2nd Battalion Camel Corps

[Guest]

Mate,

 

Glad to help, I'll EMail you.

 

S.B

[Guest]

Steve, 

I hope this finds you well, I've just come across this thread, and your full account of the Battle of Amman, & created an account in order to express my thanks to you for your time and research. Thomas Rowland Smith would have been my Great Grand Uncle, i've just restarted researching him again after a break of a few years, it is fantastic to find such information. A little bit of family hearsay is that he was hit by a sniper bullet.

Many Thanks

 

Mark

[Guest]

Mark,

 

Camel Corps records are quiet on how both Denley and Smith were hit, other then shot during the defence against Ottoman Counter attacks to push them away from Amman.

 

Smith was mentioned being mortally wounded holding the line during these hours.

 

I would not discount the idea of being shot by a sniper, as most officers were moving amoung the men encouraging them to hold the line.

 

The wounded could not be moved to the rear and many died in the trenches.from there wounds.

 

Cheers

 

S.B

[Guest]

My Grandfather was 2nd Lt Edwin Grainger from the Royal Sussex attached to the ICC, i am looking for information on his time with the ICC.

[Guest]

Mate,

 

I record your relation as;

 

Grainger    Edwin James        2/Lt    Tos 8Co 5-18 shown ICC WIA 12/13-5-18 accident reported thrown with 1 man from camel during night march to Talat el Dum 5-18 to Hosp 10-18 to 5Co 3-19 Ex Cpl 1/1 Sussex Yeo (1267) and 16Bn Sussex Regt (320016)
 

His late arrival at the ICC was due to his service with the 16th Sussex Yeo Bn of the Yeomanry Div

 

A number of newly minted young officers were seconded to the ICC or CTC during the war, Edwin looks like he was one of these.

 

The former commander of the 8th Company wrote two books on his time with the ICC, his name was Inchbald;

 

Inchbald    Geoffrey Herbert Elloit        Lt    Tos 8Co 5-16 (commanded Berks Sect) to OC 8Co (from Tredinnick) 4-18 to 6-18 WIA 1-5-18 L/arm shot at Es Salt Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo author "Imperial Camel Corps" and not sure of second books name?
 

This is what I record during May 1918

 

May 1918

 

5-18     2/Lt Sawyer arrived 8Co & Capt Bell-Irving replaced Capt Deas 7Co after return from UK leave

1-5-18  HK&SMB att 3 LH Bde in fighting at Es Salt

1-5-18   High Commisioner Gen Sir Reg Wingate awarded a black Ostrich feather Hackel to wear in hats to the 6Co at Sollum

2/3-5-18 Battle of Es Salt

ICC Bde 1Bn (1Co 2Co 3Co 4Co) 2Bn (7Co 8Co 9Co 10Co) 4Bn (13Co 16Co 17Co 18Co) 26 MG Sqn and ACFA

attack by the 8Co and 18Co to support fighting across the Jordan

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

6-5-18    2/Lt Smiles arrived 18Co & Lt Huth replaced Lt Inchbald OC 8Co WIA

11-5-18   2Bn ICC moved to Talat el Dum arrived 13-5-18

11-5-18   18Co (4 officers 117 men 1 natives 178 camels)

12/13-5-18  reported 1 officer and 1 man injured from 8Co when thrown during night march to Talat el Dum

13-5-18   ICC Bde moved to Khirbet Deiran arrived 16-5-18

16-5-18   ICC Bde arrived Ramlah

20-5-18   2/Lt RW Brown arrive 18Co

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

29-5-18   Lt Knight T/att OC 11Co from 12Co

 

This is some details during his time with the 8th Company;

 

June 1918

 During month 2Bn ICC returned to Ismailia took over 3Bn ICC positions along the Canal

 

24-7-18  2Bn ICC (7Co 10Co) under Maj Buxton moved from Kubri to join (TEL) Lawrence's Arab forces while 8Co & 9Co remained on the Canal between Gamiel to Ferry post

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

From what I can see he arrived after the 8th Companies attack during the 2nd Es Salt battle in which the 8th Company was cut up badly.

 

He replaced an officer wounded in that fight.

 

It appears after that battle the Camel Brigade was reduced and the 8th Company spent most of its time on the Cannal.

 

To know what he did before May 1918 you need to check the Sussex Yeomanry for what he was up to.

 

Sorry

 

If you need more let me know.

Cheers

 

S.B

[Guest]

Paul,

 

I may add that the reason for his accident is not shown, but its well known that new troops to the Camel Corps had the same problem.

 

Frank Reid , an Aussie writer mentioned there first company operation where many riders fell from there animals.

 

It seams when a camel drinks it fills one of there stomachs and as that stomach shrinks after a few days, the girth strap needs to be ajusted, new men seam to miss doing this at every stop.

 

There is the case of two British Camel soldiers who got lost one night march to the battle of Mazar. When the company had time to go back and look for them, both had die of thirst .

 

Cheers

S.B

[Guest]

22 hours ago, stevebecker said:

Paul,

 

I may add that the reason for his accident is not shown, but its well known that new troops to the Camel Corps had the same problem.

 

Frank Reid , an Aussie writer mentioned there first company operation where many riders fell from there animals.

 

It seams when a camel drinks it fills one of there stomachs and as that stomach shrinks after a few days, the girth strap needs to be ajusted, new men seam to miss doing this at every stop.

 

There is the case of two British Camel soldiers who got lost one night march to the battle of Mazar. When the company had time to go back and look for them, both had die of thirst .

 

Cheers

S.B

Thank you so much, really appreciate what you've shared. 

 

[Guest]

Would appreciate any info (or pointers to find said info) on my Grandfather's service in 2nd Battalion of the ICC.

 

His name was John Hamilton, born 17/1/1896. Joined the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry in 1913 and ended up at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli in the 14th Black Watch. After being evacuated to Egypt, he joined the ICC when it was formed and did his training as a machine gunner at Abbassia. He then writes about trekking Kantara->Senia->Jerusalem, but no dates given. From the little detail I have it then appears as though he was involved in at Jericho, presumably between 19th-21st Feb 1918.

