RAF ISMAILIA, ABU SUEIR, EL FIRDAN AND ABIYAD

   My mother left Southampton docks on board the 'Orient Line' "SS Otranto" in January 1948. Along with many other Service dependants they moved without assistance.Their husbands were already in theatre so they, along with their children, and possibly for the first time in their lives, set off alone. It was a great adventure and the photographs you are about to see unveil are of distant times and times that will never be repeated.

 "The destination"
SUEZ

 (an old postcard) 

EGYPT AND ONWARDS ON THE

SS 'OTRANTO' JANUARY 1948

 The web master (Ian Dudding) penned in on deck of the SS 'OTRANTO'

bound for Suez in January 1948. (18 months old)

 Service Families on board "SS Otranto" bound for Port Said Jan 48

Vera and Pamela Sanderson. The boy Christopher Hood (R Signals family)

  On board SS"ONTRANTO" January 1948

LtoR rear row. Unknown man, Vera Sanderson, Rene Hood, Maisie Dudding

Front row: Pamela Sanderson, Christopher Hood, Barbara Dudding

 Rear row: Vera Sanderson, Unknown man, Maisie Dudding

Pamela Sanderson, Christopher Hood, Barbara Dudding.

On deck of SS Otranto. Uknown Officer, Vera Sanderson and Maisie Dudding

 The beautiful SS Otranto possibly in Gibraltar

(Picture courtesy of Neville Stein who's father SAC Alan Johnston Stein sailed at the same

time as my Mother (Jan 48 from Southampton) but both unknown to each other)

The Otranto sails in towards Malta Harbour and our little Tug is waiting

to dock us. You will see its progress in the pictures below.

(This photo courtesy of Neville Stein in memory of his Father who is explained

in photo's below)

Velletta Harbour and our tug 1948 with our Tug drawing nearer.

Now the tug alongside. Wonderful old ship with character.

(Picutre courtesy of Neville Stein)

"SS Otranto" docks in Valletta Harbour on route

 Leaving Velletta Harbour for Suez Jan 1948. (note the people waving farewell)

 Onwards towards Suez 1948

 Childrens Christmas Party Programme from the "SS Otranto"

 The bow of the "SS Otranto"

  Ther Servicemen on board the SS 'OTRANTO' off to places

all around the world - Jan 1948

 "SS Otranto" Baggage Lable and Forces Drinks allowance card

  "SS Otranto" Berthing Card issued to Service personnel and families

  "Our destination"

My sister Barbara on the right as the "SS Otranto" leaving Valletta Harbour 1948

(two other children Christopher Hood and Pamela?)

Entering the Suez at Port Said. This is where the families and Servicemen

disembarked for the various stations along the Suez Canal Zone.

 As we dock in Port Said the 'Bum' boats arrive to barter their goods with

passengers.

  The local weekly "What's On" Magazine available to Service families.

It contains Hairdressers, Retaurants, Cinemas, Airlines, buses etc.

No quarters at RAF Abu Sueir so this was our first home. A hiring

in Ismaillia. These are some of our neighbours. Italians and the 'hurdie gurdie man' to the front.

My Mother 'Maisie' is leaning on the doorway to the right. My Sister Barbara with

the 'Hurdie Gurdie' handle and myselft sitting on the instrument.

Another party and a group of families (?) My Sister is front left with bow.

Are you here?

More children. I wonder who and where they are?

  My Mother 'Maisie' with me and my Sister Barbara and her Brother James (Centre) with

two friends (Argyls) on R&R from Palastine in our back yard

in our Hiring in Ismailia.

'FAWAZIA' our Ayah.

'Fawzia' our Ayah smelling flowers in our back yard of the hiring in

Ismailia.

Always a smile

I think a bit of a liberty taken by my Mum of Dad washing in cold

water in our back yard in 1948. She hasn't changed!

You can see how basic things were for service families in those

days. Lots of perks though!

My Father with myself on the roof of our hiring. Ismailia

Another of Maisie and my Sister Barabara in the back yard of our hiring.

