Topic: Egypt - Mena
Cairo
At the commencement of hostilities with the Great War, the British imposed a military government upon Egypt through a protectorate. The specific aim was the defence of the Suez Canal, a vital lifeline to Britain.
Allied Bases in Cairo
[Click on map for larger version.]
[Adapted From: Wagner & Debes, Map of the Environs of Cairo (1914).]
While most Egyptian governing traditions remained in place, the British took over many districts of Cairo to establish massive training camps for the troops arriving from Australia and New Zealand. Camps were established at Mena, Maadi and Heliopolis. In addition, the main administrative centre of the British Military was on the island of Gezirah. The hospitals were located in the Abbassia area and the training schools at Zeitoun.
Citation: Map of Cairo and Allied Camp locations
