My great grandfather was in Egypt during WW1. We have lots of pictures of the pyramids and tombs etc. His team 'righted' the statue of Ramses the II... didn't appear to have too much of a hard time there from the look of the photos.
My grandfather, during WW2, worked at Bletchley Park in the Testery, Mil Section, Block F. Basically he was a cryptographer who also spoke fluent English, German, Spanish, Italian and Latin. Because of this he was able to, both try to break the days coding system as well as immediately see if he was correct as he would be able to read the messages. For his work he was awarded an OBE... though many years after.
He told a funny story around this. It goes something like this:
'When I was younger my real passion was botany. By some stroke of luck I managed to win 1st prize the the Chelsea flower show for two years running. After the second event I was introduced to the Queen Mother. She was a lovely woman with a devilish sense of humour. It was all very formal and we shared a glass while the sun was setting in the gardens'.
'Many years later, I was awarded a OBE. Afterward my friend (I can't remember the name) was about the introduce me to the Queen Mother, whom I had previously met although not expecting her to remember me I acted as though it was the first time.'
As (insert friends name here) was about the introduce me the Queen Mum said 'Oh yes, Michael, I believe we have previously met. How splendid to see you. I did enjoy your garden and our conversation on what was a lovely end to the day'.
'Now I was quite taken aback by her very good memory and was almost lost for words. The queen mum remember exactly where we met and recounted the wonderful weather we had had. Then she motioned that my fly was down at which point I quickly 'did up' though I cant say I was embarrassed... if you know what I mean.
So my Grandfather swears that on the first occasion they met, after the flower show he must have had his fly down as in all honest it is the only part of him that is unremarkable and unforgettable.
I think it was the champagne myself....
The old codger!