

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