Wow! Mellons unheard of in the UK in the 40's. We were lucky

to have fresh fruit at our beck and call.

My 2nd Birthday in Ismailia. A new bike

Well, it didn't take long to swop it for a car!! Myself in the car and a friend(?)

A day out in Ismailia. The family Dudding in a Gharry. Lovely times.

Dove Cotes in Ismailia 1948

Ismailia Park 1948

In the Park at Ismailia

We now move from RAF Ismailia to RAF Abu Sueir

  RAF Abu Sueir 1948

Inside the camp at Abu Sueir  

Entrance to RAF Abu Sueir over the Sweet Water Canal/Cairo Railway 1948

Ismailia Railway Station 

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean nee Lewis daughters of

WO Richard (Lew) Lewis 

The Post Office (Right) Ismailia and the Railway Station at the bottom

of the Street (see picture above)

Lady Arab's shopping day!

A lovely picture of an Arab family. I often wonder if any of these

see themselves or their families on the site?

The Quarters RAF Abu Sueir 1948

This shows the RAF Camp Abu Sueir. Notice the tents.

A lovely picture of RAF Abu Sueir from the top of a building

(Next three Photo's courtesy of David Butler)

Another from the roof of a cricket match in progress at RAF Abu Sueir.

Not sure they have cut the grass!!

Another of the airfield from another angle (RAF Abu Seuir) 1948

Now this looks like a scrap area in RAF Abu Sueir?

Another photo is shown below.

This shows a badly damaged area so it is presumed it is a crash site.

Possibly a Mosquito?

The actual crash site shows the direction the aircraft travelled. Pretty

sure this is a Mosquito which David's Father refers to.

(All the above crash site photo's were provided by David Butler in memory of

his Father F/SGT Alan Butler

 Now how about this for a STRETCH NAAFI Canteen. Now people today

think a STRETCH vehicle is a modern thing! Think on as this is 1948 and

David Butlers Father , F/Sgt Alan Butler RAF, seen here waiting for a cuppa.

Anyone remember driving this huge vehicle?

Another lovely shot of this extrodinary vehicle

(Another photo from David Butler)

Close up of the tents. Possibly transit or rest and recouperation

for those serving in Palastine at the time?

 Didn't use sun cream? This is what happenend in 1948.

My Mother's Brother, James (Right) over from Palastine. Argyls. Maybe

he used the tents on camp. This is taken at Lake Timsah with me in

the background.

Sgt's Mess at RAF Abu Sueir 1948

(David Butler's Father F/SGT Butler RAF lived here in 48/49. The picture

below is his room. Shows how basic things were in 1948).

Home sweet home from home for F/SGT Alan Butler in 1948.

Command Accountants. F/Sgt Alan Butler RAF and friends outside Oly Osmans.

A motley crew they look but fun!

Above and the photo below are models completed

by German Prisioners of War. I suppose these would

add a little attraction to a drab desert airfield and fill time

for POW's.

 more by German POW's

(courtesy of David Butler)

Abu Sueir Village and some of the locals

Abu Sueir Village 1947

Abu Seuir Village 1948

One of the 'dobie' ladies - nice clean bed sheets

  Shoe shine boys in Abu Sueir 1948

 An Abu Sueir Snake Charmer + Monkey

(Photo courtesy of David Butler Son of F/Sgt Alan Butler RAF)

Abu Sueir Street Markets and traders

The Syrup seller in Abu Sueir 1948

(Photo courtesy of David Butler)

Haircut Sir? Lovely photo of a street barber back in 1948

  HQ 9 MTBQ El Firdan 1948

AOC's Parade El Firdan 1948/49

 March pass at El Firdan 1948/49

RAF Abu Sueir Sports Day. The playing field looking across the soccer pitch.

 Carnival/Sports Day RAF Abu Sueir 1948 (photo 1)

Fancy dress soccer match Abu Sueir

Hockey Match at RAF Abu Sueir. Just cut the grass!

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean (nee Lewis) daughters of WO Lewis RAF) 

Part of the Sports Day - A Horse Gymkhana

More horses RAF Abu Sueir 1948

Gymkhana Abu Sueir. Some kind of water shoot!!

