Victorian Mounted Rifles contingent for Queen Victoria Jubilee 1897.Victorian Mounted Rifles at Government House, Victoria

Thomas Caradoc Rose Price CB was born in Tasmania 21 October 1842. Following a distinguished military career in India, in 1885 he was tasked with raising Victoria's military forces. The mounted arm was the Victorian Mounted Rifles. Contingents of the VMR served in the South African War 1899-1902. Colonel Tom Price commanded the 2nd Victorian contingent, 1900. Following Federation, the companies of the VMR were reorganised into Australian Light Horse regiments. Colonel Tom Price died in Melbourne 3 July 1911 aged 68 and is buried in Melbourne General Cemetery. It was said of Price that “He made the regiment”, but he insisted “The Regiment made him and made his, a household name.” Hard bound book entitled "Heroes and Gentlemen: Colonel Tom Price and the Victorian Mounted Rifles" by Winty Calder.boer war, victoria, mounted rifles, light horse, price, calder

Leslie Maygar, a grazier from the Euroa district served with the 5th Contingent Victorian Mounted Rifles to the Boer War.Black and white photograph in a wooden frame of Leslie Maygar wearing his Victoria Cross and South African medal..maygar, boer war, vc

Bushmen's Contingent, drawn mainly from Victorian Mounted Rifles, sailed for South Africa 10 march 1900.Framed print of officers of the Victorian Imperial Bushmen Contingent to the South African War 1899-1902. Captains Ham, Dobbins and Hill; Lieutenants McCulloch, Carstairs, Holdsworth, Strong, Trew, Gartside, Moore.vmr, boer war, south africa, victoria, bushmen, uniform

This is a supplement to Winty Calder's earlier work 'Heroes and Gentlemen'. Thomas Caradoc Rose Price CB, often known as Colonel Tom Price, was an Australian soldier, and acting commandant of the Commonwealth Military Forces in Victoria in 1902. Joining the British Indian Army in his early years, he served 20 years in India before returning to Australia. In 1885, he raised the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and was instrumental in establishing the concept of light horse units within the Australian Army. In 1900, he led a Victorian contingent during the Second Boer War, and was the only Australian officer during that war to command a force of British regulars. He remained in the Australian military after the war, serving in Queensland until 1904 when he was medically discharged. He retired to Victoria again and died in 1911 at the age of 68.Soft cover book with adhesive binding on spine, A4 size, 56 pages being a collection of addresses and letters of Colonel Tom Price, compiled by Winty Calder, published by Jimaringle Publications 1985. Gift letter on reverso of front cover.Presented to the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Royal Australian Armoured Corps as a memorial to Colonel Tom Price and the original Victorian Mounted Rifles and as a tribute to the men who carry on a fine tradition. Winty Calder 4 October 1985.price, calder, vmr, victorian mounted rifles

This is a photograph of Pte. Gavan Bunney, farrier, No. 1157 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles Contingent. He was one of several local enlistments for the Boer War in South Africa. He was the son of Adam and Matilda BunneyThis is a copy of a photograph of a soldier.Written on the back: PTE. GAVAN BUNNEYboer war, soldiers, uniforms, 5th mounted rifles contingent, bunney, gavan, cossum, jeff, george evans collection

The Service Record of the 3rd and 4th Victorian Bushmen Contingents in the Boer War, with a brief biographical sketch of each man who served. Book, dark blue hard cover with light blue dust jacket. 705 pages. Photo on front cover of group of soldiers posing in front of a row of tents. Back cover has photos of a Boer War memorial and medals. Attached inside front cover is a list of Men from Bendigo in the Bushmen (37).Written on 1st page: 29.4.2010 Written on title page: With Compliments Robin Drougleever 23.4.1910books, military, army

Several hundred soldiers from North East Victoria served in contingents of Victorian Mounted Rifles in South Africa between 1899 and 1902.Three coloured photographs of the Boer War memorial at Euroa, Victoria. Two names are recorded: Private Charles Edwin Williams and Private James Edwin White.

This is a photograph of Prtivate William Hanlen from Tullamarine No. 1160, 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles Contingent. he was one of several local enlistments for the Boer War in South Africa. In June 1901 he was listed as being dangerously illThis is a copy of a photograph of a soldier.Written on the back: PTE.W.S. HANDLENboer war, soldiers, uniforms, handlen, william, cossum, jeff, 5th mounted rifle contingent, george evans collection

14/20 King's Hussars is an affiliated regiment of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. A contingent from 8/13 VMR attended the presentation.Eight page booklet with cover being the program for the presentation of the new guidon to the 14/20 King's Hussars by HRH Princess Anne at Hohine Germany, 12 June 1982.