 

He writes "Near Jericho we met with fierce opposition and had many casualties from shell fire. At one point I was instructed to take my gun and crew to a hill overlooking Jericho where one of our guns had been wiped out by a direct hit. When we got there the gun had been in the shelter of boulders but was demolished. Bodies and bits of bodies were just lying all over the place. We had to collect the remains and put them out of the shelter so that we could get some protection ourselves".

 

This is one of the slightly more specific descriptions he gives re location, and I was hoping there might be further detail available on this battle as I'm considering retracing some of his path through the middle east.

 

After Jericho he then writes "We pressed on along the shore of the Dead Sea and also crossed the Jordan on the way to Amman. At this time two gun sections were recruited to join Col Lawrence of Arabia (about a dozen men) to do some night raids and sabotage behind Turkish lines (mostly blowing up bridges and rail lines). On each of these forays we did the job and then retreated into the desert east of the Dead Sea to lie low until another job turned up."

 

What sources might I use to get a little more detail on this time in Jordan?

 

At one point he contracted dysentery and ended up in hospital in Abbassia for a month, before returning to join his company. He survived through to the Armistice and ended up on a ship from Port Said->Marseille->train to Cherbourg->Motor Torpedo Boat to Southampton-> Train to Scotland.

 

Thanks for any pointers you might be able to provide!

 

[Guest]

Mate,

 

All I can find on him is;

 

Hamilton    John    50365    Pte    Tos possibly 7Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Fife & Forfar Yeo (1776) and Corps of Hussars

 

Sorry but the Scottish Yeomanry Regt help reform the 7th Company in July 1916, others by that name are

 

Hamilton    Archibald    50300    Pte    Tos 7Co 7-16 WIA 29-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1st Ayrshire Yeo (1995) and Corps of Hussars
Hamilton    George M.    50329    Pte    Tos 7Co 7-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lanark Yeo (617) and Corps of Hussars 

 

He is one of a number of men from that Regt that came to the ICC around that number;

 

McLaren    David    50356    Pte    Tos 7Co 7-16 WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex Fife & Forfar Yeo (2565) and Corps of Hussars
Scott    John    50357    Pte    Tos 7Co 7-16 Ex Fife & Forfar Yeo (2626) and Corps of Hussars
Henderson    James    50359    Pte    Tos 7Co 7-16 Ex 1/1 Fife & Forfar Yeo (2106) and Corps of Hussars
Niven    John P.    50362    Cpl    Tos 7Co 7-16 Ex Fife & Forfar Yeo (2353) and Corps of Hussars
Cumming    Francis JH    50364    Pte    Tos 7Co 7-16 Ex 1/1 Fife & Forfar Yeo (3326) and Corps of Hussars
Hamilton    John    50365    Pte    Tos possibly 7Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Fife & Forfar Yeo (1776) and Corps of Hussars
Harrow    Alexander    50366    Pte    Tos 7Co 7-16 WIA 27-3-18 (minor) at Amman Ex Fife & Forfar Yeo (2385) and Corps of Hussars to Royal Highlanders (345293)
Coutts    James    50368    Pte    Tos 7Co 7-16 Ex 1/1 Fife and Forfar Yeo (1457) and Royal Highlanders (345014) to Royal Engineers (WR/195683)
Doig    Walter S.    50369    Pte    Tos 7Co 7-16 Ex 1/1 Fife & Forfar Yeo (2405) and Corps of Hussars
 

I would say he also came with these men to the ICC, only I can't confirm that?

 

The 7th Company was part of the Camel Bn and Camel Brigade from Aug 1916 to the disbandment of the Brigade in 1919.

 

As to his story I can't confirm that, as the ICC didn't work with TEL untill late in the war (7Co and 10Co) around August 1918 and fought with the Arabs for a short time. But as far as I known they didn't go around blowing things up, but some men were attached to the TEL for that work, but so far only one can be confirmed and John is not mentioned?

 

So there plenty to confirm as his account sounds like he got up to all sorts of things. 

 

Did he leave a dairy with notes of his service in the ICC?

 

Does he list names?

 

Let me know what you need and I'll see what I have.

 

Cheers

 

S.B

Edited 1 January , 2020 by stevebecker

[Guest]

Thanks Steve. Grandpa John left no diary as such. John was also known as Jim to his mates. The record you cite "Hamilton    John    50365    Pte    Tos possibly 7Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Fife & Forfar Yeo (1776) and Corps of Hussars" looks a feasible match.

 

The attached notes were dictated to my sister to type up around 1983, before he died in 1984. He mentions no names and gives very few dates - unsurprisingly as it was 60 years after the fact!

 

He virtually never spoke about his war service, but I do recall a rare one-on-one conversation with him about the TEL connection, where he told me that the dozen British ICC members (including John) were attached specifically for night raids. I understood from him that the Arab forces thought night attacks to be dishonourable and that's why the Brits were used on those occasions.

 

After the war he found it hard to settle into life back in Scotland, so he spent a spell in Brazil working for a bank, caught malaria, ended up working on a transatlantic liner for a while, then in 1921/22 lived in New York, before finally returning to Scotland to settle-down. He was awarded an MBE in 1960 after working in the civil service for a number of years at RNAS Donibristle and then the dockyard at Rosyth, both in Fife.

 

Thanks Neil (Hamilton)

John Hamilton Notes on Great War Service.pdf

Edited 1 January , 2020 by Guest

[Guest]

hi Steve, a number of years ago you helped me with my research on my grand father Percival Fallon 4th Company 1st Anzac battalion ICC. I would be grateful if you could outline the battles of this company and any other details you might have . I have many of the ICC books but you are The Man when it comes to the ICC. I have a war portrait photo of him and also a picture of a ICC reunion after the war probably at a pub in inner Melbourne in the 1920's if you are interested . I also know that he was helped out by Rex Hall after the war when times were tough. Would you have a list of the men who came across with him from the 22nd Batt to join him in the ICC    cheers John Fallon

[Guest]

Mate,

 

The 4th Company was there from the first actions in Aug 1916 to the last AIF with the Camel Corps in July 1918.

