A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Colour photograph of 2 soldiers standing beside M 113 Armoured Personnel Carrier. Soldiers are Sergeant R. Hodge and Trooper Melton of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Colour photograph of two soldiers standing beside M 113 Armoured Command Vehicle. Soldiers are Lance Corporal Vander Velde and Corporal Onken 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Colour photograph of 2 soldiers standing behind M 113 Armoured Fitters Vehicle. Soldiers are trooper J. French and Corporal P. Ziebarth, 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Colour photograph of 2 soldiers standing beside M113 Armoured personnel carrier. Soldiers are Corporal I. Marshal and Corporal Anton Florent of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Colour photograph of 2 soldiers standing beside M 113 Armoured Personnel Carrier. Soldiers are Corporal H. Burvill and Lieutenant R. J. Marshall of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Colour photograph of line of vehicles with WW11 Jeep leading, preparing to move to Wodonga for the Bicentenial Parade 2 January 1988.

‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Colour photograph of 3 soldiers standing beside WW11 truck. Corporal Anton Florent 8/13 VMR in centre.florent, vmr, bicentennial, wodonga

The Light Horse Troop provided escort to VIPs, mounted drill display and tent pegging display.‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Three colour photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop preparing to participate in Bicentenial celebrations at Wodonga 2 January 1988.Troop members are : Captain Robert Morrison, Corporals Nigel Morris, Shane Welch, E. Touzel, Lance Corporal Russell Walsh, Troopers Adrian Younger and Chris Ellison.light horse, vmr

‘A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Colour photograph of Corporal Shane Walch, a member of the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Toop which mounted a Lance - Guard at the film screening at Albury 11 September 1987.

A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Colour photograph of group in foyer prior to screening of film. Member of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop Lance Guard in foreground.

A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Two colour photographs of Trooper R.J. Walsh a member of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop mounting the Lance - Guard at special screening of film 11 September 1987.

‘A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Colour photograph of a horse with Light Horse saddlry and equipment. It was part of a static display at special screening of film " The Lighthorsemen " at Albury 11 September 1987.

‘A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Colour photograph of Corporal Nigel Morris, a member of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop which mounted a Lance - Guard at the film screening at Albury 11 September 1987

A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Colour photograph of Trooper Chris Ellison, a member of the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop which mounted a Lance - Guard at the film screening at Albury 11 September 1987.

‘A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Colour photograph of a group ascending stairs at Regent Theatre Albury. From left: Capt R. Morrison, Colonel J. Neale, Mrs. D. Morrison, major J. Gay, Mrs. C. brewer, Colonel C. Brewer.

A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Colour photograph of display in foyer of Theatre at special screening of " The Lighthorsemen " 11 September 1987.military, cinema, light horse, film, legacy

‘A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Colour photograph of CDolonel C. Brewer, Commander AWMA with Captain Robert Morrison arriving at the special screening of the " Lighthorsemen " at Albury. Lance - Guard Trooper Chris Ellison in backgroundmilitary, vmr, movie, lighthorsemen, theatre

‘A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Colour photograph of gathering in theatre foyer prior tto screening of " The Lighthorsemen ". Facing camera from left: Major J. Gay, Colonel J.A. Neale, Squadron Sergeant Major Clarke and Colonel C. Brewer.

‘A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian mounted Rifles hosted a special screening of the movie “The Lighthorsemen” at the Regent Theatre Albury on 11 September 1987. The official party included the Area Commander Albury-Wodonga Military Area, Honorary Colonel 8/13 VMR and Officer Commanding ‘a’ Squadron 8/13 VMR. The VMR Heritage Troop mounted a Lance-Guard in the theatre foyer and the Albury City Band played prior to the screening. Proceeds from the function were donated to Legacy.Newspaper clipping from Border Mail of Wednesday 9 September 1987 regarding special screening of film " the lighthorsemen " hosted by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

