Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum > Records

First World War Black and White Photograph of The Delta Barrage Bridge Cairo

« Prev Item Next Item »

1915 - 1918

Overview

A small black and white photograph showing a side view of the Delta Barrage Bridge over the river Nile in Cairo. The photograph shows almost the full span of the bridge starting at the left-hand side moving into the distance on the right-hand side. The bridge has multiple small stone arches and its central towers and entrance gate at the furthest end can be seen. In the distance the beginnings of gardens can be seen. The photograph has a small border and is in good condition, although there is some damage on the top right-hand corner.

Historical information

The Delta Barrage Bridge across the Nile outside Cairo and its gardens was a popular spot for Cairo residents and visitors, including Australian soldiers.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2022.1.61

Item type

Photographs

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Photo Paper

Width

87 mm

Height or length

58 mm

Contextual information

The Delta Barrage-type dam was built between 1833 and 1862 to improve irrigation and navigation along the Nile River. Upon completion it was abandoned for safety reasons as the structure was very poor quality and started leaking. In the 1880s, repairs were made and this allowed the dam to be used for agricultural irrigation. In the 1930s, when maintenance costs and ongoing repairs became too costly, the new Mohammed Ali Barrage, was built. The old Delta Barrage was then abandoned permanently, although it has been retained as an historic monument and is still used as a road bridge.

Keywords

First World War

Australian Imperial Force

10th Light Horse Regiment

Place made

Egypt

Year

1915 - 1918

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity