Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1924

General Frederick Heath-Caldwell CB aged 65/66

Constance M.H. Heath-Caldwell aged 55/56

Cuthbert Eden Heath OBE aged 64/65

Sarah Heath aged 64/65

Admiral Sir Herbert Heath KCB, MVO, etc aged 62/63

General Sir Gerard M. Heath KCMG, 60/61

Lt Cmdr Cuthert H. Heath-Caldwell DSO aged 34/35

Leopold C. Heath (Griggs) aged 29/30

Genesta Heath (ex Farquahr) – aged 24/25

Madeline Marion de Salis (ne Heath) aged 30/31

Rosamond Heath (Posy) aged 29/30

Patricia C.M.Heath-Caldwell 4/5

Diana Heath-Caldwell 2/3

Heather E. G. Farquhar 3/4

Arthur E.C Farquhar 2/3

Constance M.H. Heath-Caldwell at Linley Wood with Pat. about 1924

The Scotsman

Tuesday 1 January 1924

New Year Naval Promotions

The following promotions which have been made, to date 31st December 1923 (present service is shown): - - - - -(continues) - - - 

Lieutenant-Commander to Commander,----(continues) - - - Cuthbert H. Heath-Caldwell D.S.O., Thistle, in command- - - (continues)---

Staffordshire Sentinel

Thursday 27 March 1924

Butt Lane Cricket Club

The annual meeting of the Butt Lane Cricket Club was held on Wednesday evening in the Primitive Methodish School, Butt Lane, Major-General Heath-Caldwell C.B., of Linley Hall, who is President of the club, presiding,

On the motion Mr Joseph Boulton (Chairman of Committee) Major-General Heath-Caldwell was unanimously re-elected President, and Mr Joseph Boulton was re-elected Chairman of the Committee.. Mr Gordon Boulton was elected general hon. secretary and Mr James Cumberbatch was re-elected treasurer.

The appointment of a team secretary was deferred. Messrs Eric Talbot (captain) and L.Birks (vice-captain) were unanimously re-elected.It was decided that the Management Committee should consist of Messrs Joseph Boulton (Chairman of Committee), Gordon Bouldton (general secretary) Jamse Cumberbatch (treasurer), Eric Talbot (captain), L.Birks (vice-captain), William Welcome, John Goodwin, Eric Wilson and M. Chadwick, with the addition of the team secretary, when appointed.The statement of accounts for the past year was considered very satifactory. The total income was £35, and the expenditure amounted to £49,15s, which included the erection of a new pavilion last year, at a cost of £39 5s., leaving a debit balance of £14 15s.

Mr Boulton said it was confidently expected that the whole of the debit balance would be wiped off during the coming season.Following discussion upon the suggested increase for in membership fees, it was decided that the subcription should be 2s 6d. per member under the age of 18 years and 5s. for those of 18 years and upwards.A vote of thanks to Major-General Heath-Caldwell for presiding was proposed by Mr Gordon Boulton and seconded by Mr Joseph Boulton. Major-General Heath-Caldwell suitably replied and wished the club every success during the coming season. He kindly gave a donation of £1.1s. towards the reduction of the debt.

Staffordshire Adverstiser

Saturday 12 April 1924

Eisteddford at Newcastle - Successful Y.M.C.A. Effort.

The second annual Eisteddfod, under the auspices of the North Staffordshire Mining Area Y.M.C.A., was held at the Municipal Hall, Newcastle, on Saturday and Monday evenings, and was in every way a splendid success. The entries were excellent and the competitions were listened to with keen interest by large audiences.

There was a short formal opening ceremony on Saturday at which the Mayor of Newcastle (Mr Arthur Hassam), who presided, expressed the pleasure it gave him to learn that there were five branches of the Y.M.C.A. in that area.- - - - (continues) - - - -

A vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor, on the propositioin of Dr J. Steele, seconded by Major-General Heath-Caldwell- - - - (continues) - - - - 

 Alderley & Wilmslow Advertiser

Friday 20 June 1924

British Legion Fete and Sports - Successful Event at Sandbach - Prince of Wales Good Wishes

The members of the British Legion, Sandbach, have every reason to be satisfied with the result of the garden fete held under their auspices and by the kind permsion of Captain Frankenbourg of the Abbeyfields, Sandbach, on Saturday. The day was beautifully fine and the visitors were able to appreciate to the full the pleasure of spending the day in such delightful surroundings.

