2nd Battalion Camel Corps

[Glenn Ralphs]

Steve, I in no way share such expert knowledge as you and other subscribers to this thread but just add something regarding my Grandfather.

Ernest Ralphs joined the Shropshire Yeomanry, service no. 1820 and then joined the Imperial Camel Corps, service no. 50562, ending in the Royal Hussars. He joined with his younger aged brother Harold but I cannot find a service number for him.

Like so many he never discussed his experiences but it would be very interesting to find out more. His brother once said as a throw away remark he had a special relationship my Grandfather having seen and experienced what they did during the war. The only thing my Grandfather said to me was when I asked him about a black scar on his cheek, he said it was caused by a palm tree which he ran into on a runaway camel!

Family lore says he volunteered for the camel corps but I have no proof about this.

 

I have read with fascination what you have put on this site and would love to know where else I could look for more info about my Grandfather.

 

Glenn Ralphs

[Guest]

Mate,

 

I record your relation as;

 

Ralphs    Ernest    50562    Pte    Tos 6Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1820) and Corps of Hussars brother Harold (1860) 
 

His brother Harold is shown on the Medal index rolls as;

 

1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1860) to KSLI (230229) 

 

I can find no record he served in the ICC.

 

I pasted the details on the movement of the 6th Company during the war a few questions back so check out where he went and what he may have done during the war.

 

Do you need more?

 

Cheers

 

S.B

[Martyn James]

Hi Steve, 

 

Just come across this thread and I wondered if you have any details of what my great Uncle got up to whilst he was in the ICC?

 

His name was Ernest Edward Did, service number 2355. He was born in Kettering, Northants, UK.  Moved to Australia and enlisted in AIF 12 July 1915. Posted to 23rd btn and then transferred to 1st btn ICC in January 1916. Later he was transferred to 14th Light Horse.

 

I have got a copy of his military record but just wondered if you could give me any more details from your database.

 

Thanks

 

Martyn James

[Guest]

Mate,

 

As you have his file, then you should have this;

 

DIX    Ernest Edward    2355    Pte    23Bn    5R tos batmen to Capt Langley 4Co/1Bn ICC (2355a) 1-16 to batman to LtCol Langley HQ/1Bn 9-16 to batman to LtCol Langley RHQ/14 LHR 7-18 to hosp (debility) 10-18 rtn 12-18 to batman to LtCol Langley 5 LH Bde HQ 1-19 RTA early repat later WWII Sgt 30 Garr Bn

 

I show he spent the war as batman to Capt Langley 4Co to Maj 1 Camel Bn to LtCol 1 Anzac Camel Bn to 14 LHR to T/Brig 5 LH Bde.

 

So if you can get a book by Langley and his wife (George langley died when writing the book and his wife finished it)  called "Sand Sweat and Camels".

 

While Langley was from the 21Bn and Ernie from the 23Bn, both joined the 4Co at the same time

 

23Bn men who joined the Camel Corps

 

