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 gardens outside the Shepheards Hotel. The Shepheards Hotel was built in 1841 by Englishman Samuel Shepheard. Located in the Ezbekia district in Cairo, it quickly became one of the most celebrated hotels in Egypt. The hotel had a distinguished past serving as the headquarters for Napoleon during his Egyptian campaign as well as hosting celebrations for the opening of the Suez Canal. The hotel served as the British Army's headquarters during World War I. The Shepheards Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1952. The current Shepheards Hotel was re-erected by Egyptian Hotels Ltd. in downtown Cairo.

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 showing a glimpse of a building through ornate landscaped gardens.

Physical Description

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

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