Albert in Egypt

1. 1936-39 Private Albert James Davis - UK to Egypt
   
2. Aug-Nov 1939 - Mersa Matruh - Corporal
3. 1940- Feb '44 Sergeant
4. Feb '44 - Dec '45 - back in the UK

wikipedia: At the outbreak of war, the Regiment consisted of eight regular battalions. 1st & 6th RTR was part of the Heavy Armoured Brigade (Egypt) - the War Diary notes below are from the 6th, but seem to apply equally to the 1st.
'War Diaries For The Royal Tank Regiment, August 1939 To March 1946'

The photos left and right appear to be official photos of the newly promoted Sergeants, clearly showing thier stripes.

Service record:
D&M Inst & qualification P.II WS/Cpl (Au/Sgt) 13.3.42
Appointed to AU/Sgt 18.9.42
WS/Sgt 24.2.43
Admit Hosp. 4.9.43; Dis Hosp 10.9.43

On the back: "Who's browned off? Can you see me mother?

Throughout 1941 and 42 the desert war with the Italians, and soon the Germans, continued, culminating in the battle of El Alamein just 60 miles from Cairo. Albert remained at the base in Cairo, probably now mostly dealing with maintenance and repairs to vehicles needed by the RTR in the field.

on the back: 'Sunday May 24th 1941. Just come off parade. Keep the bike handy in case of a turn out. My mate managed to poke his nose in, the dope.'

left & right: Albert in some of the sports activities at the Abassia Barracks during the war, dates unknown, including his 'swallow dive' for which he won some cups in the regimental sports competitions.

On the back: '28 Feb '43'

on the back: 'Another snap for mothers collection. Sorry it's a bit dark. A native took this not bad result.

These photos probably all date from the later part of the war.

Albert, front row, 2 left, with a group of mixed nationality soldiers and an Egyptian dignitary. Circumstances unknown

Albert's favourite photo.
He apparently completely stripped and rebuilt the engine in the Cairo workshop.

On the back: '28 Feb '43'

nothing on the back but clearly the same as above, oddly dressed...