BOXALL    Harry    82    Pte    23Bn    ACo WIA 13-11-15 face - eyes & shock at Lone Pine (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to CSqn/8 LHR 7-18 
BROWN    John    1662    Pte    23Bn    2R Tos 8-15 (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 2-16 WIA 8-8-16 chest injury at Bir el Aweidia reported WIA 28-8-16 GSW knee) rtn 8-17 to CSqn/14 LHR 7-18 (ECo/66 IR CMF 2 years) 
CHOWN    William Alfred    3483    Pte    23Bn    8R to CTU ICC 2-16 to 2 Pnr Bn 6-16 WIA 6-8-16 crushed R/leg accident reason not stated F&B to Pnr Trg depot UK 4-17 to A/Sgt 5-18 later WWII Sgt VDC
CROW    Robert    2124    Pte    23Bn    4R Tos 1-16 to CTU ICC 2-16 rtn Sgt DCo/23Bn 2-16 WIA 4-8-16 L/thigh and R/leg at Pozierers & MM - for his actions as part of a party under Lt Barnes during fighting in OG 1 at Pozieres for conduct and command of an entrenching party 4/5-8-16 F&B disch 12-2-18 amputated R/leg (Prov/Lt 65Bn Trg Area CMF)
DEUTCHMAN    James Henry    14    Dvr    23Bn    BHQ Transport remain Egypt to 4Co/1Bn ICC 2-16 to Cpl 3-17 WIA 19-4-17 R/shoulder shot in fighting at Tank Redoubt at 2nd Gaza rtn T/Sgt 6-17 to Sgt 7-17 prom 2/Lt 10-17 to 14Co/3Bn 11-17 to 3Co/1Bn 1-18 to C Troop BSqn/14 LHR 7-18 MC - for his actions near at Damascus later WWII Capt Garr Bn
DIX    Ernest Edward    2355    Pte    23Bn    5R tos 4Co/1Bn ICC (2355a) 1-16 to batman to LtCol Langley HQ/1Bn 9-16 to RHQ/14 LHR 7-18 to hosp (debility) 10-18 rtn 12-18 to 5 LH Bde HQ 1-19 RTA early repat later WWII 
GREENWAY    Charles    349    Sgt    23Bn    BCo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to L/Cpl 2-16 to T/Cpl 7-16 to T/Sgt (from scott) 9-16 to Sgt 11-16 DCM & MID - for his actions at 2nd Gaza 19-4-17 WIA 28-3-18 L/Leg shot at Amman rtn to T/CSM (from hamilton) 5-18 to SSM ASqn/14 LHR 7-18 WIA 19-11-18 L/shoulder accident in horse fall at Homs to NME UK wool classer (2Sqn/7 LH VMR to A Troop BSqn/15 LH CMF 3 years) brother Frederick MM 22Bn Lt
HAMILTON    John George    135    Pte    23Bn    ACo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 WIA 7-8-16 R/thigh shot at Bir el Aweidia rtn 10-16 to L/Cpl 2-17 to (AAOC) Arm/Sgt HQ/1Bn ICC 9-17 to RHQ/14 LHR 7-18 Later moved to San Francisco in 1923
HAMILTON    Robert Alexander    24    Sgt    23Bn    HQ to DCo 8-15 (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to CSM 12-16 to RSM HQ/1Bn ICC 5-18 to RSM RHQ/14 LHR 7-18 to UK leave married Isabella Jupp in Glasgow Scotland 12-9-19 
HOW    Frederick Albert    1813    Pte    23Bn    2R Tos 8-15 (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 2-16 WIA 27-6-16 serious at Moghara Egypt reported died of wounds in shooting accident AKA alais Frederick Alder How
HOWE    Michael Stanley    156    Pte    23Bn    ACo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to Sig 8-17 to Sig/Cpl 14 LHR 7-18 later WWII Cpl Sigs
LINFORD    Harry Alfred Jesse    1237    Wo2    23Bn    DCo 8-15 to Cpl 9-15 to T/Sgt 10-15 to Sgt (from Savier) 11-15 (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to CSM 3-16 MID - for his work at Bayud 8-8-16 prom 2/Lt 29-8-16 to 3Co/1Bn 9-16 reported killed shot to chest in attack on B4 redoubt at Rafa buried on battlefield in one grave with Pte's Bailey & Paul by LtCol Langley reburied Kantara War Memorial Cemetery Egypt (British 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers) AKA Harry Alfred James Linford or Linaford
LYDON    William    399    Pte    23Bn    BCo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to LH Dtls 7-18 to BSqn/8 LHR 9-18 to UK leave
NAGEL    William Charles Lewis    1086    Pte    23Bn    CCo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 WIA 28-3-18 R/shoulder & thorax shot reported in advance around Hill 400 at Amman to CSqn/8 LHR 7-18 att (med class B1) Hosp guard 14 AGH 10-18 later WWII Pte Rlwy det 
OATES    Nicholas James    800    Pte    23Bn    DCo 8-15 to L/Cpl 10-15 (G) to Cpl 4Co/1Bn ICC 2-16 killed at Bir el Aweidia NKG listed in Jerusalem War Memorial Palestine brother Robert 15Bn KIA
PENDOCK    Hubert Miles    4464    Pte    23Bn    11R tos Cpl AIF Canteens 4-16 to 4Co/1Bn ICC 3-17 rtn DCo/23Bn 9-17 WIA 30-4-18 gas near Dernancourt rtn 6-18 WIA 6-7-18 face & neck shrapnel at Villers Bretonneux F&B RTA wounded Ex CCo/22Bn (748) disch MU relist brother Charles 11 LHR
PITT    Frederick    1250    Pte    23Bn    DCo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to batman to Lt Linford 3Co/1Bn 9-16 to HQ/1Bn 5-18 to 14 LHR 7-18 
SHIELDS    Alexander    54    Pte    23Bn    Tpt/HQ remain Egypt to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to L/Cpl 2-16 FGCM 19-7-16 sentenced 1 year HL suspended 19-8-16 rtn 9-16 to HQ/1Bn 9-16 to Transport Sgt RHQ/14 LHR 7-18
STAFFORD    John    829    Pte    23Bn    DCo to L/Cpl 10-15 (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to 14 LHR 7-18 to UK leave
STEVENS    William Charles    281    Dvr    23Bn    Tpt/HQ remain Egypt to Sig 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to L/Cpl 2-16 T/att Cml Bde HQ 4-17 to LH Dtls 7-18 to Sig 15 LHR 11-18 to UK leave RTA via USA Ex CSqn/13 LHR (451) DNE (49 IR to 15 LH CMF)
TEARLE    Henry James    2464    Pte    23Bn    5R tos 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to 13Co/3Bn 3-17 to 14Co/3Bn 9-17 rtn 13Co 11-17 to HQ/4Bn 12-17 to LH Dtls 7-18 T/att 2 ASH 9-18 to 1 LHFA 9-18 (CMF 8 years) 
WADE    Edmund Thomas    872    Pte    23Bn    DCo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to 14 LHR 7-18 
WATT    Reuben    865    Pte    23Bn    DCo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 2-16 to 1Co/1Bn 10-16 WIA 19-4-17 R/shoulder & hand shot in fighting at Tank redoubt at 2nd Gaza rtn 7-17 to LH Dtls 7-18 to ER Cpl CTD 10-18 to 04 LHR 6-19 
WOODBRIDGE    Albert Edward    955    Pte    23Bn    BCo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to 15 LHR 8-18 (British 4Bn Gloucestershire Regt 4 years)
WRIGHT    Colin    858    Pte    23Bn    DCo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 rtn HQ/23Bn 3-16 to Dvr 7-16 to T/Transport/Sgt (from cocks) 1-17 to Transport/Sgt 4-17 MM - for his actions as pack Transport NCO at Broodseinde 8/9-11-17 WIA 22-7-18 gas reported area gassed around Villers Bretonneux rtn 8-18 F&B
WRIGHT    Gavid    1988    Pte    23Bn    3R Tos 10-15 (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 2-16 to T/Orderly Room Sgt 1Bn HQ 9-16 to Sgt 11-16 MID - reason not stated to 3 Cadet Wing RAF 12-17 att 193 Trg Sqn RAF 4-18 prom 2/Lt 38 Trg Wing RAF 9-18 to (pilot) 67 Sqn (1 Sqn) AFC 2-19 (A Troop BSqn/19 LH CMF)
 

