Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum > Records

First World War Black and White Photograph of Pyramid at Giza

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1915 - 1918

Overview

A small black and white photograph of one of the pyramids of Giza. The rear of the Sphinx can also be seen at the left-hand side of the image. The image of a pyramid is very clear so that the outline of its limestone blocks can be seen. At the front of the photograph is a local man with 2 mules, while closer to the pyramid walks another mule and a local. The photograph has a small border and is in good condition.

Historical information

Australian and New Zealand troops arrived in Egypt in December 1914. They set up Mena Camp near the Great Pyramids outside Cairo and began training in preparation for the Western Front and Gallipoli. Soldiers were allowed leave and visited the pyramids and sphinx at Giza. The Great Pyramid of Cheops was allowed to be climbed, although from only one nominated side. A Reuters correspondent in Cairo reported seven men fell while climbing with four killed and the others all seriously injured.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2022.1.60

Item type

Photographs

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Photo Paper

Width

87 mm

Height or length

58 mm

Contextual information

The Pyramid at Cheops is the site of the iconic group portrait of over 700 of the original officers and men of the 11th Battalion, 3rd Brigade taken on 10 January 1915. The 11th Battalion was the first infantry battalion to be raised in Western Australia.

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