 Kids Sack Race RAF Abu Sueir - are you here? 1948

The spectators. Are you here?

Egyptian Security Guards RAF Abu Sueir 1948

Another MASO at RAF Abu Sueir 1948/49

My Father with his pride and joy - no not me his garden!!

As you will see the quarters had lovely gardens.

 RAF Other Ranks Quarters RAF Abu Sueir 1948. Beginning to grow.

Sue Lewis in the garden of her Father's Married Quarter Abu Sueir.

(Photo again courtesy of Sue Lewis, Daughter of WO Lew Lewis RAF)

A lovely shot of Sue Lewis (with sun in her eyes) on the path leading to her quarter.

Note, the quarters we lived in are in the background.

(Another lovely photo courtesy of Sue and Jean Lewis)

The cool veranda within the Quarter. The semi quarters were separated

by the mesh screen divider as can be seen in this photo.

Inside the Veranda enjoying some fruit and drink

Myself, unknown girl and my Sister Barbara enjoying a joke on the Veranda

in our Quarter at RAF Abu Sueir.

 My Father, My eldest sister and me in the garden at Abu Sueir

  More Other Ranks Quarters at RAF Abu Sueir 1948

A very large bees nest found in my Father's hedge in Abu Sueir.

OK lets do something. Note the protective clothing my Father and helper are in!

Now look at the photo below and see how the children are dressed. Health and

Safety - great eh?

Bee's nest consultants!!  Note the children's dress as already mentioned.

OK boys! we now BEE where we belong.

My Dad's pride and joy, his garden once it had grown!

Lets have a party. The RAF children of Abu Sueir. Are you here?

 Wonderful. How great to be away from cold old England. Typical

dress for the children. (my Sister and me in the middle)

Are you here? I am second in from the left, my sister sitting middle.

Great picture of the children and the camp beyond.

My eldest Sister with my sister Linda, born RAF Abyiad June 49

in the garden in Abu Sueir

The author and his eldest sister.

'Rene' Hood, Mum's best friend in our quarter at RAF Abu Sueir.

 Wife of WO1 Wood Royal Signals (Army).

(Coincidence that I, 15 years on, would join the Royal Signals and complete 40 years.

Another one of Mum's friends, Mrs Norris

Children off to a party at Abu Sueir (myself right) note

the old vehicle and RAF buildings to the rear.

This is a photo of Warrant Officer Richard Lewis RAF

(also known as Lew or Dick. In this web I will refer to him as Lew) 

He is the Father to Sue and Jean who appear in this web. These two girls

have kindly donated pictures to the site in 'memory' of

their Father and Mother Doris. The girls were in Egypt at the same

time as the Dudding's. Richard worked in the JAG Office at RAF Abu Sueir

(1946-48)

 Old Pals together. These are some of WO Lew Lewis's friends and

work partners at RAF Abu Sueir.

LtoR: Sgt Goodwin, WO Richard Lewis and WO Sutcliff. 

(Photo courtesy of the Lewis family girls and boy)

The Station Band RAF Abu Sueir 1947-48

Second from the left front row is WO Lew Lewis.

Sixth in from the left, front row is the Band Master 'Bandy Carver'.

Are you in this photo?

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean Lewis)

A wonderful photograph of the RAF Band at RAF Abu Seuir 1947/48.

Don't think the Air Officer Copmmanding Middle East will mind do you?

(Lovely photo courtesy of Sue and Jean nee Lewis) (Their Father, Warrant Officer

Lew Lewis, see photo above this one is marked centre right)!

From left to right this cheerful bunch are. Second in from the

left is Sue Lewis and Front Right is Dianne Cosham. Other

two little ones unkown?

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean nee Lewis) 

Mum (Mrs Doris Lewis) wrote. Coming out of School.

Sue Lewis is marked on the photo. Do you recognise yourself?

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean nee Lewis)

RAF Abu Sueir children in 1948 (are you in this)?