Charles Frederick Clark was 1 of 3 sons of Thomas and Elizabeth Clark of Bonegilla who served in WW1. Charles, Ernest and Thomas were the eldest children of a family of 12 children. At the age of 25, Charles enlisted in 13th Light Horse Brigade 1st Reinforcement on 25 January 1915. He was later transferred to the 2nd Division Artillery Column and the 4th Australian Medium Trench Mortar Battery. Charles served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France. As a result of his actions at the Third Battle of Morlancourt on the Western Front, Charles was awarded the Military Medal. The citation for the medal read:- Awarded: Military Medal 24th June 1918 Recommended by: Brigadier-General O. F. Phillips Commanding 2nd Division Artillery Column Action for which commended: 637 Bombardier Charles Frederick Clark 868 Bombardier (T/Corporal) George Traill McLennan "On the night 10/11th June 1918 during the attack South of MORLANCOURT near ALBERT, these NCOs showed great courage and determination under most trying conditions. They were each in charge of 6” Newton Mortars which had very important tasks. Just prior to the attack their gun positions were very heavily shelled and this continued throughout the barrage fire covering the advance. The work of these NCOs, who could not remain under cover all the time, was extremely dangerous, the enemy batteries having the range exactly. Their great gallantry set a splendid example of coolness to their men." (Signed) C. Rosenthal, Major General Commanding 2nd Australian Division He also received the 1914-15 Star, the British War medal and the Victory Medal.This uniform is significant as it was worn by a Wodonga District resident who received the Military Medal which was awarded for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire during World War 1.Khaki Australia WW1 uniform for AIF. This uniform has 2 external patch chest pockets and 2 internal pockets with opening flap. It has 5 central buttons and 4 pocket buttons. There is a buttoned down epaulet on each shoulder and unit badges sewn onto each arm. An AIF Rising collar badge is on each peak of the collar. A strip of service ribbons is attached at the top of one chest pocket.australian military uniforms, ww1 bonella, military medal, 13th light horse, 4th australian medium trench mortar battery

The bronze medal commemorates the centenary of the government of Victoria from 1851 to 1951, as well as the centenary of the discovery of gold and was presented to the Shire of Wodonga in 1951. It was commissioned by the Victorian Government in 1951 to commemorate 100 years of the separation of Victoria from the colony of New South Wales in 1851. The medal was designed by the sculptor Andor Mészáros (1900-1972) and minted by K.G. Luke in Melbourne. The bronze medal has local, state and national significance, as it commemorates the centenary of 100 years of government in Vctoria. It also has aesthetic and social significance as an example of a limited edition bronze medal designed by the prominent sculptor Andor Mészáros, who is known for his work depicting the history, culture and sporting life of Australia.Bronze medal commemorating the centenary of the government of the State of Victoria from 1851 to 1951, and the centenary of the discovery of gold. Obverse: In the centre of the medal, a man and a woman riding a horse and the inscription "EQUALITY AND JUSTICE / THROUGH FREEDOM" in raised letters around the edge. The man is holding a torch representing equality and the woman is blindfolded holding a sword representing justice. The horse has broken free of its shackles representing freedom. Reverse: A stake surrounded by Australian floral motifs in the lower part of the medal; the inscription "CENTENARY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851-1951" in raised letters around the top edge, and "Preseneted to / The Shire of / Wodonga / 1951" in engraved letters in the centre. The medal is in a small presentation box with dark green velvet lining an insert for the medal in the lower part and a light coloured textile printed with the dates 1851 and 1951 printed in the lid. A piece of paper with a text about the meaning of the inscriptions accompanies the medal and fits inside the lid of the small presentation case.Obverse: "EQUALITY AND JUSTICE / THROUGH FREEDOM" in raised letters around the edge. Reverse: "CENTENARY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851-1951" in raised letters around the top edge, and "Presented to / The Shire of / Wodonga / 1951" in engraved letters in the centre of the medal. medals, australian commemorative medals, centenary of victoria, numismatics, shire of wodonga, wodonga, centenaries, gold, andor mészáros

This image is one from a series of portraits taken by Rob Elliott to record the character of the Border District through the faces if its identities. Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion. This Battalion saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He became the first president of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a steward at that event. Des also wrote several publications including “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing, and an historical novel “Many a Mile”. He collaborated with R. M. Williams to develop “Hoofs and Horns” to become a national publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. He was also a member of the RSL for almost 50 years and held several committee positions during that time. Des Martin died on 12 April 1995.This is a portrait of a significant member of the Wodonga community who made an outstanding contribution as a farmer, soldier, horseman, author and member of the RSL and other community organisations.A black and white photograph of Des Martin in military uniform with his horse. The photo has been mounted in a metal frame.des martin, murray valley hunt club, 2/2nd australian pioneer battalion, albury racing club

