The Imperial Camel Brigade was formed on 19 December 1916 for service in the Middle East. The brigade originally comprised three battalions, 1st (Australian), 2nd (British), and 3rd (Australian), plus supporting units. Each of the battalions had an authorised strength of 770 men and 922 camels. A battalion comprised four companies and a headquarters. The 4th (ANZAC) Battalion was raised in May 1917, but instead of increasing the brigade fighting strength, it was decided one battalion would always be resting and refitting, while three battalions served at the front.
 |
| The lines of the Imperial Camel Corps shaded by trees near Beersheba. |
Men of an Australian and New Zealand Army Corps battalion of the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade
To complete the brigade structure and supply added firepower, the brigade received some other units: the 265th (Camel) Machine Gun Squadron, with eight Vickers machine guns, and the Hong Kong and Singapore (Mountain) Battery, armed with six BL 2.75 inch Mountain Guns.
The Hong Kong-Singapore Mountain Battery of the Imperial Camel Corps, the camels are carrying Vickers 2.75 inch (70 mm) MK 1 Mountain Guns and other supplies.
Artillery support for the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade was provided by the Hong Kong and Singapore (Mountain) Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. 1918
Despite their title, the battery was formed by men from the British Indian Army. The brigade included the ICC Mobile Veterinary Section, and the brigade's logistic units were the ICC Brigade Ammunition Column and the ICC Brigade Train, which carried enough supplies for five days. The total brigade strength was around 4,150 men and 4,800 camels.