 

Since you have these details that should give you much of what you need;

 

FALLON    Percy Lindon    1129    Pte    22Bn    BCo (G) to 4Co/1Bn ICC 1-16 to hosp (heat stroke) 5-16 to Cpl 12-16 to T/Vet/Sgt 3-17 T/att (Vet course) No 2 Camel Hosp 3-17 revert Cpl when to hosp 6-18 to CSqn/14 LHR 8-18 to hosp (toncilitis) 8-18 rtn 10-18 AKA Percival Lindon Fallon

 

But here is an out line of the movements of the 4th Company;

 

31-1-16  3Co (3Bde&7Bde - 9Bn to 12Bn & 25Bn to 28Bn) & 4Co (5&6Bde - 17Bn to 20Bn & 21Bn to 24Bn) arrived ICC depot Abbassia

 

 

14-4-16  4Co under Capt Langley (5 officers 112 men) moved to Esna near Luxor (Lt's Jenkins (2ic), Cashman -MacDonald - Fawcett - Wood)

16-4-16  half 4Co under Capt Langley from Esna to Kharga Oasis & other half 4Co under Lt Jenkins would move Esna via railway to Kharga Oasis

24-4-16  4Co arrived at Alamein part of WFF

26-4-16  4Co moved to Moghara

 

5-16      4Co patrols out to Siwa via Gara while at Moghara with No 6 LCP (Lt Davidson Ex Denbeigh Yeo) & Mr Henley MLA ACF (Aust Comforts Fund) arrived

 

 

2-8-16   half 4Co under Capt Langley (less Lt Cashman's half Co at Bir Hooker) loaded at Alamein moved to El Ferdan while Lt Cashman's half Co followed from Benna

3-8-16   4Co at El Ferdan moved to join 6Co 9Co and 10Co of Moblie Column under LtCol Smith

4-8-16   Camel Bn under Maj de Knoop formed (4Co 6Co 9Co & 10Co) with 4Co (4 officers 108 men 144 camels) & 10Co (4 officers 107 men 136 camels) moved to Bir el Mahadat for Romani operations

5-8-16   Camel Bn moved from Mahadat via Bada to Hill 385 with 6Co engagement at Hamisah

6-8-16   Camel Bn arrived Mageibra and moved to Bir el Aweidiya and engaged the Turks (4Co 6Co 9Co 10Co)

7-8-16   Camel Bn moved from Aweidiya to Bir el Bayud 11LHR captured prisoners, moved to Hod el Muhammam where Camel Bn with 4Co & 6Co attacked and Maj de Knoop & Lt the Barron De Rutzen OC 6Co were killed & Maj Bardwell 10Co took command and withdrawal to Mageibra (reported total columns (LH & Yeomanry and ICC) casualties 2 officers 12 men killed and 1 officer and 37 men wounded)

8-8-16   Camel Bn arrived Mageibra around 0200 bombed by plane & Lt Ashlin replaced Maj Bardwell 10Co & Lt Pettit replaced Lt the Barron De Rutzen 6Co killed at Hod el Muhammam

9-8-16   4Co & 10Co under Maj Bardwell moved to Hill 280 near Hod el Bayud

10-8-16   4Co 9Co & 10Co moved to Bir el Abd to support LH who engaged at Mushalfat (Homossia) and retired to Bayud

11-8-16   4Co 9Co & 10Co under Maj Bardwell attacked by Turks at Bir el Bayud  Smith's Column retired to Mageibra

 

13-8-16   4Co (4 officers 99 men 1 native 130 camels) reported Camel Bn lost 4 officers and 38 men casualties over period of fighting around Romani of whom the 4Co lost at lest 13 men

13-8-16   Smith's Column moved to Bayud

 

14-9-16  1st Camel Bn 4Co & 7Co with 5Co & 6Co to rest at Mageibra

17-9-16 1st Camel Bn at Battle of Mazar

1st Camel Bn (4Co 5Co 6Co 7Co) & HK&SMB

17-9-16   4Co under Lt Wood (3 officers 106 men 1 native 128 camels)

 

8-10-16   1 Sect 4Co to El Fardan (1 officer 41 men 44 camels) & 1 Sect 12Co to El Ferdan (1 officers 41 men 44 camels) or total (2 officers 92 men 125 camels)

8-10-16   Capt Denson replaced Lt Wood OC 4Co while Lt MacGregor (AKA Williams) arrived 4Co & 2/Lt Maitland arrived 14Co & Lt Mitton arrived 13Co

12-10-16   mixed force mustered at Bayud for Moghara operation 1st Camel Bn under Maj Langley (4Co 5Co 6Co 12Co) + RE Sect + sect HK&SMB + Sig Sect & RFC report centre + Wireless Sig sect + Medical Sect + SAA Column & Camel transport (CTC) with Comp LH Bde (11 LHR 12 LHR 1/1 City of London Yeo + MG sect 160 Bde)

14-10-16  action at Moghara

1st Camel Bn (4Co 5Co 6Co 12Co) & sect HK&SMB

1xCo as escort to SAA Column & Camel transport (CTC) & 7Co still at Bayud

19-10-16  1st Camel Bn 1xCo at Mageibra 1xCo at Bayud under 5th Mtd Bde and 2xCo's + Bn HQ at Hod el Geheila under 3rd LH Bde

19-10-16  1st Camel Bn (shown 4Co 6Co 12Co in 11 LHR war diary) with 11 LHR at Mageibra patrols to Abu Fileifil and El Bittia rtn 19-10-16

20-10-16   1st Camel Bn moved to El Galss and 4 Sect 8Co to Shusha (Samalut) (1 officer 40 men 70 camels)  and to Baharia

 

 

16-11-16   4Co rtn patrol to Loiet el Lagama captured 2 arabs and 3 camels

17-11-16   12Co patrol to El Bittia & 4Co patrol to Maghara & 6Co patrol to Taba el Flusiat

 

24-11-16   1st Camel Bn HQ + 3Co att NZMB replaced 4Co for rest at Bir el Abd & Lt Perry-Okden 14Co to AFC

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

 

3-12-16  4Co under Capt Denson (7 officers 154 men 4 natives 173 camels)

28-12-16  Battle at Magdhaba

 

