 My dad was a Sgt in the RAF posted to Kabrit Egypt 1948.We were living in Cardiff at the time and we were delighted when later that year mum,my brother, and I joined him in Ismailiya. I was 11 years old and could not believe our luck. It was so hot the tarmac roads melted and you could'nt walk barefoot out side our flat in Arrishea.We boys were enrolled in an RAF school in or near Moascar Garrison. I learnt to swim in Lake Timsah, we went to the French Beach often, and I went fishing in the Canal near Deversoir,often on my own and always without incident. A very vivid memory was seeing HMS Amethyst making her way home and the crowds of Brits cheering her on.I did not understand the significance of that event until much later. Dad got posted to Fayid and we moved to married quarters at RAF Abyad. We were given a big Prestcold fridge, a far cry from the old ammo box we used in our flat in Ismailiya. This contained a big block of ice wrapped in hessian and replaced each day. The new fridge was a big improvement. Another big change was the school run to Fayid because both the Army drivers and the escorts carried sten guns and side arms. However, we kids still went to the roller skate rink in Fayid village and swimming in the Gt Bitter Lake on our own and without any problems. I remember an enclosure of partially sunk wooden barges connected to the beach by a wooden jetty. There were diving boards at the deep end and you swim out between the barges and even surface inside some of them. The decks were all open so there was no danger.There was also a white painted raft you could swim to. Most of us kids were either in the scouts or guides and I remember camping at Fanara, all very proper, and hikeing to the top of Mt Shubra which turned out further than it looked. Anyway, it was all great fun at the time. We returned to the UK on the MV.Georgic late 50/51 with dozens of other service families and stayed with my aunt in Brixham for about 8 months until we moved into married quarters at RAF Middle Wallop, my dads final posting. Dad was promoted Flt Sgt and I believe Chief Technician with Air Servicing Flight at Wallop, his nick name was Taff and his service no 524472, mum's name was Violet, sadly, they are both no longer with us. I have many happy memories of them and our family life, and the time we all spent abroad is particulaly special, it was very enjoyable and a great adventure for us. Anyone out there with any recollections or comments are welcome to e.mail me on the website. | 
