A black and white photograph of a Centurian tank of 1st Armoured Regt is stopped during a lull in fighting awaiting orders to move. photograph, centurion tank, 1st armoured regiment, gibbons collection catalogue

A black and white photograph of APCs and Centurian Tanks from 1st Armoured Regt Harbouring Up in their night location during Operation Matilda in 3 Corps area of South Vietnam photograph, centurion tank, armoured personnel carrier, 1st armoured regiment, operation matilda, gibbons collection catalogue, 3 corps, south vietnam

A black and white photograph of a column of Centurian Tanks of 1st Armoured Regt comes to a halt 20/01/1969 during Operation Matildaphotograph, 1st armoured regiment, operation matilda, gibbons collection catalogue, centurion tank

A black and white photograph of a column of Centurian Tanks of 1st Armoured Regt in open country during Operation Matilda, a fully armoured operation conducted by 1st ATF east of Saigonphotograph, 1st armoured regiment, saigon, operation matilda, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st atf base, centurion tank

A black and white Photograph of a Centurian tank bridge layer stops outside a Vietnamese regional outpost in Long Thanh during Operation Matildaphotograph, 1st armoured regiment, gibbons collection catalogue, centurion tank, centruian bridgelayer, operation matilda

Black fabric covered board with badges or the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) and 1st Armoured Regiment (1AR) together with shoulder titles.armour, raac, badge, title

Fabric c:overed board with collection of badges: RAAC and 1st AR, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, RAEME. Shoulder titles ; Royal Australian Armoured Corps and 1st Armoured Regiment, and two formation signs ; 1st Infantry Brigade.badge, button, title

8/13 VMR, equipped with Centurion tanks began training for operations similar to those being experienced by 1st Armoured Regiment in Vietnam.Black and white photograph of four Centurion Mark 5 tanks of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at Puckapunyal during annual exercise codenamed Camp Run a Muck., 1968.

Part of the estate collection of Vietnam veteran Sgt T J Nicholson, Service no: 4410261, who served in 1st Armoured Regiment, Vietnam 1969-70.Wooden shadow box frame with a maroon matt background containing an emu hat plume, a Hunter River Lancers silver plastic corps badge and yellow wool felt shoulder patch of Royal New South Wales Lancers.Hunter River Lancers Royal New South Wales/ Lancershunter river lancers, royal new south wales lancers, nicholson, trevor nicholson

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Collection of five colour photographs of soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rfles training at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery cauldron" 5-20 March 1988

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Collection of five colour photographs of soldiers and vehicles of ' A 'Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles training at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5-20 March 1988.

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Collection of three photographs of soldiers and vehicles of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles training at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5 - 20 March 1988.

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Colour photograph of two M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5 - 20 March 1988. Crewmen identified : Sergeant Burke standing on carrier; Captain Colin Carrington in turret of carrier.

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Colour photograph of group of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles M 113 Armoured personnel Carriers at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5 - 20 March 1988. Sergeant Hindle is crewman in carrier in foreground.

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Colour photograph of group of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5 - 20 March 1988. Identified from left : Troopers Fabrik & Thrift, Corporal Beckett, Trooper Hale, Corporals S. Walch, Marshall and Burke.vmr, puckapunyal, fiery cauldron, exercise, training military

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Black and white photograph of three infantrymen in firing positions having just dismounted from M 113 ARmoured Personnel Carrier during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " at Puckepunyal.Private mark Barling at M60 machine gun." Pte Mark Barling "

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Black and white photograph of infantry soldier, Private Dale, during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " Puckapunyal" Private Dale takes a rest. "

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Black and white photograph of two infantry soldiers doubling forward during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " Puckapunyal" Infantry on the move "

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Black and white photograph of infantry soldier lying on ramp of M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier during Exercise "Fiery Cauldron " , Puckapunyal. Tube of 81mm mortar on floor of carrier. " L/Cpl Jef Marsh resting, March 1988 "

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Two black and white photographs of Leopard Main Battle tank during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " Puckapunyal." Leopard Tank on the move" and Leopard tank giving support, March 1988."

