This slow, methodical advance across the Sinai was made with the British infantry divisions close to the coast and the railhead, and the cavalry covering the open desert flank. The latter, commanded by the then Major-general Harry Chauvel, consisted of the Australian Mounted Division, the ANZAC Mounted Division, the British Yeomanry Division and a camel corps recruited mainly from the Australian Light Horse. The camel corps usually occupied the space between the marching infantry divisions and the mounted troops.