A detachment of Indian Army soldiers on camels, Waziristan, 1919 (c)

Photograph, North West Frontier, India, 1919 (c).

The men depicted probably belonged to the 2nd Battalion, 61st King George's Own Pioneers. 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 Waziristan. The one-hump Arabian camel or dromedary was used as a pack animal by the British and Indian Armies for many years.

From album of 96 photographs compiled by Lieutenant Frank Allen Hanson, 2nd Battalion 61st King George's Own Pioneers, 1918-1919.