Arab Revolt (1916-1918)

The Arab Revolt began militarily in June 1916. Initially disunited, it became more coordinated - both internally and with regards to British Middle East strategy - thanks to the inspired efforts of Lawrence of Arabia. 

Early armies operating in Saudi Arabia and along the Red Sea coast were made up of tribal infantry and camelry. The army that took the town of Wejh, for example, counted 5100 camel riders, 5300 infantry, 10 machine guns and 4 Krupp mountain guns.  Limited support was provided by the Royal Navy, including a landing force at Wejh of 200 Bluejackets.  After the capture of Aqaba in July 1917, the Arab forces had access to more heavy material, supplied by their Western allies.  This included machine guns, small quantities of artillery, some armoured cars and even limited air support from the Royal Air Force. Specialised Indian and Egyptian troops manned and maintained this equipment. A small contingent of French were also present, although relations between the French and the Arabs were particularly tense.

In 1918, units from the mostly-Australian Imperial Camel Brigade fought alongside Arab leaders in the desert. During the advance into Syria, increasing numbers of tribal cavalry became available as victory loomed, as did deserters from Ottoman Arab batallions.

My army represents these gradual changes. Four infantry batallions (2 Saudi Arabian, 1 Palestinian and 1 Jordanian) and an MG along with 4 stands of camelry are the heart of the army. To these can be added light guns, armoured cars (borrowed from my Russians), air support, and some stands of Arab cavalry.