From Colonel A. Miell of the Ninth Light Horse, Australian Forces, based at Heliopolis Camp, [Egypt], to Dr Torr [in Australia].
They moved from Mena Camp to Heliopolis last week and are holding themselves in readiness for the summons to the front line. The landing force fought splendidly and Miell is convinced that the Australians will perform deeds worthy of the best traditions of the British army. The conduct of the Light Horse is very good and that of the infantry no worse than can be expected from a large number of men surrounded by temptation `in this sink of iniquity'. The wasters have largely been sent back to Australia and the men who are left will make the people at home proud. They are a splendid body of men, especially the Light Horse. A British officer from the Tenth Hussars is spending a few days with them and is greatly impressed with the quality of the troops.
While the regiment was training in field sketching and reconnaissance this morning, Miell and his staff took the opportunity of visiting the Virgin's tree and well. Joseph and Mary with the infant Christ are said to have rested there during their flight to Egypt. The ancient tree is now almost dead although a young tree is growing close by, which is an offspring of the old one. The well is thirty feet deep and has an excellent supply of water. There are two native lifts to raise water from the well. As they drank the water, the Australians thought of Christ's visit nineteen hundred years before. Spiritual matters are discussed.
There is a Catholic Church close by although they did not have time to visit it.
The horses are doing splendidly and Miell is of the opinion that his regiment is the best mounted in Egypt. All the officers and men are anxious to go into combat.
His best wishes should be given to Chief Justice [Samuel Way], [Octavius].
Lake and other well-wishers.
Notes .
- Octavius Lake entered the Bible Christian ministry in 1863. After serving in home circuits, Lake offered himself for the work in Australia in 1869. He transferred to the South Australian Methodist Church in 1901. Lake was married to Serena Thorne, daughter of Samuel Thorne and grand-daughter of William O'Bryan, founder of the Bible Christian connexion. Source: Beckerlegge and Lewis Court Collection