The Sandback branch of the Legion is a strong organisation and what is more all the members are keenly interested in the work which is being carried on. Sandbach is one of the first places in Cheshire to embrace the movement which was started shortly after the signing of the Armistice, to band ex-servicemen together for their mutual benefit - - - -(continues) - - - 

The grounds of Abbeyfields are admirably suited for a garden fete, and with the weather so perfect visitors were able to ramble round the grounds at will in order to enjoy the varied scenes which comprised the flower gardens, the well arranged kitchen garden and the rock gardens, which are in course of construction in an ideal spot in the wood at the head of the picturesque lake.

The Opening Ceremony - The platform had been erected on the lawn at the front of the house for the opening ceremony and as the Union Jack was hoisted everybody stood to attention, and buglers from the Elworth Boy Scouts sounded the general salute. The boy scouts, with their staves, also provided a guart of honour.

Captain Frankenburg presided and was supported by Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B., Mrs Frankenburg, Major J.F.T. Royds, Capt. H.P. Rigby, Mr H.J. Lea, Mr A. Jones, Mr R. Lees, and Mr W.A. Dutton.Capt. Frankburg, who presided sais they had that day to welcome Major-General Heath-Caldwell who had come to open the fete, the first the Sandbach British Legion had given, and as usual when the British Legion put their minds into a thing they had secured a perfect day - this they had specially arranged (Laughter).

Many hard things were being said about the Legion but the Legion consisted of more than a million persons, and in that minion there were bound to be some black sheep, but 95 per cent of them were all right, or as they said in his native country, "jannock."Major-General Heath-Caldwell, who was received with applause said how he was to be there amongst soldiers again. They all knew what the Legion was out to do, but he was chiefly interested in the comradeship and fellowship of the Legion - that was the fine thing about it.

He had been 42 years in the Regular Army and he supposed the most important duty of an officer in the army was to look after his men and to do all he could for them - to play with them and work with them and for them, and in the old army they were all happy together. He told a little story of three miners whom he had met shortly after coming to reside in the neighbourhood and whom he asked what they had done in the war. He told them he was interested in the officer question because it had been his duty to raise 40,000 officers in one year. Officers raised like that were not like the old officers, said the Major-General, and he was interested to know what these men thought of them. They told him the last lot were a fine lot of brave fellows, but, law bless us, most of the first officers were what you blokes call "blue blood," and we could not understand them. The meant, said the speaker, that the last lot of officers were men of great character and, he continued, it is up to the Legion to produce character. He had heard of the Sandbach Legion and Sandbach is lucky to have them.

Major General Heath-Caldwell concluded by saying that he had been told that the object of the fete was to pay off an unavoidable debt. He felt certain that debt would be paid off. The association was non-political and non-sectarian, and out for good work only. If some people said it was a selfish association it was not true. They were out for the great object of patriotism. With great pleasure he declared the fete open.Major J.F.T. Royds said that as President of the Sandbach British Legion he desired, on behalf of the members, very briefly but most heartily to thank Major-General Heath-Caldwell for coming there that day. It was not the first time he had visited them and they regarded it as a very high compliment that he should come again to open the fete. Major Royds said he also desired to thank Captain Frankenburg for having thrown open his grounds and for having done so much to make the gathering a success. In response to his request, three  cheers were given for Major-General 

Staffordshire Sentinel

Friday 8 August 1924

Talke Hospital Committee

Garden Party and Fete at Linley Wood.

The annual garden party and fete organised by the Talke and Butt Lane Hospital Committee on behalf of the North Staffordshire Infirmary was held on Thursday in the grounds of Linley Wood, Talke by kind permission of Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B., and Mrs Heath-Caldwell and favoured with fine weather, the proceedings passed off very pleasantly and successfully.

Great interest was taken in a tennis tournament orgainised by Miss A. Martin of Butt Lane, and Miss S. Wright of Talke. About 18 couples competed and at times some exciting play was witnessed. In the final, which was not completed until dusk, the contestats were Miss Chambers and Mr W.E. Martin and Miss Nellie Chute and Mr William Wainwright. The latter couple were declared the winners, the score being 6-3.

