Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 1, Europe, Middle East, 4 Field Ambulance, 1915

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1915

Overview

Soldiers with camel patient transport

Historical information

The 4th Field Ambulance was formed in Victoria, initially as part of the ANZAC Division. After Gallipoli it was assigned to the 4th Division along with the rest of the 4th Brigade, comprised of the 13th 14th 15th and 16th Battalions, which were drawn from a variety of States.

The Field Ambulance Company was responsible for 'Second Line' casualty evacuation from 'First Line' Regimental Aid Posts (RAP) in each Battalion.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-P2002.149.2y

Item type

Photographs

Themes

War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 1

Inscriptions and markings

Camels were well suited for the desert in Sinai and Palestine. They could carry around 145 kilograms and go without water for up to five days. Tens of thousands were used to get water to the soldiers, Later they were used to transport cameliers into battle, where the riders would dismount to fight.
The Imperial Camel Corps Brigade was formed in 1916 from British and Commonwealth troops and was attached to the Anzac Mounted Division. There were four regiments: the 1st and 3rd were Australian, the 2nd was British, and the 4th was a mix of New Zealanders and Australians. Each regiment had around 770 men, and at full strength the brigade contained almost 4,000 camels. In 1917 the brigade took part in the fighting at Gaza and Beersheba in Palestine. By the following year the country’s harsh terrain had made the camels less effective than horses. No longer needed, the Australian cameliers were transferred back to the light horse.

Year

1915

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Organisation Details
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