Ships loading camels for Suakin, 1885

Photograph, 1st Sudan War (1885).

Because they were so well adapted to desert conditions, were strong and could walk for miles a day, camels were ideal for patrolling the dry terrain of the Sudan. The one-hump Arabian camel or dromedary was used as a pack animal by the British and Indian Armies for many years. Major-General Gerald Graham's Suakin Field Force was no different and employed large numbers during its operations.

One of 12 photographs collected by Lieutenant General T F Wilson.