Another interesting feature was a bowling handicap, in which the entrants numbered 18. The prizes were distrbuted by Mrs Heath-Caldwell to the following successful compeditors:1 (gold medal given by Dr W.A. MacDonald), Mr Fred Ledwood of Alsager;2 (bowler's bag), Mr Ernest Boughey of Talke.

Another interesting part of the proceedings were the exhibitions of dancing by the Talke and District Hoop Morris Dancers under the leadership of Mr Harold Johnson. The dancers, who numbered about 30 girls, wore white dresses and coloured sashes, and they went through a number of varied figures, which were both picturesque and pleasing.

During the evening and enjoyable concert was held on one of the lawns. In the first part of the concert, Major-General Heath-Caldwell presided, and in the second part of the programme Dr W.A. MacDonald officiated as Chairman and was supported by Mr Hammersley (from the North Staffordshire Infirmary) and Mr John Boughey of Talke. Mr Boughey referred to Major-General Heath-Caldwell's interest in the work of the local committee, and said they were indebted to him for his kindness in again granting permission for the fete to be held in the beautiful grounds of Linley Hall.

Major-General Heath-Caldwell said his wife and himself were delighted again to meet the visitors, who, by their presence, were assisting the local hospital committee to raise funds for a deserving institution.- - - -(continues) - - -

Mr Hammersely congratulated the committee on having such warm-hearted friends as Major-General Heath-Caldwell and Mrs Heath-Caldwell. He also congratulated the committee upon the success of their numerous efforts in the past, and said that the work which had been accomplished was greatly appreciated at the Infirmary.- - - -(continues) - - - 

A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Hammersley for his address, and to Major-General Heath-Caldwell and Mrs Heath-Caldwell for their continued kindness and to the artists for their services, was proposed by Mr John Boughey, and seconded by Mr John W. Swingewood.

Portsmouth Evening News

Saturday 16 August 1924

Naval Appointments  - Officers for Anti-Gas Courses

The following appointments were made at the Admiralty this afternoon. - - - (continues) - - - 

C.H. Heath-Caldwell D.S.C., to the Excellent, additional, August 14, and in command of Anti-Gas School and as Supt. of Anti-Gas Training, Sept. 5

The Scotsman 

Monday 18 August 1924

Naval, Military and Air. - Naval AppointmentsThe Admiralty on Saturday announced the following naval appointments:- - - - (continues) - - - 

C.H.Heath-Caldwell D.S.C., to Excellent, additional for Anti-Gas Training, September 5.- - - (continues) - - - 

Hampshire Telegraph

New Appointments - Promotions and Retirements-

- - (continues) - - - 

Commanders - C.H.Heath-Caldwell D.S.C., to the Excellent, additional, August 14, and in command of Anti-Gas School and as Supt of Anti-Gas Training, September 5

Staffordshire Sentinel

 Wednesday 5 November 1924

Kidsgrove Y.M.C.A. - Re-Opening after Extensive Alterations - Speeches by Sir Arthur Yapp and Sir Francis Joseph.

The re-opening of the Kidsgrove Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association, which took place on Monday afternoon, was an event of considerable local interest. The building, which occupies an elevated position in the centre of town, was formerly the Wesleyan Church at Kidsgrove, and it was purchased from the body about sixteen months ago for £600. Since March last the premises have been closed for the purpose of carrying out a scheme of extensive alterations and improvements, at an additional cost of about £1.500 including the re-lighting and re-decorating of the interior.  - - - - (continues) - - - -

The officials and workers of the branch are as follow:- President, Sir Francis Joseph C.B.E., J.P.; - - - - (continues) - - - -

The Opening Ceremony.At the public meeting held on Monday afternoon in connection with the re-opening, the principal speaker was Sir Arthur Yapp K.B.E., Secretary of the National Council of the Young Men's Christian Association. Dr J. Steele presided, and he was supported on the platform by Sir Antony Yapp, Major-General F.C. Heath-Caldwell C.B., Mr D.W. Riley (Halmerend), Dr W. Megaw (Audley), Mr T.E. Whalley (Vice-Preident) of the Knutton Branch of the Y.M.C.A.) and Mr Kelligan of Birmingham (Assistant Secretary of the Midland Division of the Y.M.C.A.). - - - - (continues) - - - -

Staffordshire Sentinel

Tuesday 11 November 1924

The Late Mr R.N. Wood - Funeral at Betley Church - Large and Representative Assembly.

