Imperial Camel CorpsPrint Page

The tree commemorates the Imperial Camel Corps, 5th Light Horse Brigade which served during World War One. The tree was planted in 1934 by Captain J.R.Hall and was No.16 in the ballot. 

One of the most picturesque ceremonies yet held at the Shrine of Remembrance will take place on Saturday, 4th August, when nearly 100 trees will be planted along the main approaches - on the city side. Each tree will represent a Victorian unit or association, and each will be planted by a representative of the unit concerned after a brief, address at 3 p.m. by the chairman of the shrine trustees (Sir H. Chauvel) at the intersection of the main approach and Government House drive. The position of the trees for each unit was selected by ballot. 
Age (Melbourne), 24 July 1934.

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 cameleers were transferred to the light horse.

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