Alex Reid was born in 1891 and began work on the Victorian Railways in 1907. He enlisted with the A.I.F in 1915. He served in Egypt and the Suez Canal but was discharged on medical grounds having contracted typhoid and dysentery. In 1917 he re-enlisted in the Anzac Light Horse. On his return to England, he survived the torpedoing of HMAT Ballarat and then served in France. On discharge from the army, Alex returned to the Victorian Railways and transferred to Wodonga. He was employed driving the “Spirit of Progress” and remained as “Driver in Charge” until his retirement in 1956. Alex was awarded the MBE in 1951 and the OBE in 1963 for his tireless efforts on behalf of Returned Servicemen and their families. He continued to work as a welfare officer for the RSL. As well as continued service to the RSL, Alex served as a member of the Wodonga High School advisory committee for 35 years and sat on the bench in the Wodonga Court for 15 years in his capacity as Justice of the Peace. Alexander Frederick Reid O.B.E died in Wodonga on 7 January 1979.This image represents a farewell work function for an outstanding member of the Wodonga community.A large black and white framed photo of a group of men attending a send off function in Wodonga in 1956.Alex Reid send off 1955 Back Row L to R Stan Warnock, F. Fulford, W. McEachern, S. Egan, P. Doolan, K. Moore, A. Smyth, M. Seymour, W. McAnanly, M. Flanagan, L. Gregson, L. Snow, H. Fraser, R. Cooper, W. Squires Second Back Row L to R K. Williams, W. Toomey, K. Coleman, F. Thistleton, K. Ziebell, P. Gough (S.M), C. Hughes, F. Dempsey, C. Craig, W. Baldock, J. Robinson, W. Odgers, C. Whitehead, G. Taylor, J. Muir, P. McDonald, W. Riley, A. Thompson, K. Robinson, B. Strachan, W. Walsh, T. Willoughby Seated second Row L to R J. Schmidt, A. Wagner, J. O’Donnell, J. Dawe, F. Leitch, J. Anderson, T. Brown, A. Elvish, F. Boadle, A. Reid, J. Draper (Police). N. Davey, F. Caine (P), A. Padgett, L. Burroughs (P), B. Saul, F. Weatherall, H. Binder, D. Sutton, T. Cosgriff, C. Clancy, ? , M. Nowadice, J. Karugan Front Row Seated L to R D. Shannon, S. Cuper, L. Cheesley. C. Williams, L. Madgeric, V. Snow. ?, A. Beach, L. Cross, C. McNamara, ? , Don Shepard.alexander frederick reid, eminent wodonga residents, ww1 veterans wodonga, hmat ballarat

This image was taken in Melbourne on Anzac Day 1986 where Des had taken place in the annual parade. The photo itself has had a long journey. It was donated to the Star Hotel in Yackandandah, Victoria by Des Martin in 1994. The hotel changed hands so many times that the custodian "Pip" Beatty felt it was best placed at the Light Horse Museum at Bandiana, Victoria. Its journey was complete when the photo was returned to the Wodonga Historical Society. Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion. This Battalion saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He became the first president of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a steward at that event. Des also wrote several publications including “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing, and an historical novel “Many a Mile”. He collaborated with R. M. Williams to develop “Hoofs and Horns” to become a national publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. He was also a member of the RSL for almost 50 years and held several committee positions during that time. Des Martin died on 12 April 1995.This is a portrait of a significant member of the Wodonga community who made an outstanding contribution as a farmer, soldier, horseman, author and member of the RSL and other community organisations.A coloured photograph of Des Martin in full military uniform mounted on his horse. The photo has been mounted in an oval wooden frame.des martin, murray valley hunt club, 2/2nd australian pioneer battalion, albury racing club

Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, which saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He was a founder of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and also the Murray Valley Hunt Club, for which he was Master for 21 years. He was a prolific writer, cartoonist, photographer and poet, contributing to The Border Morning Mail, The Age, and the Herald and Weekly Times amongst other publications. Des Martin’s other literary works included Australia Astride (1959), A Tale of Twin Cities, Part One (1981) and Backing up the Boys (1998). In 1976, Des wrote an historical novel, “Many a Mile”, based on a fictional region which highly resembled the Albury-Wodonga and Upper Murray area of Victoria. It was set in the last 10 years leading up to Federation. Throughout this period tensions (caused by fluctuating border duties, including an infamous impost on cattle and horses) occasioned the intermittent posting of heavily armed police detachments along the River Murray. Des also wrote eight 50-minute scripts from “Many a Mile” as a television series and were presented to Michael Pate, one of Australia’s leading actors and producers. Also, funding was sought through the Australian Broadcasting Commission ... unfortunately the series never came to fruition. This album is a pictorial precis, including photos and scene descriptions, created to promote the concept of the series and have it produced locally in North Eastern Victoria featuring local settings, skilled horsemen and actors. It was to be called “Ringer’s River” ... Ringer being the title accorded to either a top cattle hand, or the fastest shearer in the wool shed. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995.These albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Documents written to introduce the concept of "Ringer's River" to gain interest for the development of a television seriesdes martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