With fitting tributes and profound regret at the passing of one who has been aptly described as "a fine old English gentleman," the funeral took place on Monday, at Betley Church, of Mr Reginald Newcome Wood, of Bignall End, who passed away on Friday morning at his residence, at the age of 82.

Mr Wood's passing, after so many years' intimate connection with the business and public life of North Staffordshire, has left a blank which it will be difficult to fill, even though with advancing years he was compelled to withdraw from many of his former activities.- - - - (continues) - - - -

The mourners. - - - - (continues) - - - -Among others present were:- Commander Colville, Colonel and Mrs W.W. Dobson, Captain J.H. Edwards-Heathcote, Mr J.S. Edwards-Heathcote, Sir William and Lady Feildon, Miss Harrison and Miss Rosamond Harrison O.B.E., (Maer Hall), Mr G.F.Fletcher-Twemlow (Betley Court), Mr Arthur Howard Thompson, Mr F.G.Mather (Huntley Hall), Colonel Clive, Captain and Mrs T. Colville, Major-General Heath-Caldwell, Mr Joel Settle, Colonel and Miss Parker-Jervis, Captain J. Ormrod, Mr Robert Heath, - - - - (continues) - - - -

Saturday 22 November 1924

Staffordshire Advertiser.

Y.M.C.A. Bazaar

A bazaar in aid of the building fund of the Knutton Y.M.C.A. was held on Nov.13 and proved very successful, £87 being realised. 

The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs Heath-Caldwell, who warmly congratulated the organisers upon the splendid work they had accomplished, and wished the efforts every success. 

Major-General Heath-Caldwell, responding to a vote of thanks accorded to his wife, said they both felt it a great privilege to  do everything in their power for the Y.M.C.A. movement, which had enormous opportunities for good. 

Mr D.W.Riley C.C. presided over the gathering which also included Mr H. Viggars (president of the Knutton Y.M.C.A.), Mr E. Pryor (district secretary, and others. 

Staffordshire Sentinel (difficult to read)

Monday 1 December 1924

Golf at Alsager - Amateurs' and Professionals Competition.

A foursomes competition for the  - - against bogey over 27 holes between amateurs and professionals organised by the North Staffs. Professional Golfers' Assoc. was played on Thursday on the Alsager Gold Course.- - - (continues) - - - The prizes were kindly presented by General Heath-Caldwell to the - - Hawkestone Park and Saddleworht,  - - for first place, Leek and Astbury  - - tie for the second place.- - - (continues) - - - 

Belfast News-Letter

 Monday 22 December 1924

Obituaries - Surgeon Palmer D.L. - Death of Noted Co. Armagh Resident.

The death took place early yesterday morning of Surgeon Joseph Mansergh Palmer, J.P., D.L., at his residence, Infirmary House, Armagh, at the age of 74 years. The deceased had been only laid aside through illness for almost five weeks, and his death was not generally anticipated.

The late Dr. Palmer, who was the eldest son of the late Mr Thas. Palmer, Dureen, Durrow, Queen's County, was for 52 years in the service of the Armagh County Infirmary, being resident surgeon since 1876.

He was a magistrate for County Armagh, and was appointed in 1906, he performed many valuable services. Amongst other positions which he held were consulting physician at Armagh District Lunatic Asylum, visiting-in-lunacy surgeon, consulting physician of the Retreat, Armagh, surgeon to Shiel's Institution, surgeon to H.M. Prison for the district of Armagh, Cavan, Monaghan, and portion of County Down, while he was also the author of many important medical works.

The late Dr. Palmer was a leading member of Armagh Cathedral parish, in the affairs of which he took an active interest.

He was also greatly interested in sport and was specially prominent in connection with the local cricket club.