Do you need other details on his movement let me know.

 

Also if you have one can you give me a photo of Ernie either war time or in later life?

 

Cheers

 

S.B

Edited 16 September , 2018 by stevebecker

[Martyn James]

Thanks Steve,

 

The record I have are his attestation papers, so everything you gave me was new, so anything else you could tell me would be appreciated.

 

That must be a very detailed database you have!

 

Sorry I don't have any photographs or anything.  He was my Grandmothers brother but I didn't know he existed until a few months ago. I am doing all my research from the UK.  I do know he ended up as a hotel owner in Tasmania

 

Anyway, thanks again.

 

Martyn

[PHalsall]

Hi Steve, realise this is late but you just might spot it.

 

Recently discovered this record of engagements involving the second battalion. A brilliant resource, thanks.

 

One query. Concerning the 5th company (my GF was in it). The Geoffrey Inchbald book, page 111, claims that it was companies 6,7 and 9 from the second battalion that fought at Maghdaba and Rafa, your record says 5, 6, 7, so the discrepancy is wether it was the 5th or 9th company. I am assuming Inchbald has confused the two and that your account is taken from War Diaries and so will be the accurate one. Nevertheless, if you can confirm that it would be great.

 

Cheers,

 

Pete

[Guest]

Mate,

 

Records show the quick formation of the Camel Bde (13 Dec 1916) lead to sorting out of companies & Bn's as they arrived in the area or already there.

 

The 1st Camel Bn was already in the field and had those companies shown (4Co 6Co 7Co and 12Co) at Magdhaba

 

The 2nd Camel Bn 

13-11-16   HQ 2nd Camel Bn under Maj Bassett + 14Co & 15Co left ICC depot for Kantara (Adjt Capt Pape QM Lt Herring)

20-12-16   2Bn ICC (3Co 5Co 14Co 15Co) to Kilo 128 with 15Co return 3Bn ICC (3Co & 14Co still not arrived with 2Bn ICC)

 

The 3rd Camel Bn

4-12-16  HQ 3rd Camel Bn formed under T/CO Capt Wright AIF Adjt Lt Tod QM Lt Brook Intell officer Lt Kinkead (1Co 11Co 15Co)

 

After Magdhaba General Smith had time to begin sorting out the companies and by Rafa that had been done, with the 1 Camel Bn (Anzac) and 2Bn (British) and 3rd Bn (AIF) 

 

As far as the records show the 9Co was at Shelluga (if part of the Bn it was not say with it at that time) (but does not confirm where it was in Dec 1916 and Jan 1917 

5-1-17   9Co 1/2 moved to Geneffe & 1/2 to Kabrit around Shallufa

18-3-17  9Co moved from Ayun Musa to El Arish & Capt Orchardson replaced Maj Winterton 9Co

24-3-17  9Co under Maj Winterton (6 officers 166 men) arrived ICC bde - 9Co officers (Lt's Orchardson (2ic) - Newsom - Marsh - Combe - Stephens) Maj Winterton to 2ic 2Bn and Lt Orchardson to OC 9Co

 

As to the 5Co it was shown replaced by the 12Co in Nov 1916 (this Company (12Co) had replaced the 7Co in Oct 1916, but by Nov the 5Co was sent back to the Canal and the 7Co returned to the 1st Camel Bn) But by Dec it was back and in the 2Bn.

