124 



of a fuunel in a few minutes^ aiid at first were carried looped 

 round the camels neck, but as it was found tliis caused galls, 

 they were later slung from the saddle between the two seats. 



Of course, the success of all camel corps depends largely on 

 the animals being managed by experienced men, hence the 

 system adopted up the Nile was somewhat in error ; f urtiier, 

 camel corps have special uses, and ai-e, therefore, capable of 

 abuse; camels can no more than any other animals do without 

 food, water, and rest, although they are remarkably toleraut of 

 deficient supplies of each. Finally, with camel corps it is essential 

 to have some such knowledge as can only be gained by actual 

 practice in peace time as a preparation for war. A hastily 

 improvised organisation is almost sure to break down, and failing 

 the nucleus of such corps as a permanent field for study, some 

 practice should be given and time for organisation before the 

 corps is sent into the field. Properly managed camel corps 

 should prove a useful addition to a nation's military resources. 



Appendix II. 

 {From the Records of the Suahim Field Force.) 

 For the supply of water to troops at the Front, weighing 

 three times the ration of each man, water tins each containing 

 124 gallons were packed on camels, two tins to each, and these 

 were started off before daybreak to join the convoy. The Camel 

 Corps was under Capt. Gwatkin, 13th Bengal Lancers and 

 Lieut. Watsou, Central India Horse. It actually comprised 

 485 camels, 195 landed on 6th April and 290 on 17th idem. 

 The camels were chiefly from 'the Hissar District, 100 were 

 collected at Meean Meer, 50 at Ajmere, Jeypore, and Ulwar ; 

 the Hissar ones being the best. The Saddles were of two kinds : 

 Government double seated with 4 stirrups irons, 2 girths, jurchee 

 (saddle cloth), gudghee (under pad), gudru (upper pad), khaki 

 cloth, and straps for securing the latter, weighed 73 lbs. 8 oz. ; 

 the Native saddle, purchased from the owners, weighed lbs. 65. 

 Every three camels were to carry five British or Native soldiers 

 and one Native di'iver who looked after the camels in the lines. 

 The soldiers attended in the lines to saddle the camels and to 



