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And we went on this ship, not knowing where we were going. And we couldn’t believe it: white bread! It was a naval ship and we went to Port Said, in Egypt. From there we were given new uniforms. We were cleaned, we were bathed, washed and all sorts; given new overcoats and de-loused. And because we were staying there for a day or two, we were allowed into the town, which was all lit up. No blackout, Port Said.

It was like a holiday camp. And with the British there, the NAAFI girls, well they were treated like princesses. But we were just given the freedom to go out, given some money to have a drink. And we went stupid. I remember being told that whatever you do, don’t get drunk and lay in the gutter, especially in the Arab Quarter, because they’ll have you. And I remember laying in the gutter, I actually remember laying in the gutter — with a group, we’d drunk, stupidly, all sorts of drinks and wines.

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Sue Craig on behalf of Ron Redman and has been added to the site with his permission. Ron fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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