Camel Bde HQ	BrigGen Smith VC		Bde/Maj Stocker
1st Battalion	LtCol Langley	4th Co	Capt Denson
	2ic Capt Mills	6th British Co	Capt Pettit
	Adjt Capt Goldenstedt	7th British Co	Capt Gregory
		12th Co	Capt Smith
2nd British Battalion	Maj Bassett	3rd Co	Capt Naylor
	2ic	5th British Co	Capt Wilson
	Adjt Capt Pape	14th Co	Capt Tolmer
3rd Anzac Battalion	Capt Wright	1st Co	Lt Cashman
	2ic	11th Co	Capt Creswell
	Adjt Capt Tod	15th NZ Co	Capt McCallum
HK&S Batty	Maj Moore
2/1 Cheshire Field Troop RE	Lt Drake RE
1/1st Welsh FAmb	unknown

4Co (-) under Capt Denson at Bir el Abd during Dec 1916 less one sect under Lt Williams to 1Co

3Co under Capt Naylor & 7Co under Capt Gregory remain at El Arish  Total Casualties 2 killed with 1 officer and 26 men wounded

 

4-1-17   4Co under Capt Denson arrived at ICC Bde at El Arish from Bir el Abd

7-1-17   4Co  (5 officers 148 men 4 natives 176 camels)

9-1-17  Battle at Rafa

 

Camel Bde HQ	BrigGen Smith VC		Bde/Maj Stocker
1st Anzac Battalion	LtCol Langley	1st Co	Capt Wright
	2ic Maj Mills	3rd Co	Lt Norris
	Adjt Capt Goldenstedt	4th Co	Capt Denson
		15th NZ Co	Capt McCallum KIA
2nd British Battalion	Maj Bassett	5th Co	Capt Wilson
	2ic	6th Co	Capt Pettit
	Adjt Capt Pape	7th Co	Capt Deas
3rd Battalion	Maj Huddlestone	11th Co	Capt Creswell
	2ic	12th Co	Capt Smith KIA
	Adjt Capt Hemphill	14th Co (det)	Capt Tolmer
HK&S Batty	Maj Moore
2/1 Cheshire Field Troop RE	Lt Drake RE
1/1st Welsh FAmb

 

9-1-17  reported 16Co NZ parts still at Geeila and at El Ferdan and 14Co still on outpost duty at Bir Lahfan, and reported 8Co with 3Bn but still not arrived while on operations in Western desert till Sept 1917 Total casualties 3 officers and 60 men (killed Capt McCallum NZ  Capt Smith & Lt Linford)

 

 

26/27-3-17  Battle at 1st Gaza

Camel Bde HQ 1Bn ICC (1Co 3Co 4Co 15Co) 2Bn ICC (5Co 6Co 7Co 9Co) 3Bn ICC (11Co 12Co 14Co) HKSMB 26 MG Sqn (265 MG Co) 1/1 Scottish Horse FAmb

 

 

19-4-17 Battle at 2nd Gaza

 

Camel Bde HQ	BrigGen Smith VC		Bde/Maj Stocker
1st Battalion	LtCol Langley	1st Co	Capt Cashman
	Maj Mills (2ic)	2nd Co	Capt Campbell
	Adjt Capt Goldenstedt	3rd Co	Capt Naylor KIA
		4th Co	Capt Denson
2nd British Battalion	LtCol Gardner	5th Co	Capt Wilson
	Maj Winterton (2ic)	6th Co	Capt Houghton
	Adjt Capt Tod	7th Co	Capt Gregory
		9th Co	Capt Orchardson KIA
3rd Anzac Battalion	LtCol De Lancey-Forth WIA	11th Co	Capt Creswell
	Maj Donovan (2ic)	12th Co	Capt Norris
	Adjt Capt Hemphill	14th Co	Capt Tolmer
		15th NZ Co	Capt Priest KIA
HK&S Batty	Maj Moore
265 MG Co (26 MG Sqn)	Maj Millar
1/1st Scottish Horse FAmb	Maj Mason

 

Total casualties 4 officers and 41 men killed with 19 officers and 271 men wounded (killed Capt Naylor Capt Orchardson Capt Priest with Lt Chapman HK&SMB) with Lt's Fender and Hill died of wounds

 

9-5-17     4Co (4 officers 132 men 4 natives 156 camels) returned to Canal arrived Ferry Post 11-5-17

22-5-17   Operation to Nekhl 1Bn ICC by Maj Mills (parts 2Co 3Co 4Co) moved from Serapeum

 

16-1-18   1Bn ICC under LtCol Langley (23 officers 660 men) arrived ICC Bde at Rafa (replaced 3rd Bn) 

 

 

10-3-18   ICC Bde left Shellal to began moving to Bethlehem ICC Bde concentrated around Solomans Pools 18-3-18

11-3-18   1Bn ICC (18 officers 611 men 779 camels) left Shellal to Deiran for Amman Raid stopped at Hareira for night

12-3-18   1Bn stopped tonight at Julis arrived Deiran 13-3-18 departed 17-3-18 to Zakariya to Solomons Pools 18-3-18

27/30-3-18 Battle of Amman

 

Camel Bde HQ	BrigGen Smith  VC		Bde/Maj Nash-Wortham
1st Anzac Battalion	LtCol Langley WIA to Capt Denson	1st Co	Lt Nicholson
	2ic Maj Nobbs	2nd Co	Capt Mills
	Adjt Capt Campbell	3rd Co	Capt Hogue
		4th Co	Capt Denson /Lt Matthews
2nd British Battalion	LtCol Buxton	7th Co	Capt Deas
	2ic Maj Day	8th Co	Capt Tredinnick
	Adjt Capt Hornby	9th Co	Capt Newsom  (KIA)
		10th Co	Lt Lyall  (KIA)
4th Anzac Battalion	LtCol Mills	13th Co	Capt Howard
	2ic Maj Hemphill (NZ)	16th NZ Co	Capt Yerex
	Adjt Lt Treweek (NZ)	17th Co	Capt Hampton
		18th Co	Maj Kessels WIA
HKSB	Maj Moore
26 MG Sqn	Maj Millar
Camel FAmb	LtCol McLaren

 

less 1Co on escort duty and 3Co on Jordan and half 2Co as escort to ICC Bde HQ and ACFA att 2Co's 2/18Bn London Regt under Capt Crossby 30-3-18

 

 

11-4-18 Battle of Mussallabeh

 