During the war his sons played a distinguished part. These include Commander E.M. Palmer O.B.E., R.N.; Major R.L. Palmer R.H.A., D.S.O., M.C.; and Lieut-Commander I.M. Palmer D.S.C., R.N. T

o them and to his widow and daughters, Miss Palmer and Mrs Heath-Caldwell, much sympathy will be extended.In politics the deceased was a staunch Unionist. At the morning service in St.Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, yesterday, the preacher, Rev. Canaon Tichborne, M.A., paid a warm and sympathetic tribute to Surgeon Palmer's memory

Memoirs of Lady Genesta Hamilton continue...

As my diaries of Abysinnia and Somaliland were probably burnt, I will try to remember what I can of them. My marriage had been under a lot of strain and finally Tom Farquhar had left me to marry someone to whom he had once been engaged.

I wanted to return to Kenya, but en route had the idea of going to Abysinnia. So I left the ship at Aden, got visas, money and so on and found a tiny boat going to Djibouti in French Somaliland. It was a rough trip. I slept on deck as the cabin was stifling, and I did not much like the look of an over-helpful Indian passenger, so stayed near the bridge.

Djibouti was dreadful, hot and dreary; all the French and their children were pale and bored and had not found anything to do with themselves - totally unlike English colonials, who at once had polo, clubs, swimming, sailing, attractive houses, and so. When I was taken for a drive to see the sights, I was shown the coal heap where the ships refueled!

I bought a train ticket for Addis Ababa - the name means the New Flower - the capital of Abyssinia. I also hired a Somali boy named Yasin. On the first day the train crept along through dreadful country, all lava rock, and stopped in the station at night as the locals used to rob and murder people travelling at night. Next day the scenery was bettre - greener, more wooded, wiht one or two lakes. I slept in a station rest-house again. The natives here were tall, handsome and ferocious; they had white bands round their foreheads stuck with feathers - one for each person they had killed, my Somali said. Next day there was much better country, and we got to Addis at last. I booked into a pretty primitive hotel, but it was the only one for white people. I found Yasin sleeping outside my door, as he trusted no one not to bother me.

I met all the diplomats; the Americans were especially kind. I had a mule on which to ride to dinner parties. The mule boy ran in front with a lantern and a long stick, with which he whacked a way through the crowds.

Here they have law suits in the streetsw and can call any passer-by to be judge. They tried to call me but, knowing no Amharic, I escaped. For theft one hand is cut off; you never see anyone with no hands at all!

The ruler is Empress Julie, the great Menelik's daughter. She married several times; her last husband got bored and took to the hills, so now she is alone. I was presented, and found a fat, dignified woman about sixty years old; she gave me very sweet champagne, and biscuits with currants in them. I asked permission to travel to Somalilan, and this was reluctantly given.

At night the smell of burning eucalyptus drenched the air. When Menelik built Addis Ababa he made everyone plant eucalyptus trees in order to drain the swamps, removed mosquitoes and provide firewood. This they have done ever since. His name is still all-powerful. To call attention, make way in a crowd or stop a fight, you only have to say: 'Ba Menelik.'

All transport in Addis is by pony, mule or cart; there is one car, belonging to a ras (prince). Hawashi (Abyssinian) men wear long white robes and a thin, large white cloth called a shamma over their shoulders. They are fairly tall, and have regular features and fine eyes, but none of the real beauty and panache of the fierce Somalis - their mortal enemies.

After a couple of weeks here I started on the next trip to Somaliland. Before leaving Addis I was warned not to carry any  money on the trek, as there were roving bands of natives, called Shifta, who attacked and robbed travellers. With great kindness, Indian shopkeepers supplied me with all I needed for the journey, and I arranged to pay in Aden. They were most generous.

Yasin had got an extra boy in Aden, a very handsome and well-mannered person about twelve years old. We three went by train to Dirredawa (Dire Dawa), where the local Indian had been told to get my safari together - mules, food (money I did not carry because of the shiftas), tents and several ancient soldiers, besdies a pony for me and a mule for Yasin.