 

4-11-16   5Co to Canal (5 officers 101 men 137 camels)

5-11-16   12Co replaced 7Co at Bayud  with 1st Camel Bn (4Co 6Co 7Co 12Co)

 

25/27-11-16  5Co arrived at Mageibra under 2 LH Bde 1/2 Co at Mageibra and 1/2Co at Bayud

20-12-16   2Bn ICC (3Co 5Co 14Co 15Co) to Kilo 128 with 15Co return 3Bn ICC (3Co & 14Co still not arrived with 2Bn ICC)

 

I hope that explains the reason what is going on?

Cheers

 

S.B

Edited 25 September , 2018 by stevebecker

[PHalsall]

You never fail Steve, thanks once again.

 

Yes, makes total sense now. Whenever you get around to writing that book Ill be first in the queue!

 

Ive come to realise how important it is to get down to company level to track these events, not just battalion. It would be quite easy to come to the wrong conclusions otherwise, especially as companies can be shifted between battalins, as here. The problem is that company level information isnt easy to locate on the internet. Never would have worked it out on my own so cheers.

 

Pete

 

 

 

 

[Glenn Ralphs]

Steve

please accept my apologies for not thanking you for your reply and information above ( Ernest Ralphs). I have had a major IT melt down and only just just got sorted. Anyway many thanks.

 

one additional request. As a service novice could you explain the jargon TOS 6 Co 5-16 please? Sorry to be so ignorant.

 

thanks Glenn

[Guest]

Mate,

 

Yes Sorry Military Akrum (TOS) Taken on Strength) 

 

25-5-16  6Co under Maj Knoop (4th (South Wales  & Welsh Border Yeomanry) Mtd Bde - 1/1 Cheshire, 1/1 Shropshire, 1/1 Montgomery, 1/1 Glemorgan, 1/1 Pembroke & 1/1 Denbigh Yeo) arrived ICC depot

 

23-7-16   6Co under Maj de Knoop (5 officers 119 men 146 camels) moved to Ismailia (Lt's De Rutzen (2ic) -Tredinnick -Houghton -Pettit)

 

These Shropshire men were with him under Lt Pettit;

 

Pettit    Hubert Ronald         Lt    Tos 6Co 5-16 ICC (commanded Shropshire sect) to OC 6Co (de Knoop kia) 8-8-16 to A/Capt 9-16 T/att Yeo Res Co CTU (Pape on UK leave) 5-17 WIA 27-3-17 L/leg shot at 1st Gaza shown as pacemaker & rear guard commander in Sena Raid 8-17 T/att CTU (Buxton on leave) 9-17 to OC 5Co (from Bunbury PoW) 8-11-17 to T/Maj recom MC to UK leave 12-17 Ex 2/Lt Kings Shropshire Light Infantry and 1/1 Shropshire Yeo to Maj 10-2-22 to LtCol 10-2-28 later Hon/Col Shropshire Yeo 10-2-32