The sale of stock in Wodonga goes back to its earliest history with yards being operated on the site now occupied by Elgin's Hotel and the Centro Shopping Centre, located close to the railways. Horse sales were an important part of the history of the Wodonga Saleyards. Horses were bred in north-east Victoria for the Indian Market, and records show that a truck load of horses left Wodonga Station in 1875. Campbell & Sons commenced selling horses at the Elgin Street site in 1895 and they conducted regular sales in association with Younghusband Ltd. Campbell & Sons was a Melbourne-based company, which eventually merged with Wright Stephenson & Co. Wodonga and Towong Sentinel of Friday 3rd March 1899 reported “Buyers attended from Bendigo, Ballarat, Calcutta, Madras, Singapore, The Islands, Gippsland, Dandenong, and Melbourne. Indian remounts brought up to £32 10s, draughts to £25, medium draughts to £18, town hacks and harness horses to £32, buggy pairs to £65, and light weedy sorts to £5.” After World War II, large numbers of mainly Clydesdale working horse teams were driven to Wodonga for sale. The March horse sale was the biggest and most important event of the year with overall yardings of 1,000 horses sold over two or even three days. It was a very busy period. All the horses were put through the ring singly, usually by Felix Grundy and generally caught and mouthed by Harold Boon, Andy Elliot or Toy Mulqueeney. The majority of the horses sold were trucked by rail from Wodonga. With developments in technology and the changing role of the horse in modern society, the sale of horses dwindled although horse sales at Wodonga continued until the early 1980s.These items are significant because they represent an important industry in Wodonga's past as a major centre of livestock sales in Victoria.Photographic images of horses on sale at Wodonga Saleyards.wodonga saleyards, horse sales wodonga

This manuscript and letter represent the connection between two significant people from the North East of Victoria and their common interest in literature and development of the Upper Murray. Des Martin was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. He joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment and in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, serving in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. Amongst other pursuits he became the first President of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a Steward at that event. As well as “Many a Mile”, Des also wrote “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing and a “Tale of Twin Cities” as well as collaborating with R. M. Williams to develop the “Hoofs and Horns” publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995. Thomas Walter Mitchell was born at "Towong Hill" near Corryong, Victoria and was educated at Cranbrook School, Sydney and Cambridge University. A keen skier, Mitchell founded the Australian National Ski Federation, captained the Australian skiing team and won gold medals in competitions against England and New Zealand. He was an Australian champion in the downhill and long-time member of the Ski Club of Australia. In 1937 he published Australia’s first ski handbook "Ski Heil". Mitchell joined the Second Australian Imperial Force in 1940 and was a Captain in the 2/22nd Battalion and Headquarters 8th Division. He was captured and interned in Changi POW camp until 1945. Tom Mitchell served as the Country Party Member for Benambra in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1947 to 1976. He was awarded the C.M.G. “For distinguished services to the Community, particularly in the fields of Politics, Alpine Sports and Safety, and Writing.” He died on 4th February 1984. This volume is significant because it is the manuscript of a book written by a local Wodonga author. The letter written to Tom Mitchell contains anecdotes and details of the writing of the novel, Many a Mile.An original typed manuscript bound in blue coverboard. It is accompanied by a typed letter.des martin, tom mitchell, many a mile

The 8th Light Horse was initially raised from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles located in North-east Victoria following Federation. In 1912 a major reorganisation of the Australian military forces resulted in the regiment being renumbered 16th Light Horse. The Regiment was disbanded in 1919 but soon after was re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, with the territorial title Indi Light Horse. The Indi Light Horse consisted of 3 squadrons. A squadron consisted of troops in Corryong, Walwa, Tallangatta, Eskdale and Wodonga. After an extensive recruiting campaign in January 1939 a new troop was raised in Bethanga, Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.This photo represents a group of Bethanga men who committed to service during World War 2A framed Black and white photograph of Bethanga members of the Australian Light Horse in uniformBack row (left to right), Troopers Keith Cadman, Arthur "Friday" Dower, Bert Sommer, Norm Martin, Andy Mitchell, Tom Pearce; Middle row (left to right). Troop Leader Sergeant Edward "Ted"Davies, Troopers Jack Mortlock, Albert "Ab" Bohun, Aub Cadman, Les Freyer Front row (left to right), Troopers Henry Trenchard, A."Ed" Hertzog, Doug Dower, Nelson "Manny" Green, Eric Wheller, J. Parker.indi light horse, bethanga light horse troop, bethanga history