Indian Army camel sowars, 1902 (c)

Photograph, India, 1902 (c).

Because they are so well adapted to desert conditions, are strong and can walk for miles a day, camels have been vital beasts of burden in hot countries like India. The one-hump Arabian camel, or dromedary, was used as a pack animal by the British and Indian Armies for many years. Camels were also used to transport soldiers into battle where they would dismount to engage the enemy.

From an album of 87 photographs associated with Lieutenant F R Teesdale, 25th Cavalry (Frontier Force), Lahore Cantonment, 1902-1914.