Hello again, Could anyone possibly help me to understand the process around the demobilisation / repatriation of troops back to the UK how they got back to the UK. My dad was in Egypt from 1941 to 1945 (in total over 4 ½ years) which as I understand from his attached service record he came back under Python, which I believe was a general code name given for leave and for troops that had done four years or more abroad and due for home posting. I am trying to find out how my dad got back to the UK. I am assuming he would have come back on a troop ship. On the service record, he departed Egypt on 5 August 1945, or did he. If he did I've no idea how he got back, which ship he was on ( I assume it was a ship) where in the UK it sailed into, or indeed whether that was the actual date he sailed. Out of interest how did Python actually work… would he have been informed just to drop tools, so to speak, and pack up. Would he have come back on his own or with other soldiers from his unit if they’d also been out there as long. I am keen to know how he got back and the name of the ship etc.. so any help would be appreciated Many thanks Geoff
I think you will find these two threads can help: 8th Army Python Leave and Returning home from Middle East at end of war... There are many threads that feature Python, at least 190! So a more complex search using Google could identify those specific to the Middle East. In my own research, not on Python, there are very few examples of anyone - but the senior "brass" - flying home by air.
It depends on which unit he was with and type, Regular or Territorials.. Here is a description from a number of letters and stories of the Territorial Army Artillerymen of 1st Infantry Division who ended their war in Egypt. Palestine As part of the 1st Infantry Division, the Regiment left Italy after a late Christmas celebration in January 1945, then took a slow cattle truck train ride in snow to Taranto. They boarded a French ship to Palestine where the food and accommodation was atrocious, landing in Haifa, being met by Major Kerr and the advance party. The time was spent training with the infantry, building up strength for a return to Italy but with the war ending, they were used to assist the forces in Palestine and gradually began to lose the men who were due for Python Leave, where those who had served more than four years abroad were returned to finish their service in the UK. Men were gradually returned home in small groups, even alone at times. The railway trucks (or if they were lucky) coaches with wooden seats, had the windows boarded up to protect the men from the locals who threw stones at them. They went back the way they came to Taranto, then often across country by train to France, then the UK. There was no home coming parade or recognition of their service. In Palestine they were camped in various locations from Haifa to Sinai, Damascus and finally Fayed a large RAF Camp in Egypt. Accommodation was still under canvas, which they had lived in since March 1943. The equipment was cleaned, checked and handed over to the Regular Forces. The Regular Army 19th and 2nd Field Regts were keen to offer vacancies to the men who had fought so well alongside them, rather than be given National Service conscripts with no experience or training. The posting had its pleasures, Major Mennell met his wife at Fayed, she worked for British Intelligence attending the various social events during the last months prior to their demobilisation. There was sunshine, beaches and places to go but not exactly what the ordinary soldiers appreciated. There was also time and equipment to take photos to send or take home.
