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 Delta Barrage or Barrage Bridge.

Designed by the Frenchman Mougel Bey, the Delta Barrage is the first modern attempt to control the waters of the Nile. Built at the point of the Nile where it splits into its two branches (Rosette and Daminette) to form the Delta, the Delta Barrage took over thirty years to built and was subject to several financial setbacks. When it was finally completed in 1862 it was found to have structural problems that prevented it from being effective. After a five year program of repair works to strengthen its foundations, the Delta Barrage exceeded expectations by giving unprecedented control of the Nile in Lower Egypt.

Unfortunately the Delta Barrage began to leak once again and was eventually replaced by the Mohammed Ali Bridge in 1939.

See also HT 32626 and MM 107406, 107408, 107409, 107410, 107411 and 107412.

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

Photograph of the Delta Barrage, shown from a distance.

Physical Description

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

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