Prewett or Prewitt    Albert Edward    1912    Pte    Tos 6Co 5-16 KIA 6-8-16 killed at Bir el Aweidia buried Kantara War Cemetery Egypt Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1812)?) and Corps of Dragoons age 40
Mullock    Norman D    2326    Pte    Tos 6Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (2326) and 10Bn Kings Shropshire Light Infantry (230370) and Royal Engineers (451852) shown in Rory Moore's news letter
Rutter    Arthur    50507    CQMS    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC prom 2/Lt ELC 9-18 Ex 1/1 Cheshire Yeo (397) and Corps of Hussars Ex CSM Kings Shropshire Light Infantry (230542) shown Kew records
Taylor    Harry S    50508    CSM    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC shown CSM 6Co 11-18 Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1586) and Corps of Hussars rtn SSM Shropshire Yeo (386197) 
Hodges    Jack G.    50509    Sgt    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1743) and Corps of Hussars
Evans    John Edward    50512    Sgt    Tos 6Co 5-16 ICC died 16-11-18 possibly illness buried Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery Egypt Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1346) and Corps of Hussars age 28
Cottrell    George    50513    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Cheshire Yeo (299) and 10Bn Kings Shropshire Light Infantry (230537) to Royal Engineers WR/194282)
Andrews    Richard    50514    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1766) and Corps of Hussars
Aston    Edward    50516    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1626) and Corps of Hussars
Barker    Sidney Arthur J.    50518    Pte    Tos 6Co 5-16 Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1326) and Corps of Hussars
Bartlett    Albert E.    50519    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1691) and Corps of Hussars
Devan    Joseph    50520    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1736) and Corps of Hussars
Bowen    William L.    50521    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (2506) and Corps of Hussars
Bostock    William Arthur    50522    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (3167) and Corps of Hussars
Davies    Charles S.    50527    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1718) and (230156) to Royal Engineers (WR/193340)
Edwards    Owen    50532    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (2566) and Corps of Hussars
Griffiths    George    50537    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1785) and Corps of Hussars
Hodnett    Thomas Gordon    50538    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1624) and Corps of Hussars AKA Hognett
Holley    Samuel L.    50539    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1756) and Corps of Hussars
Matthews    Harold    50543    Cpl    Tos 6Co 5-16 Ex Kings Shropshire Light Infantry (2210) and Corps of Hussars AKA Philip Henry Arthur Morris Mattews or Harry Morris-Matthews shown in Rory Moore's news letter
Morgan    Tom L    50544    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (2482) and Corps of Hussars
McDonald    Richard    50545    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (115) and Corps of Hussars
Maddox    Thomas    50546    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1827) and Corps of Hussars
Maund    Robert    50547    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1636) and Corps of Hussars
Munslow    John    50548    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1707) and Corps of Hussars shown Kew records
Murphy    Andrew    50551    Pte    Tos possibly 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex Kings Shropshire Light Infantry (985) (230705) and Corps of Hussars to Royal Engineers (451887)
Oliver    Joseph    50555    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 DoD 2-3-19 possibly died from spainsh Flu in UK buried Weston Rhyn (St Johns) Churchyard UK Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1237) and Corps of Hussars age 38
Pitchford    Charles E    50557    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1838) and Corps of Hussars
Price    Thomas    50558    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1228) and Corps of Hussars 
Purslow    Edward    50559    Pte    Tos 6Co 5-16 Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (2109) and Corps of Hussars
Quale    Leonard H    50561    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Cheshire Yeo (761) and 10Bn Kings Shropshire Light Infantry (230610) to Royal Engineers (WR/193492)
Ralphs    Ernest    50562    Pte    Tos 6Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1820) and Corps of Hussars brother Harold (1860) 
Trickett    Samuel E    50565    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1566) and Corps of Hussars 
Thompson    Henry C    50566    Pte    Tos 6Co? 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1989) and Corps of Hussars 
Johnstone    James    51124    Pte    possibly 6Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1214) and Corps of Hussars
Thompson    John H    51403    Pte    Tos possibly 6Co? shown ICC Ex 1/1 Shropshire Yeo (1690) and Corps of Hussar

 

Cheers

S.B

Edited 1 November , 2018 by stevebecker

[Guest]

Hi, I am trying to find out more information of Pte George W Cooke, my partners grandfather he was part of the Shropshire Yeomanry and served with the ICC as part of the 2nd ( British) Battalion there is a picture of him on a Camel  in the "Soldiers of Shropshire" book whilst serving in the Sinai dessert.

 

unfortunately  we do not have his regimental number if you have any information we would appreciate you help.

 

Many Thanks

[Guest]

Mate,

 

I could find no record of George Cooke being in the camel corps, so do you have any other details of his service?

 

The details you give looks like the 6th Company which details are found here (above questions) but if you need more let me know.

 

The Medal Index Cards show him as;

 

Cooke, George W
Corps	Regiment No	Rank
Shropshire Yeomanry	1833	Private
King's Shropshire Light Infantry	230222	Private   This looks like the 10th Bn KSLI

Edited 13 December , 2018 by stevebecker

[Guest]

Hi Steve

 

My grandfather was Graham Crosskey Harris (you have him in your records) who served with 5 Company (2nd Batt) in 1918/19.  He was originally with the 1/1 Sussex Yeomanry at Gallipoli and Egypt and then with the 16th Batt Royal Sussex Regiment in Palestine.  Shortly after being awarding an MM at Beersheba (3rd Battle of Gaza) he transferred to the Camel Corps as a First Lieutenant.  I have a great photo album of his time throughout WW1 - lots of men on camels.

 

I have really enjoyed reading the posts and can't believe how little there is on the 2nd Batt.  Is the war diary 5 Company (and 2nd Batt) a part of WO 95/4403? By the way I have an old cassette tape with a recording made of my grandfathers memoirs - recorded in Hong Kong in the early 1970's.  He mentions seeing a fair bit of T.E. Lawrence.  Lawrence supposedly pinched his camel at some point.  He also had dinner with him at the Fast Hotel in Jerusalem.

 

All the best

 

Tom Sheldon (Hampshire, UK)

[Guest]

Tom,

 

Thank you for your comments. Yes as you say I have these details on Graham 

 

Harris    Graham Crosskey        2/Lt    Tos 5Co 3-5-18 Ex Cpl 1/1 Sussex Yeo (1363) and Sussex Regt (320024) later 2/Lt 1/4 Sussex Regt
 

I was n't aware of his MM at 3rd Gaza with the 16Bn Sussex, so thank you for that.