Christmas Party 1948

 A wonderful photo of the School Prize giving day at RAF Abu Sueir. Anyone recognise themselves/

1947-48

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean Lewis)

 A wonderful picture of the School at RAF Moascar

My eldest site Barbara and Jean Lewis attended this school 1947-48

Jean Lewis is third in from the left front row.

(Photo courtesly of Jean and Sue Lewis)

 The Infants of RAF Abu Sueir School + the teacher(?)

1947-48

Santa's Sleigh, Childrens Christmas 1947

Sue Lewis (right) didn't get the pressie she wanted?

Behind her is Clive Maynard the remainder unknown?

(Photo courtesy of Sue Lewis)

The Nursery Group with Flossy and  Garnett middle

(Picture courtesy of Nigel Garnett in memory of his parents)

Another lovely photo of the Nursery Group with Flossy Garnett and daughter Diane

behind her.

  Our Ayah in RAF Ismailia 1948

 Mum going shopping with the three of us in Abu Sueir

Not the CO's Staff car? Might be Ali Osman's? Who knows?

Aly Osman' s

The Famous shop and salesman - Aly Osman

  All photo's above are of RAF Abu Sueir shops, streets and families club 1948

Doris Lewis with Sue in tow on the way back from the NAAFI

RAF Abu Sueir 1948. Their quarter is the fence to the right.

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean ne Lewis)

Three young RAF girls sat opposite WO Lew Lewis's quarter in RAF

Abu Seuir. Sue Lewis is centre with two of Jean's friends sat either side.

Lovely picture of the surrounds as well.

(Photo Courtesy of Sue and Jean Lewis)

Sue and Jean Lewis man about the house. 'Grieb' was

his name and he worked for WO Lew Lewis family.

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean Lewis)

LtoR. Joan?, Pamela Sanderson, Vera Sanderson and Sue Lewis. Diogging

holes in Dad's back garden as kids loved to do then! This is

the garden of WO Lew Lewis back in RAF Abu Sueir 1947-48

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean Lewis)

 RAF Abu Sueir Families Club gathering 1948 (recognise anyone)?

Another Families Club at Christmas RAF Abu Sueir 1948

All these below are of the Families Club Abu Sueir 

 Christmas in what is believed to be the Other Ranks Mess RAF Abu Sueir '48.

Recognise anyone?

(Photo courtesy of Neville Stein)

Outside the Cpl's Club RAF Abu Sueir Christmas 1949

Names: LtoR: MTO?, John, Molly, Joan, Ben, Jack, Alan (Neville's Dad), Nancy, Geordie, Margaret, Sylvia, Laura, Taffy, Dave, Sheila, Den and Geordie.

 (Photo courtesy of Neville Stein)  

The Satterley's and us at the Families Club.

Children's Party at the Families Club Abu Sueir

The Families Club Bar with friends!!

Are you here?

Enjoying the warmth and company. Families Club 1948

More of the same. 

 More of the families Club at RAF Abu Sueir 1948

RAF Abu Sueir County Fair programme 1949

SIGNALS Beach at Lake Timsah Egypt 1948

(WO1 Bissel R Signals, my mother Maisie, Mrs Bissel, Rene and "Robin" WO1 Hood R Signals)

 Wow! Two beauties from the 1940's. My Mother 'Maisie' and

'Rene Hood' 1948. What bikini's eh?

My mother Maisie and Rene Hood at SIGNALS Beach

Lake Timsah 1948

The author and 'Oh that wonderful taste of Coke'. You did not

have coke in UK in the 40's!

Another attempt by my Sister to bury me on the beach at Lake Timsah!!

Barbara and Christoper Hood on Lake Timsah 1948

Childrens fascination with digging! Lake Timsah 1948

My father with us on the SIGNALS beach Lake Timsah 1948

Barabara, Pamela Sanderson and my Mother 'Maisie' Lake Timsah.

Vera Sanderson, my Sister Barbara (drinking coke)! and Pamela Sanderson

 Vera Sanderson, Barabara and myself with Pamela Sanderson on

Lake Timsah

My sister and Christopher Hood at SIGNALS beach Lake Timsah 1948

My family on the SIGNALS beach Lake Timsah 1948

Another lovely family this time at RAF Fayid and the Warrant Officer's Club.

