Buster11,
Can't help much, Buster. When I set forth for 'furrin' parts in October 1942, I would think it impossible from India. Don't think Cairo either, but don't know the place.
Now in 1940, they may have still been in peacetime mode in Cairo, and (like most of the world at the time) expecting us to capitulate after Dunkirk. So, it may well have been "business as usual" there, (and always ready to earn an honest "akker" or two).
Hope the silver didn't come off the table at first polish, and they didn't find "Made in Birmingham" on the back !
Danny.