 

Graham was one of a number of officers and men who come late to the ICC after most of it had been disbanded.

 

The 5th Company in that last year was at Beersheba, as an inderpendant unit and where they carried out a large number of patrols into the desert south of Amman and around Petra.

 

The Beni Sekr Arabs were around that area and they came into contact as they helped TEL at times, when it suited them.

 

I was given the 5th Company war Diary by some kind sole on this site, and thu limited in details, was very interesting in what the company was doing during the war.

 

Did he leave any written details and mention soldiers names any where, while in the ICC,  I am always trying to confirm names.

 

Thank you for the details and if possible can you post any photos of him in the ICC and any group shots of the 5th Company and any named?

 

Most of the officers for the 5th Company in 1918, I don't have photos of them.

 

11-12-17   5Co under Capt Reid (6 officers 156 men 220 camels) left ICC depot for Beersheba arrived 29-12-17

 

During month (Jan 1918) 5Co at Beersheba patrols out to Samua and Aslug (Lt's Wilks - Streeter - Kingston - Adams) 

 

3-5-18    2/Lt Grainger arrived 8Co & 2/Lt Harris arrived 5Co

 

28-5-18   patrol from 5Co (3 officers 97 men 114 camels) from Beersheba to Dead Sea

 

Cheers

 

S.B

 

 

[Guest]

Hi Steve

 

Thanks so much for all the info.  I've attached 'Programme of Sports - Rafa for 23rd and 24th December 1918' in which no.5 and no.8 Companies took part.

 

I've also photographed about 12 pages of my grandfather's album.  Do you want me to post them all here or email them to you directly.  Apart from my grandfather putting in arrows on the pages marking himself out the only other name written down is Wilks who you have already mentioned. Disappointingly there are no pictures of my grandfather on a camel - just other men.  But there are lots of him on horses - maybe when they weren't out on patrol they preferred horses to get around on.  My grandfather didn't care for camels much as he was a farmers son and loved his horses.  He had to sell his to the government for £40 which he said was a small back then.  He did return from Egypt with a camel stool - I doubt it's the one he used during the war but we liked to think so but he probably bought it in Cairo.

 

I did a little research on Captain Reid and found his medal card - I don't know if you have or want this.  He was at Radley College and I also found an obit for him in the school magazine which shows him on a camel.

 

Tom

[Guest]

Mate,

 

Thank you, this will put into context the Sports meeting

 

Oct 1918

10-18    6Co sent 60 men to capture Sidi Achmed Chief of the Senussi

3-10-18   8Co (5 officers 171 men 220 camels) Capt Beech replaced Lt Huth 8Co moved from Canal via Surafend to Tul Keram arrived 14-10-18

6-10-18   5Co arrived at Jerusalem

20-10-18  7Co shown on the Canal

28-10-18  LtCol Buxton to inspect 5Co & 8Co at Tul Keram

 Nov 1918

 1-11-18  shown 2Bn ICC 5Co & 8Co at Tul Keram 6Co at Sollum 7Co at Port Said & Ferry Post

8-11-18  5Co moved to El Afule

 Dec 1918

4-12-18   5Co + two sect at Afule moved to Tul Keram arrived 5-12-18

7-12-18   5Co & 8Co moved to Rafa arrived 11-12-18

23-12-18  5Co & 8Co had sports meeting at Rafa

25-12-18  5Co moved to Beersheba arrived 26-12-18

 

Jan 1919

1-1-19   shown 2Bn ICC 5Co & 8Co at Beersheba 6Co rtn to Abbassia for disbandment 7Co at Ferry Post

6-1-19   6Co disbanded to 5Co

11-1-19  7Co disbanded to 8Co

18-1-19   a composite Camel Co formed from details in Egypt under Maj Tod during the civil unrest in Egypt

Feb 1919

5Co still at Beersheba

2-19   Lt Brothers replaced Capt Reid 5Co on UK leave

March 1919

5Co still at Beersheba

3-19    Lt Brothers replaced by Lt Wilks 5Co

May 1919

records show 2Bn ICC disbanded at Abbassia

 

I am happy to check out the photos how ever you choose , what ever is easier for you will be fine.

 

A photo of Wilks sounds great and Graham either mounted or not it does not matter only having a record of these men so there not forgotten.

