CAMEL CORPS, a military unit mounted on camels for service in the desert. The first Egyptian camel corps was formed in 1884 for the Gordon relief expedition, the personnel being drawn from British units ; it was disbanded at the conclusion of the campaign. Later a new camel corps was recruited from Su danese and Egyptian sources, and became a permanent part of the Egyptian army ; it fought with credit in the campaigns against the Khalifa between 1896 and 1898. It now numbers about 1,1o0 strong and forms part of the Sudan defence force. The Bikanir Camel Corps is an imperial service unit raised and maintained by the maharaja of Bikanir, one of the native princes of India. It has seen much active service, taking part, without its camels, in the China expedition of 19oo, and in the operations in Somali land in 1903-04. When the World War broke out, it again volun teered to go overseas, and did valuable work in Egypt. The estab lishment of the corps, which is recruited on the Silladar system, is some Soo of all ranks. An imperial camel corps brigade, a com posite British, Australian and New Zealand formation, served in Palestine from to June when it was reorganized as cavalry. It played a creditable part in the battles of Romani and Gaza, and shared in the attack on Beersheba and the subsequent advance to Jerusalem as well as in the Amman and Es Salt raids.