Camel Brigade HQ	BrigGen Smith VC		Bde/Maj Nash-Wortham
1st Anzac Battalion	LtCol Langley	1st Co	Capt Wright
	2ic Maj Nobbs	2nd Co	Capt Mills
	Adjt	3rd Co	Capt Hogue
		4th Co	Lt Love
2nd British Battalion	LtCol Bassatt	7th British Co	Capt Deas
	2ic Capt Tod	8th British Co	Lt Inchbald WIA
	Adjt Capt Tredinnick	9th British Co	Lt Brothers
		10th British Co	Capt Patterson
4th Anzac Battalion	LtCol Mills	13th Co	Lt Smith
	2ic Maj Hemphill (NZ)	16th NZ Co	Capt Yerex
	Adjt Lt Treweek (NZ)	17th Co	Capt Hampton
		18th Co	Capt Howard
HKSB	Maj Moore
26 MG Sqn	Maj Millar
Camel FAmb	Mc Laren

 

 

2/3-5-18 Battle of Es Salt

ICC Bde 1Bn (1Co 2Co 3Co 4Co) 2Bn (7Co 8Co 9Co 10Co) 4Bn (13Co 16Co 17Co 18Co) 26 MG Sqn and ACFA

attack by the 8Co and 18Co to support fighting across the Jordan

 

Disbandment of all the Anzac formations of the ICC into the 14 LHR 15 LHR and 2 NZ MGS July 1918

 

Mate,

 

Thats roughly what the 4th Company got up to during the war., you can see where your grandfather fited in during this time.

 

S.B

[Guest]

I am seeking information about my great, great uncle, Harry Wilkinson. I believe he fought with ICC at Mudawara Station. I have his cap badge, a few photographs, and a newspaper cutting but little else. Any help gratefully received. 

 

Here is one of the photographs of him on his camel. Newspaper cutting says: "Mr Wilkinson remembers one or two incidents during the road on Mudawara very well. One Turkish horse had been captured, and the British asked for a volunteer who could ride a horse to go and fetch an Indian Mountain Battery. Mr Wilkinson volunteered and went off, but his colleagues thought he was a fleeing Turk and fired at him, so he quickly dismounted and brought the battery back on foot. On the same day Mr Wilkinson rescued his captain, who was wounded by the Turks."

 

[kenf48]

11 hours ago, BradleyJD said:

I am seeking information about my great, great uncle, Harry Wilkinson. I believe he fought with ICC at Mudawara Station. I have his cap badge, a few photographs, and a newspaper cutting but little else. Any help gratefully received. 

Welcome to the forum.

Nice photograph!

 

Harry Wilkinson Pte. 2377  originally enlisted in the Lincolnshire Yeomanry, he volunteered on or around the 20th April 1915 and was probably posted to the 2/1st for training (it may have been the 3/1st) but those details are lost.

Posted to the 1/1st Battalion he accompanied them to Egypt, landing with the main body on the 10th November 1915.

See https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-yeomanry-regiments-of-1914-1918/lincolnshire-yeomanry/

 

Also see the same site for further information on researching a soldier and the Yeomanry which were the cavalry units  of the Territorial Force.  His service record does not appear to have survived.

 

In all probability he volunteered for, and was attached to the ICC with at least forty other men from the Lincolnshire Yeomanry on an indeterminate date but probably in the Spring of 1916.   The men were apparently initially posted to 10 Company but most ended up with 8 Company. 

They were formally transferred to the ICC on 26th June 1917, under the terms of Army Order 207 of 1917, I don't know what that says.  Though they maintained cavalry rate of pay on transfer.

 

Oddly the renumbering is in the series allocated to their sister Battalion the East Riding Yeomanry though it may be unique to the ICC I defer to Steve on that.

 

He was 'disembodied' (TF expression meaning discharged) on 25 June 1919, unlike his comrades who remained with the Yeomanry he remained in the Middle East for the duration of the war.

 

Ken

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest]

Mate,

 

As stated by Ken I show him as;

 

Wilkinson    Harry    50747    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2377) & Corps of Hussars shown Kew records
 

He was one a a number of Lincoln men sent to help form the new 10th Company

 

4-5-16   10Co under Maj Bardwell (22nd (Yeomanry) Mtd Bde - 1/1 East Riding, 1/1 Stafford, 1/1 Lincoln Yeo & Rhodesians) arrived ICC depot

 

Horton    James ?        2/Lt    possibly 10Co? ICC shown in raid at Sena Redoubt 11-8-17 possibly Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo? & CTC
Tyrrell     Harry Ernest        Lt    Tos 10Co 2-17 (OC Lewis MG sect with Sgt Jimmy James & L/Cpl Frank Ballance) shown Rory Moore's news letter Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo to Capt Punjabis Indian Army & Punjabis Waziristan Field Force 1919
Whitelock    William Percival         2/Lt    Tos 10Co dates? to hosp 8-18 shown to CTU 9-18 Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo prom 2/Lt 21-12-16 
 

