Unofficial Imperial Camel Corps hat badge, c. 1916

Australians were a vital part of the Imperial Camel Corps (ICC) during the Great War. Raised in Egypt in 1916 to defend the Suez Canal, the ICC included three battalions of Australians. Seeing themselves as elite soldiers in a special purpose unit, Australians within the ICC commissioned themselves an unofficial badge. Sand-cast in Egypt by local artisans, this unique emblem replaced the AIF general service or ‘Rising Sun’ badge worn on their hats and at the collar of their tunics .

Made of oxidised brass, the design of the badge uses the rays of the sun above the scroll AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES. In place of the Royal Crown of the general service badge, this badge is embossed with walking camel.