The Indians were charming - they sent messages ahead to other Indians to supply me, gave me meals, and trusted me completely to repay them when I returned to Aden. The British have a good reputation.
The start was chaotic. A mule with saucepans and kettles on his back reared straight up on end and flung himself down sideways, smashing the lot. 'Oh devil and son of Satan!' screamed Yassin -  I found my Arabic was coming along nicely. The other mules jibbed, kicked, bit, fell down and rolled on their loads. It was hilarious. At long last we were organized, and set forth. We had to get to Harar before dark.

I rode a bit, then walked - formidable mountains rose before us, and very soon my ancient bodyguards were so worn out that they had to take turns riding my pony and Yasin's mule. Being out of training I got very tired plodding up the tiny, rocky tracks on those endless mountains. 

I took a gun from a guard, broke it and looked down the barrel - it was clogged with dirt. Their impressive-looking bandoliers were full of cartridges which did not fit the guns.

We met two men fighting wiht their long staves. They stopped for us, drew aside and bowed politely to me. I was riding now, and bowed back. As we went on, they started fighting again.

Many hours later, footsore and very tired, we came to the great walls of Harar, and old, old town which Somalis and Hawashi have been fighting over through the ages. We walked along narrow, dark streets to the British Consulate; the Consul and his wife were infinitely kind, took me in, fed me, looked after my safari and the animals. I fell into bed and slept.

While I was in Harar there was a holy day for the Abyssinians. Crowds of several hundred milled about the streets, mostly drunk, chanting prayers in which their priests led them. They had huge, endless feasts, and they danced and sang and yelled for many hours. The local ras and his wife were coming to dinner, and I did my best to dress up and tidy my awful face and wild hair. At dusk the rain came down. Etiquette forbade the ras and his wife to be seen out together, so she, poor lady, had to leave their house first, with her attendants, on thei mules, and plunge into the dripping night;then wait under a tree until her husband and his guards passed her and rode to the Consul's house. They all had very thick, heavy cloaks with hoods, so they did not suffer too badly. We had a rather strange meal - talking was difficult as I knew no Amharic, but we managed with smiles and bits of English. The din outside was terrific, but the house's immensely thick walls kept it fairly quiet. The Ra's wife was plump and pretty in her white shamma, head veil and heaps of necklaces. 

Next day off we went again, heading for Somaliland. The Consul had lent me a rifle, which I was to leave with the officers at Upper Sheikh when we got there. We soon left the mountains andcame to semi-desert, flat, sandy, scrubby country. We were aiming for Jigjigga, the first town in Somaliland. Now we were among the Somalis: very tall, very black, elegant people with large eyes and classical features. Even today, after a lifetime of travels, I still think they are the most beautiful race I've ever seen. The men wore turbans, untidily balanced on their splendid heads, and robes of a sort. The married women hid their hair under white scarves; they wore bright-coloured stuff around their shoulders. The unmarried girls were exquisite, with large, dark eyes and clouds of dark, wavy hair - no tight frizzes for them, they were utterly non-negroid. They herded the flocks of camels running like gazelles after straying animals.

When we rode into Jigjigga various officials appeared to look over us and my papers. I had not asked the British Governor of Somaliland for permission to come, as I was sure he would refuse. I met him later - he scolded me, then forgave me, and I apologised and said how sorry I was, which was not true.
Now I exchanged our horse and mule for camels. My own riding camel had a native saddle - just a sack to sit on with wooden cross trees in front of you, round which you wrapped your legs. Next day we went on, through the monotonous thorn-scrub country. When it was time to dismount I found my knees had seized up, burnt by the wind, and my legs were bleeding because of the rough sack. They hurt a lot, but eventually I was able to unbed my knees and stand up. I covered my legs with Pond's cold cream, and this hurt even more; but the bleeding stopped and the grazes healed as if by magic. In a few days I was quite used to this type of saddle.

At one village I called on an old hadji - a Moslem who had been to Mecca and wore a green turban. He told me stories of the Mad Mullah's war, and of when Lord Delamere (who became leader of the Kenyan settlers) came to this village. He said Delamere gave a reward toall the Somalis who came and salaamed to him, so they came in crowds. Hadji Mussa was charming and gave me a long narrow piece of cloth, woven with silver, which I still have in England.

