The division was formed in Egypt, and along with the Anzac Mounted Division formed part of Desert Column, Egyptian Expeditionary Force in World War I.

[4] These units were: The division was also provided with support units, mostly assigned or attached directly to the brigades, but including an engineer squadron, a signals squadron, and train.

[7] During the First Battle of Gaza, the division (as the Imperial Mounted Division) provided protection from counter-attack on the eastern flank while the main infantry assault was underway.

The brigades became the rearguard during the withdrawal from Gaza after the attack was called off.

The division served in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign from formation through to the end of the First World War including[4] On formation in Egypt in January 1917, the division commanded the following units.