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Black and white photograph of infantry in armoured personnel carrier of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. Infantry Platoon Commander ( left ) discussing next move wi5th APC Crew Commander Trooper Rose.

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Black and white photograph of four infantry soldiers resting prior to mounting Armoured personnel Carriers in background during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " Puckapunyal 5 - 20 March 1988.

Vietnam War Troops of the 1st Australian Armoured Regiment during a briefing at Vung Tau In 1967, the Royal Australian Armoured Corps' (RAAC), 1st Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) Squadron transferred to "A" Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment Vietnam. Although they successfully conducted combat operations in their areas of operation(s) (AOs), reports from the field stated that their light-armour (M-113 ACAVs) were unable to force their way through dense jungle[15] limiting their offensive actions against enemy forces. The Australian government, under criticism from Parliament, decided to send a Squadron of Australian Centurion tanks to South Vietnam.[15] The 84 mm-gunned[16] Australian Centurions of 'C' Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment landed in the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) on 24 February 1968, and were headquartered at Nui Dat in III Corps (MR3).[17] 52 Ton main battle TankARN Number 169090 and tacsign 106tank armoured vietnam centurion mbt

The 1st Australian Armoured Car Squadron was raised at Puckapunyal, Victoria in January 1946 from 4th Armoured Brigade volunteers. Following two months training it deployed to Japan as part of the occupation force joining the Australian 34th Brigade. The squadron was equipped with Canadian Scout Cars and Staghound Armoured Cars. The latter were found to be unsuitable for patrol duties on Japanese roads and replaced with additional scout cars. The 1st Armoured Car Squadron returned to Australia in December 1948 and became the basis for the 1st Armoured Regiment. This object is well provenance and, in its condition and completeness, is a fine example of unusual headgear worn by Australian armoured corps soldiers in the immediate post-World War 2 (39-45) period.Khaki heavy cloth beret with 'Rising Sun' badge and colour patch of the 1st Australian Armoured Car Squadron.beret, 1st australian armoured car squadron, japan

The first British designed and made Centurion tanks arrived in Australia in June 1952. The first tanks went to the 1st Armoured Regiment, but as more tanks became available armoured regiments of the Citizen Military Forces received replacements for their aging General Grant tanks. The Centurion was a great improvement on the Grant with a bigger gun and the ability to fire accurately while moving. Serving soldiers of regiments such as 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles were converted to the new tank and National Servicemen received full-time training while at Puckapunyal. In February 1968, C Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment, equipped with Centurion tanks was sent to Vietnam. This tank No 169073 was one of the twenty tanks which served in Vietnam. There were many doubters about the likely usefulness of the Centurion in the jungle and paddy field environment of South Vietnam. How would this very large tank perform? No one needed to have worried. The tanks performed magnificently and were treasured by the infantry with whom they operated. ‘Tanks save lives’ was the catchcry. Several Reserve officers were attached to the Squadron in Vietnam including Colonel John Neale and Major Gordon Cole. Following the Australian withdrawal, the tanks were refurbished and issued to Army Reserve regiments for training. Our tank was allocated to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. Together with the tanks came a crop of Regular Army Cadre staff and training reached a new peak. When the Centurion was superseded by the Leopard surplus vehicles were allocated to museums and regimental collections as trophy vehicles. Black and white photograph of Centurion Tank No. 169073 at Buna Barracks, Albury, home of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles 1988.centurion, tank, buna barracks, albury, vmr