Drury    William    50697    A/Sgt    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (718) and Corps of Hussars
James    William L.    50698    Sgt    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC (shown Lewis MG Sect under Lt Tyrell)  knick name "Jimmie" shown in Rory Moore's news letter Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1766) and Corps of Hussars
Hobbins    Samuel E    50699    Cpl    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC to Sgt WIA 8-8-18 & DCM - at Mudawarra shown to 8Co 10-18 Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1426) and Corps of Hussars
Rutter    Jabey R.    50700    L/Cpl    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1629) and Corps of Hussars
Garford    William A    50702    L/Cpl    Tos 10Co ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1469) and Corps of Hussars
Garford    William A.    50702    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1469) and Corps of Hussars
Wallhead    George    50703    Cpl    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC MM - for his actions at Bir el Aweidia 7-8-16 WIA 27-3-18 L/thigh shot at Amman died wounds buried Jerusalem War Cemetery Palestine Ex 1/1 Lincolin Yeo (2445) & Corps of Lancers (55743)
Armstrong    Joseph D.    50704    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC WIA 27-3-18 (minor) at Amman Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2411) and Corps of Hussars
Ainsworth    William    50705    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1887) and Corps of Hussars
Boyes    Albert H.    50706    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2405) and Corps of Hussars
Barrand    Wilfred J    50707    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex Lincoln Regt & 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1855) and Corps of Hussars
Berridge    John    50708    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2876) and Corps of Hussars (327185) to Worcester Yeo
Bullimore    Robert    50710    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2471) and Corps of Hussars
Buttery    Charles E.    50711    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1488) and Corps of Hussars
Brumpton    Harry    50712    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC to 8Co 9-18 to HQ/ICC Bde 3-19 Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1790) and Corps of Hussars also shown as Cannock in 10Co nom roll
Bancroft    John    50713    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2413) and Corps of Hussars
Cammack    Frank    50714    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1823) and Corps of Hussars
Cowdell    George    50715    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2803) and Corps of Hussars (327172)
Cullen    Thomas W.A    50716    LCpl    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC WIA 29-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1571) and Corps of Hussars (327183)
Dawson    Albert W.    50719    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 (shown incorrectly in some forms as (50712) Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2508) and Corps of Hussars (327177)
Dawson    Christopher B.    50720    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2580) and Corps of Hussars
Duckering    George S.    50721    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2521) and Corps of Hussars
Dunderdale    Fred    50722    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1600) and Corps of Hussars
Earle    George Henry    50723    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2519) and Corps of Hussars
Francis    Harold    50724    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2383) and Corps of Hussars
Hewson    George H.    50725    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC WIA 30-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2441) and Corps of Hussars
Hardy    Alfred W.    50726    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2434) later Royal Engineers (WR/193311)
Haywood    George W.    50727    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2403) and Corps of Hussars
Jones    Harry    50728    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2537) shown as (1537) in 10Co nom roll and Corps of Hussars
Kennington    Herbert    50730    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2435) (55773) and Corps of Hussars (327175)
Melling    Robert H    50732    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2838) and Corps of Hussars
Ogden    Percy Henry    50733    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC shown as scout Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2446) and Corps of Hussars died 31-1-88 shown in Rory Moore's news letter
Pickaver    Horace    50735    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2188) and Corps of Hussars
Pettit    John Harold G    50736    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1386) and Corps of Hussars also shown as AG Pettit
Price    Montague A    50737    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (1774) and Corps of Hussars prom 2/Lt Royal Air Force
Richards    Arthur    50738    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2689) and Corps of Hussars (327179)
Raithby    George    50739    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2786) and Corps of Hussars
Moore    Herbert    50741    Sgt    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (534) and Corps of Hussars shown as Moor in 10Co nom roll 
Scaman    Frank    50743    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2452) and Corps of Hussars
Shilton    Arthur G.    50744    Pte    Tos Sig 10Co 5-16 ICC killed at Ras el Nagb shown 8Co? on cemetery roll buried Deir El Belah War Cemetery Palestine Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2427) and Corps of Hussars (612059) age 31
Scott    John    50745    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC shown 7Co? killed at Mussallabeh buried Jerusalem War Cemetery Palestine Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2487) and Corps of Hussars and Corps of Lancers (55772) age 22
Tindall    Robert    50746    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2808) and Corps of Hussars
Wilkinson    Harry    50747    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2377) & Corps of Hussars shown Kew records
Williamson    Ernest    50748    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (5381) and Corps of Hussars
Smith    James    50749    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (5254) and Corps of Hussars
Petch    Joseph E.    50750    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2540) and Corps of Hussars to Worcester Yeo (327186)
White    Fred    50751    Pte    Tos 10Co 5-16 ICC Ex 1/1 Lincoln Yeo (2220) and Corps of Hussars
 

If at Mudawarra he is not mentioned by name in any works I have, but that's the way it was for the rank and file.

 

Sorry that's about all I have on him, if you need an outline of his company and its operations let me know.

 

I am still getting over Tim Brooke-Taylor dieing, mate I loved the Goodies.

 

Cheers

 

S.B

[Sarnian]

My Grandfather Joseph Drakes Armstrong is listed in your post as being part of the 10th company being wounded in March 1918. 
 

is there anything you can tell me about 10th company or if not where I may be able to find further information about them?

[stevenbecker]

Mate,

Sorry there nothing I know of written on the 10th Company per say, but indirectly there is some in other works like TEL "Seven Pillars of Wisdom"

The 10th Company made up part of the Camel Corps force sent to help him early 1918 when Arab numbers were low and fought at Mudawarra

In the comments above (written by me but changed to "Guest" for some reason?)  you will see where the company fitted into the Camel Bde and during its many battles across the desert

S.B

 

Edited 14 August , 2022 by stevenbecker

[kenf48]

16 hours ago, Sarnian said:

My Grandfather Joseph Drakes Armstrong is listed in your post as being part of the 10th company being wounded in March 1918. 
 

is there anything you can tell me about 10th company or if not where I may be able to find further information about them?

Welcome to the GWF

Whilst I defer to Steve for the ICC Pte Armstrong's service with the Lincolnshire Yeomanry, as you would expect mirrors that of Pte Wilkinson as previously posted, with one or two minor differences.

He landed in Egypt on the 21st December 1915. Based on the few extant service records it appears all the men previously attached to the ICC were all renumbered and posted to the ICC on the 26th June 1917 as part of a reorganisation. Where records survive 10th Company men were posted on to 8th Company on the 16th November 1918.  The only record which shows this attachment to 10 Company is that of Pte 50723 Earle on 7th September 1916 (relying on just one service record always comes with a health warning - you will have noted the draft is numbered alphabetically).

I'm sure Steve has more details but 50754 Allman (presumably the next group) was posted and renumbered  to No.9 Company ICC on the 26th June 1917. He was previously in the City of London Yeomanry and disembarked in Egypt (Alexandria) on the 28th November 1915.  He was attached to the ICC on the 29th April 1916. It is not recorded which unit he was attached to but on the 10th August 1916 was wounded whilst serving in the Canal Zone, Number 2 Section Canal Defences.

Whether the Lincolnshire men were on similar duties at this time I don't know.

Pte. Armstrong was 'disembodied' ,i.e. discharged from war service on the 9th April 1919. 

As noted above once transferred these men remained with the ICC but for record purposes are included in the Corps of Hussars and continued to be administered by the Yeomanry.

There is an account of the Lincolnshire Yeomanry in Egypt and Palestine reprinted in 1979 whether or not it gives any details of this attached group I don't know.

https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31218366702&cm_sp=det-_-bsk-_-bdp

(usual disclaimer posted for info no connection with seller etc)

[Sarnian]

Thank you both so much for the info. Another couple of pieces of the jigsaw.