This safari took some time and I was blissfully happy - on my own, with fairly wild natives (they eat grass for breakfast), half a dozen camels, Yasin and the little boy doing all they could to make me comfortable.Yasin taught me quite a bit of Arabic, and I learnt their social customs from an Arabic grammar I had. Always use the right hand when eating, Drink the coffee three times around from the one communal coffee cup. Shake the cup three times when you don't want any more. Never speak first if you are on a horse and meet someone on a camel, as he is above you. Above all, never point the sole of your foot at anyone - this is a gross breach of manners; the best way, if sitting on the ground, is to tuck your feet under you.

Soon we were in Galla country, and took great care not to step on their grass, as I had been warned in Addis that, if you do, they might kill you. They seemed friendly enough to me, and very surprised to see a young white woman with camels, camel boys and two Somali boys travelling through this wild country.

Now, in the 1980s, those rough, stony tracks on which I crossed the mountains have become motor roads, as it was through here that the British advanced to drive the Italians out of Abyssinia in the Second World War. I would not like to go back and see its wildness tamed.

Some days later I was met by a detachment of dazzling smart Somali Camel Corps soldiers, so with much regret bade farewell to my porters and camels and went on, riding astride on a fast camel with a proper sheepskin-covered saddle. This was most luxurious. We proceeded towards Upper Sheikh, but I had been living on camel's milk, which made me ill, and I could not ride much further. So a soldier went on ahead on a fast camel, and next day a doctor arrived in a car and took me to the camp at Upper Sheikh. Yasin and the boy came with the camels, guarding my things.

At Sheikh there were seven white people all told, counting me, besides a few RAF officers and men with their planes. I was back in civilisation and it was good to be clean, comfortable and properly fed. I made friends with a pilot called Gibbons, who took me up in his plane. As it was quite forbidden to take up civilians I wore a mechanic's outfit, and everyone looked the other way. We flew around for a while, and then the engine stopped. I was petrified, but Gibbons had stopped it on purpose because of the noise, and he wanted to talk. Would I like to loop the loop? I said no - I only wanted to come down. So we did - I never thought it then that I should learn to fly and do mild aerobatics myself, and adore it!

One night, after a good dinner, a camel race was arranged, in the dark, between a visiting District Officer and me. I was wearing yellow silk pyjamas, which I rather fancied. A course was marked out, lined on both sides with highly amused Somalis, who of course had never before seen an English memsahib in yellow pyjamas racing a camel against and English sahib, at night. After the 'off' I shot ahead. By now I knew exactly where to kick the camel with my bare heels, and how to yell at him. There were howls of encouragement all the way, and even now I can remember Yasin screaming at my camel to gallop faster - which it did. Yasin was dancing up and down with excitement, and clapping - dear Yasin. He was so hoarse he nearly lost his voice completely. As we galloped past the post he rushed at me, seizing my hands when I got off and bowing. I won because the other jockey must have pulled his mount.


The Somalis are very violent people, 'at the mercy of their emotions,' as Thor Heyerdal said of sharks. Quite fearless, utterly loyal, fiery-tempered and unpredictable, they have been called the 'Irish of Africa.' I was told a story about one of the numerous risings against the British, when a mob of hysterical Somalis, armed with guns, rushed the officers' quarters. One officer begged to be allowed to go out and speak to them, as he knew them well and loved them. Very reluctantly he was allowed to go, and as he stepped onto the verandah he was instantly shot dead. Many Somalis then burst into tears and said they never meant to kill him. 

Eventually I had to leave Upper Sheikh and join some people motoring down to the coast. A mrevellous road, butilt by the Royal Engineers, wound up, over and down through the mountains. At last we were in the baking heat of Lower Sheikh - a hive of industry compared to miserable Djibouti. 

Here were people, drinks and parties. I had said a sad farewell to Yasin and the boy, given them large baksheesh and received many flattering remarks, thanks and blessings - all of which did not prevent Yasin from stealing my beautiful hunting knife. 

I reached Nairobi at last and was met by Boy Long, a man I met before in Kenya and with whom I was very much in love. We married soon afterwards, He was manager for Lord Delamere. I think he was the handsomest man I have ever seen, with infinite charm but 'difficult.'

Life with Boy was electric. The best times were when we went to the sheep farm at Laikipia, which was run rather haphazardly. There was always trouble - sheep stolen or missing or sick or dead.