Photograph album

Photograph album compiled by Alexander Gillies, relating to his service with the YMCA (New Zealand Young Men's Christian Association) in Egypt and Palestine during World War One, 1916-1919. A small envelope stuck inside front cover is addressed to Miss Gillies, YMCA, Moray Place, Dunedin. All prints include captions that identify locations and people.

Contains 12 prints relating to a garden party for 3,000 convalescing soldiers at Ezbekiah Gardens labelled “I” to “XII”. Prints show crowds of soldiers in conversation, eating lunch, and watching or participating in games (egg and spoon race, sack race, donkey rides). Prints also show the Ezbekiah Garden YMCA centre in detail (band rotunda, notices, decorations, tables, and chairs, plants), and other people at event (local Egyptians, a table of "Lady Helpers"). The print labelled “XI” includes an inscription on reverse saying “lighthouse about a mile from camp”. Two other prints depicting Ezbekiah Gardens show the notice board and two men at the entrance.

Eight prints relating to the “Command Depot” at Sidi Bishr are labelled “I” to “VIII”. One print depicts convalescent officers in Gillies' “P.T. Class” (possibly meaning physical therapy class) and one print labelled "My Instructors" showing six men doing exercises outside a hut. Four prints show larger groups of soldiers doing exercises and parading during a review by Sir Reginald Wingate. Two prints show Wingate talking to his Aide-de-Camp, Major Owen, Colonel Alston, and Gillies.

Remaining prints show nine people outside a YMCA tent and "Devotional Hut" at Zeitoun, a running race labelled “Egyptian Race”, and a group portrait of a Pierrot Troupe at Helouan.

Title supplied by Library

Inscriptions: Album page - centre - To Lil From Effie & Alex July 12 1921

Inside front cover of album is address to "Lil". This is likely Alexander Gillies' older sister Lillias Gillies (born 1877).

Quantity: 1 album(s) containing 33 b&w photographic prints.

Physical Description: One photograph album bound in green cloth, 19.5 x 14cm