Summary

One of 108 images in an album from World War I likely to have been taken by Captain Edward Albert McKenna. The album contains photographs of the 7th Battalion in Egypt.

Image of the exterior of the El-Rifai Mosque. The El-Rafai Mosque was built in the Mamluk style and named after the Islamic Holy Man Shekh Ali Abu El-Shoubak, who is buried there. It was completed in 1912 and was used as a burial place for the last dynasty of Egyptian sultans.

The album relates to the service of Captain Edward Albert McKenna. McKenna, born in Castlemaine, Victoria, was a 36-year-old department manager of soft goods when he enlisted on 17 August 1914. He lived at 5 St James Buildings, William Street, Melbourne, and had been married to Elizabeth ('Lillie') Mary McKenna since 1910. He embarked from Melbourne 19 October 1914 on the HMAT Hororata, and served in the 7th Battalion Australian Infantry.

He was killed in action in Gallipoli around 25-30 April 1915, aged 37. His kit bag was unusually full, even containing seven shirts, a pillow, six towels, a travelling rug, gumboots, and pyjamas and slippers. Also amongst his possessions was a camera, although no photographic prints or albums.

He was buried at 7 Lone Pine Cemetery, Gallipoli. His details appear on the honours roll on the web page of the Australian War Memorial.

Description of Content

Partial view of a large Mosque taken from within the Cairo Citadel. In the foreground local Egyptians are visible going about their daily lives.

Physical Description

Black and white photographic print on paper with a white border.

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