In September 2001 I set off to a new job in Egypt. I was to be located at an old Israel air field called ‘Etam’ at Al Gorah in the northern Sinai. The site was taken over in 1982 and restored by my new employer the Multinational Force and Observers. My job was a civilian post working for CIS (Communications Information Systems). The job involved looking after the force radio systems which were manned base stations at observation posts throughout the Sinai, repeater stations and a flight navigation system called ‘flight following’. The latter controlled the ten HU1 (hughies) helicopters belonging to the force. The base site in a desert location was somewhat harsh but I soon adapted and began to enjoy the work. The work was interesting and there was plenty of opportunities to keep one occupied during non work hours. Fifteen bars for instance on a site just 2.5 x 2.5 kms. each of the eleven contingencies had there own bar plus others. A well stocked library , a cinema and internet facilities were also available.
Unfortunately it was an unaccompanied post so my Xyl Ann had to stay at home in Lincoln, she had the chance to visit me there but she is not keen to fly so she never took up the chance. We were able to keep in regular contact via telephone and e mail.
The main gate to our site 'North Camp'
my accommodation and work vehicle
our workshop
a flight following repeater
Mosleh and Mohamed, two of my guys. Taken at our site near Rafa the Gaza is in the background.
After a year I was promoted to Supervisor and had three Egyptian nationals working for me, we got on very well together, they worked well and did good work. They also taught me new ways to do the job and I was able to teach them what I knew. An altogether nice situation. I was fortunate that they introduced me to the Arabic way of life and found both it and their faith interesting and good.