I’m sure there is much more to learn. 
 

Dave

[stevenbecker]

Sarnian

Mate If you need more I can go into some details but I found morew fun with checking all I could find.

Bon Chance

Ken,

Thanks for the feed back.

You pose a number of interesting questions

That this (numbered) group from the Lincolns joined in June 1917

I had no idea when they did, so can you give what range of men did that?

I have over 250 men who served in the 10Co, many with only there Regt number

You also mentioned a few men I can't find

Allmen 50754

He possibly falls into an unconfirmed group of Londoners I have as

Cavanagh    Gerald L.    50756    Pte    possibly Tos 9Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 City of London Yeo (Rough Riders) (3415) and Corps of Hussars    possibly not ICC?
Hurcomb    Percy    50758    Pte    possibly Tos 9Co?  4-16 Ex 1/3 County of London Yeo (Sharpshooters) (3137) and Corps of Hussars    possibly not ICC?
Hesp    Robert    50761    Pte    Ex 1/1 East Riding Yeo (2229) and Royal Engineers (475853)     possibly not ICC?
Deering    William W    50762    Pte    Tos 9Co 4-16  WIA 28-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 County of London Yeo (Middlesex Hussars) (3082) and Corps of Hussars (27692)     WIA 28-3-18 
Groom    Percy Edward    50763    Pte    Tos possibly 9Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 County of London Yeo (Middlesex Hussars) (40322) and Corps of Hussars    
Glover    Montague Beaumont    50764    L/Cpl    Tos 9Co 4-16 WIA 21-4-17 arm shrapnel at 2nd Gaza Ex 1/1 City of London Yeo (Rough Riders) (2018) and Corps of Hussars prom 2/Lt Royal Air Force 11-11-18 to 5 Trg Sqn RAF 3-19 to 17 Trg depot Sqn 7-19     WIA 21-4-17
Henderson    James    50765    Pte    shown ICC possibly Tos 9Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 City of London Yeo (Rough Riders) (2282) and Corps of Hussars    
Jaeger    William P.    50768    Pte     shown ICC possibly Tos 9Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 City of London Yeo (Rough Riders) (2663) to 1/1 Nottingham Yeo (Sherwood Rangers) (276936) and Corps of Hussars    
Carter    Lionel    50769    Pte    Tos possibly 9Co? 4-16 to No1 CTC depot 6-17 Ex 1/1 City of London Yeo (Rough Riders) (2295) and Corps of Hussars    possibly not ICC?

The only Allman around that name from London Yeo was;

Allman Henry W (3480) City of London Yeo and Corps of Hussars (301825)

No mention of 50754

Can you give anymore?

As to him being WIA 10-8-16 may refer to his companies fighting south of Romani

7-8-16   Camel Bn moved from Aweidiya to Bir el Bayud 11 LHR captured prisoners, moved to Hod el Muhammam where Camel Bn with 4Co & 6Co attacked and Maj de Knoop & Lt the Barron De Rutzen OC 6Co were killed & Maj Bardwell 10Co took command and withdrawal to Mageibra (reported total columns (LH & Yeomanry and ICC) casualties 2 officers 12 men killed and 1 officer and 37 men wounded)

8-8-16   Camel Bn arrived Mageibra around 0200 bombed by plane & Lt Ashlin replaced Maj Bardwell 10Co & Lt Pettit replaced Lt the Barron De Rutzen 6Co killed at Hod el Muhammam

8-8-16   15Co NZ under Capt McCallum (5 officers 125 men) arrived ICC depot

9-8-16   4Co & 10Co under Maj Bardwell moved to Hill 280 near Hod el Bayud

10-8-16   4Co 9Co & 10Co moved to Bir el Abd to support LH who engaged at Mushalfat (Homossia) and retired to Bayud

11-8-16   4Co 9Co & 10Co under Maj Bardwell attacked by Turks at Bir el Bayud  Smith's Column retired to Mageibra

12-8-16   9Co att Troop 11 LHR to Bayud

12-8-16   1Co under Capt Wright (3 officers 110 men 4 natives 153 camels) still on operations at Kharga Oasis

12-8-16   reported Lt Brodie 5Co accidently killed at Wadi Natrun

13-8-16   4Co (4 officers 99 men 1 native 130 camels)- reported Camel Bn lost 4 officers and 38 men casualties over period of fighting around Romani of whom the 4Co lost at lest 13 men

Cheers

S.B

Edited 15 August , 2022 by stevenbecker

[Joan]

Hi Steve

I am looking for any information about my relative who served in the Camel Corps in WW1. All I know is he was in the Berkshire Yeomanry, then in the corps of hussars. This is confirmed by his medal record card. I have a photo of him on his camel & a badge with Imperial Camel corps & an 8 in the middle. 

His name was John Cecil Funnell. Berks 2195 Corps of Hussars 50105.  Any info would be appreciated, thanks. 

Edited 26 September , 2022 by Joan
Add army number

[stevenbecker]

Joan,

Thank you for asking.

I have little on John other then the basic

Funnell    John C    50105    Pte    Tos 8Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2195) and Corps of Hussars
 

He was amoung a number who joined the 8Co ICC from the Berkshire Yeo during the war.

The exact date he joined is still not confirmed but during 1916 is the closest I can find.

