Dawn: The Camel Patrol Setting Out. 1919. Etching. 8 7/8 x 14 7/8 (sheet 10 1/2 x 16 3/8). Edition 76, #viii. Series: First Palestine Set. Illustrated: Zigrosser, Six Centuries of Fine Prints. An extremely rich impression with drypoint burr and subtle tonal wiping. Printed on antique 'W Elgar 1798' countermarked laid paper. Signed and numbered in ink.
As an official war artist, James McBey spent five days on reconnaissance with the Australian Camel Patrol in the Sinai desert. The trek resulted in his justly famous series of etchings, the 'Desert of Sinai Set' of 1919.
Hardie writes, "A camel patrol of nine Australians is setting out at dawn into the desert east of Serapeum, one of the armed posts on the Suez Canal. Two guides are in front, followed by a central group of five, and two in the foreground."
