LIFE AT 4 PETROLEUM RESERVE DEPOT (RASC)
FANARA 1953-54
As Remembered by Oliver Poole
Arriving at Port Said from Trieste on the Empire Ken in August
53, we were transported by train to Moascar for distribution along the Canal
Zone. We soon had a taste of things to come as the train slowly moved from station
to station. Whenever it stopped stones were hurled at us through the open windows,
not a happy start! Four of us were transferred to Fanara by lorry, and, being
dark, we had no idea what the camp was like. It was soon revealed the following
morning, a smallish camp with four lines of tents, not The Ritz, but home for
the next 16 months. 4 PRD, was situated between the Jerrycan Factory and 39
Africa Corps on the Treaty Road and we delivered fuel the length of the canal
to Suez, having to pass through many check points on the way.
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At camp we soon got to know each other and a kick around with a football was a daily routine. We also paid the occasional visit to the open air cinema at Fayid, incorporating a visit to the souvenir hut of Freddie Mills on the road between the Treaty and Canal Roads, which did a brisk business in leather and silk goods.
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Dave Harty, "Winkie" Burke, myself, Chris Goodman & camp dogs |
Myself with "Taffy" Llewellyn |
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Myself with Tony Parker |
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The joy of leaving the camp Oct 54 and taken to Port Said for the journey home and demob was clouded with disappointment as, on arrival, we were told the ship had left and our party had to wait another two weeks at Port Said (out of bounds). We eventually left in the Captain Hobson, luxury in 4 berth cabins for two weeks