 

Reid    John Lillington        Lt     shown 8Co ICC 1917 to Capt OC 5Co (shown from bunbury PoW) 11-17  shown OC on patrol to Kasr Um Baghag 2-18 to UK leave 2-19 MID - reason not stated Ex 2/Lt 1/2 County of London Yeo (Westminster Dragoons) and Corps of Hussars 

 

Lt Wilks I still have not found, all I have so far;

 

Wilks    unknown        Lt    Tos 5Co ICC 6-17 shown on patrols to Dead Sea from Beersheba 1-18 to UK leave 10-18 rtn 12-18 to T/OC 5Co (Brothers to disch) 3-19 possibly AKA Wilkes

 

Other officers

 

Streeter    Sidney Henry         Lt    Tos 5Co 5-16 shown on patrols to Dead Sea from Beersheba 1-18 shown to 10Co 9-4-18 at Musselabeh 11-4-18 to T/Capt Adjt CTU MID - reason not stated to 3 weeks leave UK 10-18 Ex Sgt 2/4 The Queen's West Surrey Regt  (2678) prom 2/Lt to Capt known as Harry Streeter
 

Adams    Cyril Weldon Balcombe        Lt    (tos T/Capt 7Co 5-16 disbanded 6-16) possibly Tos 5Co? 7-16 shown 5Co T/att court of inquiry at Beersheba 3-18 to UK leave 11-18 MID - reason not stated between 3-18 to 9-18 Ex 2/Lt 1/6Bn Essex Regt 3-15 born 1888 died 1956 later WWII B.Q.M.S. Royal Artillery (marine Insurance Departmental Manager
 

Kingston    Marshall Leonard Ireland        Lt    Tos 5Co 27-4-17 shown lead patrol to find bodies of killed at Daharryeh on the Hebron road 1-18 shown support sect during Dead Sea patrol 2-18 to FDACC Cairo 11-5-18 Ex 13Bn Royal Warwick Regt
 

Mate any thing else let me know

 

Cheers

 

and Merry Christmas to you the your family

 

S.B

[Guest]

Hi Steve,

 

My great grandfather, Percy Hayden Beams, born 26 May 1897, was a private in the Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry (no:1523) and The Imperial Camel Corps (no: 50070). He was in the 2nd Battalion, Company 8. We have some photos from that time, including a cutting about the death of Captain C.W. Mason-Macfarlane. We also have a large group photo showing my great grandfather on the extreme right, mounted on his camel.

 

I have a copy of Geoffrey Inchbald's book "With the Imperial Camel Corps in the Great War" and would be grateful for any further references or information you have which might tell us more about my great grandfather's time in Egypt and Palestine. My mother says that he spoke little of it but mentioned that he had contact with Lawrence of Arabia. 

 

Many thanks,

 

Sarah

[Guest]

Mate,

 

You seem to have the main details on your GGF and about what I have.

 

Beams     Percy Hayden    50070    Pte    Tos 8Co 4-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Dorset Yeo (1523) and Corps of Hussars 

 

He was amoung the men sent by the Dorset Yeomanry under Lt Ryan to help form the new 8th Company under Capt Mason-MacFarlane, (who was killed later in the war) and it appears Lt Ryan's Dorset Section was at that action

 

24-4-16  8Co under Capt Mason-MacFarlane (6th (Yeomanry) Mtd Bde - 1/1 Royal Bucks, 1/1 Berks, 1/1 Dorset Yeo *Queens Own & 1/2 County of London *Westmister Dragoons) arrived ICC depot

16-6-16   8Co under Capt Mason-MacFarlane (5 officers 122 men 4 natives 150 camels) moved to Shusha (Samalut) for patrols out to Baharia Oasis (Lt's Ryan, Paterson, Inchbald & Huth)

 

5-9-16   8Co OC Mason-Macfarlane (engaged to Gertrude Caton-Thompson well known archaeologist) and Lt Ryan, shot by Senussi) on patrol to Baharia Oasis also on patrol Sgt Bolt and two men who survived, bodies later found by No2 LCP (Lt Lockett Ex Cheshire Yeo)

5-9-16   section 8Co under Lt Inchbold at Fayoum oasis & Capt Paterson replaced Capt Mason-MacFarlane 8Co killed near Baharia Oasis

 

Mate could you post a photo of him?

 

Cheers

 

S.B

[Guest]

Hi Steve,

Many thanks for the information. Here is a copy of a photo of my GGF, aged 22, taken in Egypt in Dec 1919, as requested. 

We have a number of personal photos and official postcards from his time with the ICC. 

I have included a shot of the front cover of the Geoffrey Inchbald book which you might like to compare with the close up I have taken from the group photo of the ICC taken in Cairo in 1916 (GGF is mounted on his camel on the far right). My mother believes it is him on the cover of the book, but this cannot be proved as the Imperial War Museum does not have a detailed description of the photo. 

I have also taken photos of the ICC Christmas card for 1919.

There is another photo of GGF in a group. 

Finally, there is a cutting from our family album of Captain Mason-Macfarlane and a copy of the photo GGF took of his grave beside that of Lt. Ryan who were killed on 5 Sept 1916.

