Silent Tribute to the Brave Camel Corps Soldiers

In the heart of London, nestled in Victoria Embankment Gardens, lies a unique tribute: the Imperial Camel Corps Memorial. This Memorial, sculpted by Major Cecil Brown, who was a soldier in the Corps, depicts a man on a camel. The bronze sculpture serves as a silent testament to the bravery and sacrifices of these soldiers, with two bronze plaques attached to the base of the statue – one listing the names of the 191 Australian soldiers who died serving with the Corps, and another listing the names of the 106 soldiers from the UK, 41 from New Zealand, and 9 from India who perished in battle.

The north face of the stone plinth bears a dedication: 'To the Glorious and Mortal Memory of the Officers, N.C.O.s and Men of the Imperial Camel Corps – British, Australian, New Zealand, Indian – who fell in action or died of wounds in Egypt, Sinai, and Palestine, 1916, 1917, 1918. The south face of the plinth lists their engagements, including Romani, Rafa, Gaza, and other battles from 1916 to 1918. Lieutenant-General Sir Philip Chetwode, the first commander of the Desert Mounted Corps, unveiled the Memorial on July 22, 1921.

The Bishop of London, Arthur Winnington-Ingram, delivered the dedication. In 1958, the Memorial received a Grade II listing, and in 1999, Westminster City Council restored the Memorial. This Memorial is a testament to their service and sacrifice.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons