Summary

Postcard from a World War I album from Egypt containing 33 postcards, most featuring Egyptian themes. Of particular interest amongst these postcards is one containing a letter written to 'Father' (presumably John Peile Snr) signed by 'VS' that mentions Albert Peile. The inclusion of this postcard suggests that the album either belonged to or was compiled by John Peile Snr or another member of the Peile family.

Black and white image of the interior of the Mohammed Ali Mosque showing the fountain in the courtyard.

The Mohammad Ali Mosque in Cairo was built between 1830 and 1848 in memory of Tusun Pasha, eldest son of Mohammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Egypt in the early-mid 19th century. The mosque was built in the Ottoman style by Greek architect Yussuf Bushnaq and is the largest Ottoman mosque of the early 19th century. It is built on the site of the old Mamluk Palaces, destroyed by Mohammad Ali, and houses the tomb of Mohammad Ali Pasha. Today it is one of the most popular Egyptian mosques for tourists.

Part of a collection of material relating to the World War I service of brothers John and Albert Victor Peile, who both died in the conflict. Younger brother Albert enlisted first. He was a 22-year-old unmarried clerk when he enlisted on 27 August 1914, service number 769, 3rd Battalion. He served in Gallipoli and later France, and was eventually promoted to the rank of corporal. He died in Bullecourt, France on 4 May 1917 and his body was never found. He is commemorated at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. His brother John Peile was a 38-year-old unmarried miner when he enlisted on 25 June 1915, service number 2662, 2nd Battalion. He also served in in Gallipoli and France, and was similarly promoted to corporal. He died in France on 18 September 1918 and is buried at Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Their mother died only a few years later in 1926, aged 73.

Their niece was Mrs M. J. Hitchens, the donor. Margaret Joan Hitchens (1916-?) was the daughter of Albert and John's sister Alice and her husband John Henry Dinwoodie.

Description of Content

Postcard depicting interior of mosque with cupola.

Physical Description

Black and white image of an Islamic style courtyard.

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