A postcard from Egypt to Whitehaven by Pat O’Brien

Introduction

This article has been submitted on behalf of Pat O’Brien from Whitehaven, Cumbria (previously Cumberland). Pat served in the Army throughout World War Two, mostly in different Battalions of the Border Regiment, beginning with the 5th Battalion, the Border Regiment in France.

During his time in the Forces, Pat served in France, the Middle East, North Africa, Italy and Greece. After the war, he also had a posting in Germany. Pat, his family and the author have read and understood the terms of the BBC “People‘s War” website.

Postcard from Egypt

In the late summer of 1942, while serving with the Border Regiment in the Middle East Forces, Pat had the opportunity to spend some welcome time in and around Cairo. This was just after an inspection by Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

After they had involved in much fierce fighting in the Desert, there was a chance for Pat and his pals for rest and recreation, including climbing some of the Pyramids.

Pat sent a postcard back home to his family in Whitehaven, Cumberland (now Cumbria). On the front is a photograph of Pat and the Pyramids. The greeting reads:

“ Greetings From Egypt
This is to carry a Greeting,
Right hearty from me,
And here’s to our next merry meeting,
Wherever it may be!”

Conclusion

Later in the war, Pat went to Greece, met and married his dear wife Angelina. On 15 May 2005, Pat celebrated his 90th birthday and on 31 December, Pat and Angelina celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary: 60 years of happy marriage.

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