“The camels carried soldiers, supplies, and sometimes even wounded, proving their worth as indispensable ‘ships of the desert.’”

IN A conflict often characterized by the rise of new technology, a group of First World War soldiers blended a decidedly ancient method of desert transportation with then cutting-edge military weaponry to create one of the oddest military units of the era.

The British Imperial Camel Corps was a creative solution to the logistical and combat challenges posed by one of the harshest environments in the world. While armies on the Western Front found themselves bogged down in trenches, the camel corps crossed vast deserts to take on the Ottoman army in a new form of highly mobile and unconventional warfare.

The brigade was formed in 1916 during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign by British commanders who realized that traditional infantry and cavalry were manifestly ill-suited for desert warfare. Both soldiers and horses required water and could not be expected to survive, let alone fight, after prolonged exposure to the unforgiving heat of the desert. Motorized vehicles, still in their infancy, were also ill-equipped for the sandy landscape.

In response, the British military turned to camels, which had long been used by desert-dwelling peoples for their ability to carry heavy loads over long distances without water. While camels had been employed for transport by British forces since the Egyptian Expeditionary Force began operating in the region, their utility as mounts for combat soldiers had yet to be explored.

The idea for a camel-mounted combat force was spearheaded by British officers under the guidance of Major General Philip Chetwode. Recognizing the camel’s potential for maneuverability and endurance, Chetwode envisioned a unit capable of quick strikes, long-range patrols, and sustained operations in the desert.

The first units were formed from volunteers drawn primarily from existing cavalry regiments within the British Empire. Soldiers from Australia and New Zealand made up a significant portion of the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade, alongside troops from the British Isles and India.

By late 1916, the corps had expanded into a full brigade, with four battalions organized under its command. The majority of these were staffed by Australian and New Zealand forces, reflecting the deep commitment of these nations to the war effort in the Middle East.

Each battalion comprised around 770 men, with every soldier assigned a camel for transportation. The animals, predominantly of the single-humped dromedary variety, carried not only their riders but also provisions, water, and equipment necessary for extended operations far from supply lines.

By the time it reached its peak, the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade comprised around 4,150 men from across the British Empire. Most soldiers came from Australia and New Zealand, but there were also battalions from Britain and India. 

The soldiers of the Camel Corps were equipped with standard British Army gear, including Lee-Enfield rifles and Lewis machine guns. Their uniforms were modified for the desert environment, with lightweight khaki gear and sun helmets. The camels carried soldiers, supplies, and sometimes even wounded, proving their worth as indispensable “ships of the desert.”

The Camel Corps combined traditional desert knowledge with modern military doctrine. Their mobility allowed them to traverse vast distances quickly, conduct surprise attacks, and cut off enemy supply lines. Operating in small, self-sufficient groups, they often outmaneuvered Ottoman forces in ways that traditional infantry or cavalry could not.

The Battle of Magdhaba in December 1916 was one of the Camel Corps’ first major successes. Operating in conjunction with mounted forces from the Australian Light Horse, the Camel Corps conducted a daring raid to seize vital Ottoman water supplies near the Sinai Peninsula. This rapid assault, under General Harry Chauvel, demonstrated the effectiveness of camel-mounted mobility in striking hard-to-reach targets. The victory ensured that Allied forces could continue advancing through the region.

In January 1917, the Camel Corps was instrumental in the Battle of Rafa, a critical engagement on the border between Egypt and Ottoman-controlled Palestine. Alongside infantry and mounted brigades, the Camel Corps launched a coordinated attack against heavily fortified Ottoman positions. Their ability to quickly reposition under fire, coupled with their relentless advance, was key to breaching the enemy’s defenses. This victory opened a path for further Allied operations into Palestine and boosted morale among desert forces.

The Corps’ most famous engagement came during the Battle of Beersheba in October 1917, part of the broader Third Battle of Gaza. While the battle is perhaps best-known for the dramatic cavalry charge of the Australian Light Horse, the Camel Corps played a crucial support role, securing flanks and maintaining logistical supply lines. Their contributions ensured the success of one of the most significant Allied victories in the Middle East, which led to the capture of Jerusalem later that year.

Despite their successes, the Camel Corps paid a heavy price. The harsh desert environment, coupled with fierce combat, took a toll. Over the course of the war, the unit suffered 240 men killed in action and many more wounded or incapacitated by disease. Yet, their effectiveness in battle inflicted significant casualties on Ottoman forces, helping to turn the tide in the Middle Eastern theater.

The Camel Corps was officially disbanded in 1919, shortly after the end of World War I. Advances in mechanized transport and the changing nature of warfare rendered camel-mounted troops obsolete.

Today, the Imperial Camel Corps Memorial in London stands as a testament to their service and sacrifice. Unveiled in 1921, it honors the men of the Camel Corps who gave their lives during the war. Similar tributes can be found in Australia and New Zealand.

The Imperial Camel Corps occupies a distinctive place in the history of the Great War. Though their time was brief, the Camel Corps proved that even in an era of industrial warfare, traditional, even ancient methods could still play a vital role.