We had a wander through Gore Cemetery on 18 April, it’s a nicely ‘tree’ed cemetery with amazing views to the Hokonui hills and out over the plain. When we reached a section where military veterans lie, I was amazed to find an inscription for a WW1 Trooper in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force who’d been in the ‘Imperial Camel Corps’. Really? I took photos and when I got home looked online for more information. I’ve found there were two NZ Companies in the Corps.. good info here from New Zealand History.
Today, 25 April, is Anzac Day and this morning I attended a short outdoor well-attended service just down the street at the Tapanui RSA. In a nod to red poppies I begin my post with red fruit and foliage that was also in the Gore cemetery.
N.Z.E.F. | New Zealand Expeditionary Force
View to the Hokonui hills.
I saved the last one at a larger size if you want to see more detail..
~click on photo to enlarge.
The Ode of Remembrance
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them
We will remember them.
~ Note ~ for information about the Ode:
New Zealand (with Māori translation) | Australia
Text and photos by Liz; Exploring Colour (2022)
Exploring Colour 
Always good to remember those that sacrificed, Liz.
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I remembered Linda’s post right away so wasn’t as surprised as I might have been at the idea of a camel corps. Still, it does seem rather unique as one thinks primarily of horse cavalry when the subject arises.
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I think the primary ‘surprise’ for me was that *New Zealand* soldiers were involved, when we’re a small country with no camels apart from the zoo! Which reminds me I was going to make some time to find out more about it!
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Camels were used in the U.S. during the civil war. They were stationed and trained at Camp Verde, Texas, in an area I often frequent.
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Thank you Linda, I had no idea. Are there wild camels now in some places?
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Not here, that I know of. There are stories of some still surviving in Arizona, including a camel “ghost.” The burial place of the most famous camel driver’s in Arizona. If you’re interested, do a search of The Task at Hand for Texas camels and that history ought to pop up.
The camels arrived here via ship, as I’m sure yours did. Can you imagine that responsibility?!
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This evening I’ll take a look at the info you have thanks! I haven’t read much yet about our part in the Camel Corps and how things were managed. Australia has camels in the desert but I don’t know the date when they first acquired them. There is much for me to learn 🙂
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Update.. I’ve read part one of your camel story. Very interesting post!
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