3. Sam Browne Belt issued to "V101972 LT. E. HUMPHREYS" - AR AUSTRALIA 31/8 - 1970.1. Jacket - Khaki wool/polyester fabric, Service dress style with belt, silver colour plastic buttons with shank and split pin. Buttons have raised emblem - Armoured Corps. Collar, shoulder epaulettes with silver "1AR" Metal insignia badge - 1st Armoured Regiment; four front pockets, top two with buttons and two metal press studs on flap, lower with flap. Two lapel badges, metal, Armoured Corps. Green colour polyester fabric lining with white cotton manufactureres label - inside right. 2. Belt, Khaki colour wool/polyester fabric, with brass colour metal buckle, brown plastic buttons and leather belt keepers. 3. "Sam Browne" belt, consists of waist belt and shoulder strap, brown colour leather with brass buckle, studs and keepers.1. Manufacturers information on label. Black ink print "E.W. P/LTD/SOUTH AUSTRALIA/1966/ ^/SIZE 42 LONG/ CLASS 8505/66-019-8493/ ARMY NO/ NAME/ DRY CLEAN ONLY/ REPRESS USING IRON AND DAMP/ CLOTH OR MEDIUM TO HOT/ STEAM IRON/ CREASE UPPER HALF OF LAPELS/ ONLY" Handwritten blue ink pen "V101972 LT E. HUMPHREYS/ 1-AR AUSTRALIA/ 31/8 - 1970" uniform, army, service dress, sam browne belt

Embroidered shoulder titles were worn on the upper sleeves of uniform prior to the introduction of colour patches c.1990. Regular regiments used the numerical designations First, Second, Third and Fourth. CMF regiments used their territorial designation: Victorian, Queensland, New South Wales, Hunter River, South Australian, Prince of Wales's and 10th Light Horse. Australia’s defence plans and priorities changed after the Second World War. Decolonisation coupled with competing ideologies created an unstable situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia recognised it needed both regular and citizen forces. Six Armoured Corps regiments were formed in 1948, all with territorial titles reflecting their Light Horse heritage. In Victoria they were 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse and 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. The 1st Armoured Regiment, formed July 1949, was the first regular RAAC regiment, followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th Cavalry Regiments decades later. Unique collection of regimental titles worthy of preservation and display.Display board containing the badge and shoulder title of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles flanked by the formation signs of 2nd Armoured Brigade. These are followed by the shoulder titles of Royal Australian Armoured Corps and eight other RAAC regiments.military, titles, uniform, ara, cmf

Banjo Paterson once wrote, ‘The musterers are fetching them a hundred thousand strong’. Well, not quite 100,000 strong, but there are 75,172 mixed age Riverina-bred merino wethers in this mob mustered for shearing on January 22, 1988. The sheep were owned by the Mountjoy family from Geelong Victoria and were running on Puckapunyal Army Base near Seymour in Central Victoria on which the family held the grazing lease. Contractor for the shearing, Jim Walker, Avenel, Victoria, former Australian shearing team captain in 1974-75 and 1978-79, recalls there were up to 21 shearers in his team waiting for the red eyes to arrive despite the mid-summer heat of up to 38°C and the blinding dust on windy days. Jim Walker thinks there may also have been some sheep in the mob from Portland Downs and Isis Downs near Isisford in Central Queensland. The biggest shearing he did at ‘Pucka’ was 87,087 shorn in 1988. The ‘Pucka’ base was established during WW1. During the Second World War the Second Australian Imperial Force trained there as well as the US Army 41st Infantry Division. It was also home to the 1st Armoured Regiment from 1949 until 1995. During the 1950s up to 4000 national servicemen at any given time were training there. In the 1980s the Army undertook a major 60,000-acre land rehabilitation programme as decades of heavy use had led to serious degradation. By 1988 when the photo was taken, further land acquisition had increased the area to just under 100,000 acres, 43,000 of which is still bush country. There are no sheep there now, and the old shed was bulldozed and burnt. There are thousands of kangaroos which of course don’t need to be shorn and would be hard to muster and hold for a similar photo. Colour photograph, 75,172 merino wethers, mustered for shearing at Puckapunyal in 1988.shearing merino sheep, mountjoy, mr dale - worungalla pastoral co., shearing, merino sheep