The men around him are;

Armstrong    Frank    50100    Pte    shown ICC possibly Tos 8Co? 4-16 Ex CSqn/1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1879) and Corps of Hussars    
Bennett    Arthur Charles    50101    Pte    Tos 8Co 4-16 killed at Amman NKG listed on the Jerusalem War Memorial Palestine Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2681) and Corps of Dragoons (70612)    KIA 27-3-18
Eggleton    Edwin T.    50103    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2754) and Corps of Hussars (327151) died 1-3-1979 shown in Rory Moore's news letter    
Fisher    Sydney    50104    Pte    Tos possibly 8Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2772) and Corps of Hussars    
Funnell    John C    50105    Pte    Tos possibly 8Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2195) and Corps of Hussars    
Gosling    Francis Moss    50106    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2817) and Corps of Hussars    
Grover    Walter J.    50107    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2818) and Worcester Yeo (327119)    
Hall    Thomas    50108    Pte    Tos 8Co 4-16 Ex ASqn/1/1 Berkshire Yeo and Worcester Yeo (327263)     
Hodges or Hodge    Horace John    50109    Pte    Tos 8Co 4-16 shown ICC to Sig killed at Es Salt NKG listed on the Jerusalem War Memorial Palestine Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1730) and Corps of Hussars age 23    KIA 1-5-18
Hooker    Robert H    50110    Pte    Tos 8Co 4-16 WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1884) and Corps of Hussars    WIA 27-3-18
Holloway    William C    50111    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 WIA 27-3-18 (minor) at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2728) later Spr Royal Engineers WR/195655)    WIA 27-3-18
King    Reginald C.    50112    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2793) later Royal Engineers (495715)    
Langford    Alfred    50113    A/Cpl    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2621) and Corps of Hussars (50113)    
Mercer    John     50114    Pte    Tos possibly 8Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2779) and     
 

Your lucky as there plenty on this Company written by its commander Geoffrey Herbert Elloit Inchbald with at lest two books

Inchbald    Geoffrey Herbert Elloit        Lt    Tos 8Co ICC 5-16 (commanded Berks Sect) to OC 8Co (from Tredinnick) 4-18 to 6-18 WIA 1-5-18 L/arm shot at Es Salt Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo author "With the Imperial Camel Corps in the Great War" and "Camels and Others" brother Peter Maj RFA Son Anthony Lt Gren Guards KIA 6-12-43 in Italy
 

These books are still on the net somewhere.

If you need more let me know

Cheers

S.B

[Joan]

20 minutes ago, stevenbecker said:

Joan,

Thank you for asking.

I have little on John other then the basic

Funnell    John C    50105    Pte    Tos 8Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2195) and Corps of Hussars
 

He was amoung a number who joined the 8Co ICC from the Berkshire Yeo during the war.

The exact date he joined is still not confirmed but during 1916 is the closest I can find.

The men around him are;

Armstrong    Frank    50100    Pte    shown ICC possibly Tos 8Co? 4-16 Ex CSqn/1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1879) and Corps of Hussars    
Bennett    Arthur Charles    50101    Pte    Tos 8Co 4-16 killed at Amman NKG listed on the Jerusalem War Memorial Palestine Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2681) and Corps of Dragoons (70612)    KIA 27-3-18
Eggleton    Edwin T.    50103    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2754) and Corps of Hussars (327151) died 1-3-1979 shown in Rory Moore's news letter    
Fisher    Sydney    50104    Pte    Tos possibly 8Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2772) and Corps of Hussars    
Funnell    John C    50105    Pte    Tos possibly 8Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2195) and Corps of Hussars    
Gosling    Francis Moss    50106    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2817) and Corps of Hussars    
Grover    Walter J.    50107    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2818) and Worcester Yeo (327119)    
Hall    Thomas    50108    Pte    Tos 8Co 4-16 Ex ASqn/1/1 Berkshire Yeo and Worcester Yeo (327263)     
Hodges or Hodge    Horace John    50109    Pte    Tos 8Co 4-16 shown ICC to Sig killed at Es Salt NKG listed on the Jerusalem War Memorial Palestine Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1730) and Corps of Hussars age 23    KIA 1-5-18
Hooker    Robert H    50110    Pte    Tos 8Co 4-16 WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1884) and Corps of Hussars    WIA 27-3-18
Holloway    William C    50111    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 WIA 27-3-18 (minor) at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2728) later Spr Royal Engineers WR/195655)    WIA 27-3-18
King    Reginald C.    50112    Pte    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2793) later Royal Engineers (495715)    
Langford    Alfred    50113    A/Cpl    Tos 8Co ICC 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2621) and Corps of Hussars (50113)    
Mercer    John     50114    Pte    Tos possibly 8Co? 4-16 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2779) and     
 

Your lucky as there plenty on this Company written by its commander Geoffrey Herbert Elloit Inchbald with at lest two books

Inchbald    Geoffrey Herbert Elloit        Lt    Tos 8Co ICC 5-16 (commanded Berks Sect) to OC 8Co (from Tredinnick) 4-18 to 6-18 WIA 1-5-18 L/arm shot at Es Salt Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo author "With the Imperial Camel Corps in the Great War" and "Camels and Others" brother Peter Maj RFA Son Anthony Lt Gren Guards KIA 6-12-43 in Italy
 

These books are still on the net somewhere.

If you need more let me know

Cheers

S.B

Hi Steve

This is interesting, thank you! I know he was a farmer's son, he rode horses initially then joined the ICC, I have photos of him in uniform & seated on a camel. He was an excellent runner, especially marathons & we have a gold medal awarded to him we think by a Lady Allenby. Was his company anything to do with TE Lawrence do you know? So he was in the 2nd battalion, 8th company, is that correct? Thank you so much. 

[stevenbecker]

Joan,

Sorry but no his company was not with those ICC soldiers sent to help TEL in Arabia.

While his Company was engaged in many battles during the war, and saw much action, the books should help with a better understanding of this.

Of cause it was common after the TEL movie in the 60's, for these old soldiers to compare there service with TEL and to there's.

My own GF tried to explain his war on a camel like that, with the caviat, like the movie about TEL.

Cheers

S.B

[Joan]

5 hours ago, stevenbecker said:

Joan,

Sorry but no his company was not with those ICC soldiers sent to help TEL in Arabia.

While his Company was engaged in many battles during the war, and saw much action, the books should help with a better understanding of this.

Of cause it was common after the TEL movie in the 60's, for these old soldiers to compare there service with TEL and to there's.

My own GF tried to explain his war on a camel like that, with the caviat, like the movie about TEL.

Cheers

S.B

Hi Steve

Thanks for this, as far as I'm aware he never mentioned TEL, I just wondered if he was there at the same time, I know what you mean though! 

From his medal card it shows "Theatre of war" 3 & "Date of entry therein" as 21.4.15. 

Can I ask what the "Tos" means where you gave the details of his company please?

On the reverse of his medal it reads "Command depot Abbassia" Cairo. Athletic Sports June 28 1918 Victor Ludorum. I'm assuming he won a marathon out there for it. 

I have ordered that book too, thanks for telling me about it.