Exhibition to show contribution of camel corps of maharaja of Bikaner for British army

BIKANER: To commemorate the contribution of jawans and officers of Ganga Risala the then army of princely Bikaner State in World War-I, a special photo exhibition has been organized in Bikaner in connection with centenary celebrations of World War-I. Photographs depicting various occasions of role of the then Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner and his army called Ganga Risala (Camel Corps) have been displayed in Shri Sadul Museum of Bikaner.This exhibition will go on for a year.
Convener of exhibition Daleep Singh said that Maharaja Ganga Singh was the 21st ruler of Bikaner state and ruled the state from 1887 to 1943. During WW-I he played vital role. Soon after commencement of the War in 1914, a battalion of Ganga Risala moved from Bikaner to Egypt in August, 1914. It was the only battalion of camel corps which was deployed for the security of Egyptian borders from Turks. Daleep Singh said that enemies attacked on Bir-el-Nuss border of Egypt on 20th November. Jawans of Ganga Risala fought with bravery and foiled the attack. He said in this attack 13 jawans attained martyrdom and three jawans were injured.
Singh said that Maharaja Ganga Singhji himself went to France along with headquarter staff of 7th Indian division which was deployed at Bethune (France) where he worked with Sir John France, commander-in-chief, British army. Maharaja Ganga Singhji stayed there for two months. Appraising the work of the Maharaja, the then commander of Indian division Sir James Willococks wrote to him thus: "I always remember the works executed by you during those crucial days. You acted just like your name and fame and always worked with utmost bravery without even taking any rest."