The Calm Before The Storm

The year 1914 opened well for The Suffolk Regiment. The 1st Battalion, who were then on Foreign Service, were stationed in Khartoum. They had previously spent time serving in Egypt where two sections of men even learnt to fight on camels! The 2nd Battalion, who were then on Home Service, were stationed at Curragh Camp near Dublin. 
Here in Ireland, there was a 'changing of the guard' within the 2nd Battalion's ranks. The New Year saw  Colonel Van Straubenzee retire as Colonel with Lieutenant-Colonel C.A.H. Brett, DSO, take his place. 
“Charlie” Brett had served with distinction during the South African War and had been captured after the failed attack on “Suffolk” Hill at Colesberg in January 1900. 
A keen historian, after his release from captivity, he had travelled around Egypt and the Holy Lands, indulging his passion for amateur archaeology. In 1910, he was partially responsible for the discovery of Nebuchadnezzar’s tomb - pieces of which can be seen today in the Suffolk Regiment Museum.
Brett's character and the high affection his officers and men had for him, were to be put to the test in the days that followed by circumstances beyond their control...

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