Item HT 32626 Postcard - Bridge Over the Nile, Egypt, Peile Brothers, World War I, 1914-1918

Summary

Alternative Name(s): The Delta Barrage

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 'Barrage du Nil El Kerich.' Although the hand-written inscription refers to the image as that of a 'bridge over the Nile' the image itself seems to suggest that it is actually 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.

It is unclear what else Kerich is a reference to, although a township was established in the region by Viceroy Said Pasha.

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

Bridge with stone arches across wide river.

Physical Description

Black and white image of a large bridge stretching across a waterway.