I would request that none of these photos are published elsewhere without our permission.

I hope you find them interesting. 

Sarah

[Guest]

Mate,

 

Thanks for the photos.

 

Nice one

S.B

[Philip Walker]

On 18/12/2018 at 16:48, Tommy Sheldonian said:

Hi Steve

 

My grandfather was Graham Crosskey Harris (you have him in your records) who served with 5 Company (2nd Batt) in 1918/19.  He was originally with the 1/1 Sussex Yeomanry at Gallipoli and Egypt and then with the 16th Batt Royal Sussex Regiment in Palestine.  Shortly after being awarding an MM at Beersheba (3rd Battle of Gaza) he transferred to the Camel Corps as a First Lieutenant.  I have a great photo album of his time throughout WW1 - lots of men on camels.

 

I have really enjoyed reading the posts and can't believe how little there is on the 2nd Batt.  Is the war diary 5 Company (and 2nd Batt) a part of WO 95/4403? By the way I have an old cassette tape with a recording made of my grandfathers memoirs - recorded in Hong Kong in the early 1970's.  He mentions seeing a fair bit of T.E. Lawrence.  Lawrence supposedly pinched his camel at some point.  He also had dinner with him at the Fast Hotel in Jerusalem.

 

All the best

 

Tom Sheldon (Hampshire, UK)

Hello Tom

 

I've written a book about forgotten comrades of T. E. Lawrence (Behind the Lawrence Legend: the Forgotten Few who Shaped the Arab Revolt, Oxford University Press, 2018), and I'm carrying on with research for my own interest. I'd be very interested hear more about your grandfather's memoirs - my email address is philip.walker9@ntlworld.com, if you have the time to get in touch.

 

Best wishes

 

Philip Walker (Cambridge, UK)

[Philip Walker]

On 14/02/2019 at 20:08, puellaanimae85 said:

Hi Steve,

Many thanks for the information. Here is a copy of a photo of my GGF, aged 22, taken in Egypt in Dec 1919, as requested. 

We have a number of personal photos and official postcards from his time with the ICC. 

I have included a shot of the front cover of the Geoffrey Inchbald book which you might like to compare with the close up I have taken from the group photo of the ICC taken in Cairo in 1916 (GGF is mounted on his camel on the far right). My mother believes it is him on the cover of the book, but this cannot be proved as the Imperial War Museum does not have a detailed description of the photo. 

I have also taken photos of the ICC Christmas card for 1919.

There is another photo of GGF in a group. 

Finally, there is a cutting from our family album of Captain Mason-Macfarlane and a copy of the photo GGF took of his grave beside that of Lt. Ryan who were killed on 5 Sept 1916.

I would request that none of these photos are published elsewhere without our permission.

I hope you find them interesting. 

Sarah

Hi Sarah

 

It's fascinating to see the photos from your great grandfather's album, and the other material. I am researching 2nd. Lieutenant Warwick Ryan (Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry, No. 8 Company, I.C.C.). As you know, he was killed in a Senussi ambush at Baharia with Captain Mason-MacFarlane, on 5 September 1916. Do you have any photos showing him?

 

Best wishes

 

Philip Walker

[Guest]

Phil,

 

Mate glad to see someone looking at him as I found little on his Bio details?

 

Ryan    Warwick John Horwood         2/Lt    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 (commanded Dorset Yeo sect) reported shot by the Senussi with Capt Mason-Macfarlane on patrol to Baharia Oasis (also reported died of thirst after being shot) buried Cairo War Cemetery Ex 2/Lt 1/1 Dorset Yeo age 26
 

I have no NOK details on him

 

As I said he brought the Dorset Yeo men into the new 8th Company in April 1916 and commanded them during his short life in the ICC.

 

Cheers

S.B

[Guest]

Hi all,

 

i can can help with most of the chaps who left the Dorset (Queen’s Own) Yeomanry 40+1 to Form No 8 Company, 2nd Battion, ICC in 1916 including a group photograph.  The +1 was Lt Ryan who was later Kia.  I can be contacted on Dorsetyeoman@btinternet.com. Regards. Colin Parr

[Guest]

Hi Steve

 

I to have been looking at Number 8 Coy, 2nd Bn ICC.  I have a number rank and names of a number of the QODY Men who transferred to No 8 Coy but also find  others that elude me, perhaps you or someone else can help me.  I am happy to share this information.  For example: 500018 Sgt Arthur Bolt DCM Mid. 500000 WO2 (CSM) William Guppy DCM, Mid. 50029 Cpl A G Gould. 50019 LCpl Mark Ward. 50092 Tpr Stanley George. 50020 Tpr W V Greening.  These are a few, I have a group picture of 28 men of the 40 that went to No 8 Coy but not all the faces to names.