Doris Lewis and Sue centre, Possibly Vera Sanderson to the right forefront and

centre man possibly 'Sandy' Sanderson?

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean Lewis) 

Again, SIGNALS beach Lake Timsah and the families 1948

Well here we go off on holiday at Port Fouad 1948. Bit like Butlins for the Services!!

This is the Lewis family less Mum (Doris taking photo)? Dad, Lew Lewis,

daughters Sue (centre) and Jean. (Photo's provided of the Lewis family and firends

in this web site are by Sue and Jean nee Lewis. Both now living in America and Australia

respectively)

 Doris Lewis, family and friends on Port Fouad beach.

Rear: WO Lew Lewis, Vera Sanderson, Doris Lewis.

Front: LtoR. Pamela Taggert (her Father was the SWO at Abu Sueir),

 Sue and Jean Lewis.

(Photo courtesy of Sue and Jean Lewis)

Just the ticket. Sue Lewis giving her all with her Father Lew Lewis behind her 

swimming at Port Fouad 1947

Sue Lewis, Daughter of WO Lew Lewis RAF outside the

Tent Hotel at the NAAFI Holiday Camp Port Fouad.

Billy Butlins eat your heart out!

(Photo again, courtesy of Sue Lewis)

Another relaxed photo of the Lewis's on Fayid Beach.

Sue and Jean's Mum Doris centre in deck chair with arms above

her. Sue directly at her feet and possibly Vera Sanderson and husband to the left.

(another photo courtesy of Sue and Jean Lewis)

Lake Timsah and the hut. Dad to the left.

 Out on Lake Timsah. My sisert Barbara, Unknown girl and myself.

My Sister and myself at Lake Timsah

My mother getting very cross. Everyone is on the bus ready to go

but she couldn't get me out of Lake Timsah. I didn't want to go!

My Mother 'Maisie' with me. The 1940's look.

Lake Timsah.

My Father on Lake Timsah. Corporal Dudding RAF

King Farouk's Yacht on Lake Timsah1948

Lake Timsah at Dusk 1948

 Centre: Irene, Christoper and Robin Hood Royal Signals 1947

Church of St Vincent de Paul at Ferry Point RAF Abu Sueir 1948

Believed to be RAF Ismailia Church 1948

Bartering in the Fruit Market in Ismailia 1948

  Mellon market Ismaillia

The shops in Ismailia 1948

On a quite day. The Streets of Ismalia 1948

(Photo courtesy of Neville Stein)

Arab market near RAF Ismailia 1948

Arab Shoe maker Ismailia 1948

Arab Travelling "Hurdy Gurdy" Man Ismailia 1948

Me and another Hurdie Gurdie 1948 Ismailia

Hitching a ride (the Author) Abu Sueir 

Ice Cream Man (?) Abu Sueir 1948 

Flossy and Diane Garnett inside RAF Abu Sueir

(Photo again courtesy of Nigel Garnett) 

Arab washing day in the "Sweet Water Canal" near RAF Ismailia 1948

Children's donkey ride at RAF Abu Sueir 1948

Donkey belonged to "Aly Osman" delivering groceries

The same donkey but another day? Myself and my sister Barbara

(the young Arab is the same as in the top photo so must be the same

location and once again Aly Osman's donkey)!

My Sister Barabara on Aly Osman's Donkey 

 Could this be Aly Osman?

(Picture courtesy of Neville Stein)

A picture of Ali Osman's Cafe (the boys with the donkey in the photograph above this one)

This is a group of pals with John Finnigan (second in on the left).

(photo courtesy of John Finnigan)

The RAF Abu Sueir Swimming Pool.

Are you in any of these photos?

My Dad and maybe you?

This on my 2nd Birthday. You had so much opportunity in these

climbs to swim at such an early stage. One problem you ended up with

'green hair' as Sue Lewis said.

 Gone! Look at the swim wear!!