14/20 King's Hussars is an affiliated regiment of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. A contingent from 8/13 VMR attended the presentation.Black and white photograph of Captain Terry Fraser, Lieutenant Robert Morrison, and Sergeant Hugh Wilson speaking with HRH Princess Anne at the presentation of the new guidon to 14/20 King's Hussars at Hohne, Germany, 12 June 1982.hrh princess anne, germany, guidon, morrison, fraser, wilson, 14/20th kings hussars

This Boer War book was written by Robin Droogleever. It is a comprehensive history of the 3rd and 4th Victorian Bushmen Contingents and gives biographical details on everyone who served in these units. Many of the men in these units came from Warrnambool and the surrounding districts and many had been members of the Mounted Rifles or the Western Artillery units before enlisting to serve in the Boer War. One of these was Major Joseph Dallimore from Lake Gillear and his diaries are used extensively in this book as a primary historical source of the events of the war.This is an important reference book detailing the history of the 3rd and 4th Victorian Bushmen Contingents in the Boer War. This book contains many references to the servicemen in the Boer War who were in those units and who came from Warrnambool and district This is a hard covered book of 706 pages. The cover is blue with gold printing on the spine. The dust cover has an off white background with a photograph of some Boer War soldiers on the front and spine and colour photographs of medals, a shoulder badge and a war memorial on the back cover.The text is in two sections with eight parts in the first section and nine parts in the second section. The book contains many black and white photographs, maps and sketches and brief biographical notes on the soldiers who served in the military units described in the book. To Elizabeth O Callaghan, my best wishes, Rob Droogleever 17/10/09boer war, warrnambool

Framed print showing officers of the Second Contingent of Victorian Mounted Rifles to South Africa. The officers are: Colonel Tom Price, Captain Jenkins, Lieutenant Adjutant Lilley, Lieutenants Umphelby, Norton, Bree, Sergeant, Umphelby, Anderson and Kirby, military, south africa, boer war, vmr

Sergeant Payne was selected as one of three representatives from the 8th Light Horse to a review of the King's Banners presented to Australian regiments following the South African campaign. The review was held 14 November 1904. The Banner is now on display in the History Room of the 8/13th Victorian Mounted rifles, Simpson Barracks , Melbourne.Strong connections to other objects in the 8/13 VMR collection.Black and white photograph of soldier wearing helmet and holding mace. He is wearing both Queens South African medal and King's South African medal. Soldier is thought to be Sergeant Walter Edward Payne who served as Private No 1116 with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles contingent and following Federation with the 8th Light Horse (VMR).payne w e, 8th australian light horse, south africa, king's banner, uniform

This fixed round was unique in that it could only be fired from two guns produced by Maxim-Nordenfelt as prototype guns. Subsequent guns were loaded with a separate projectile and shell casing. The 14 pounder Quich Firing (QF) guns were acquired for use on the armed commercial steamer SS Courier. While not in use they were used at Fort Queenscliff before being returned to the Victorian Navy. The guns were then fitted to HMVS Nelson and then HMVS Cerberus in 1897. In 1900 they were fitted to field gun carriages and accompanied the Victorian Naval Contingent to China.Cylindrical steel projectile with conical nose.Noneammunition

Captain Robert Westrup Salmon was born at Daisy Hill near Talbot 12 July 1862. He joined the Victorian Mounted Rifles in 1883; was commissioned Lieutenant in 1892 and appointed Adjutant (Volunteer) of 2nd Battalion VMR in 1892. He embarked with the 1st Contingent VMR to South Africa in 1899 with the rank of captain. At the battle of Jasfontein (Garsfontein) he was highly complimented in the London Times and other English newspapers for the skilful manner in which he handled the Mounted Infantry under his command. At the time of his death from Enteric Fever on 16 March 1900 at Naauwpoort South Africa he was Staff Captain of the Australian Regiment. Captain Salmon was a councillor of the Borough of Talbot, trustee of the Racing Club and the Cemetery; member of the Board of Directors of the MUIOOF; past master of the Masonic Lodge; church warden of St Michael’s Church Talbot and secretary of the Fire Brigade. The plaque was discovered by retired Military Police officer, Captain Watson and donated to 8/13 VMR Museum circa 1983. Rare example of a memorial plaque to an officer of the Boer War. It is not known where or if it was originally mounted but a church building would seem likely. Large bronze plaque to the memory of Captain Robert Westrup Salmon who died of Enteric Fever while serving with the 1st Contingent Victorian Mounted Rifles during the Boer War. A framed display with photograph of the donor Captain Watson handing the plaque to Officer Commanding 'A' Squadron 8/13 VMR at Buna Barracks Albury in 1984 now accompanies the bronze plaque.Cast in raised lettering surrounding a Victorian Mounted Rifles badge "The tribute of the Officers of the Victorian Mounted Rifles Non-Commissioned Officers & Men to the memory of Captain RS Salmon Talbot who died at Naauwpoort South Africa 16th Mar. 1900"salmon robert westrup captain, talbot, boer war

Colonel Tom Price, following a distinguished military career in India, was tasked with raising Victoria's military forces in 1885. The mounted arm was the Victorian Mounted Rifles. Contingents of the VMR served in the South African War 1899-1902. Following Federation, the companies of the VMR became Australian Light Horse regiments. For a number of years the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles visited the site of the grave to clean it.Example of service to the memory of the founder of the regiment.Black and white photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldier removing leaves and debris from the surrounds of the gravestone of Colonel Tom Price founder of the Victorian Mounted Rifles in Melbourne General Cemetery. price colonel tom, victorian mounted rifles, vmr, cemetery, melbourne

Steel screw steamer launched 1889 at Newcastle on Tyne by Palmers & Co., built for Archibald Currie and Partners - the Currie Line of Melbourne. Gross tonnage: 2,792, Length: 99.06m (325'). Width: 12.3m (40.3'). Triple expansion steam engines producing 363 nhp. Avge speed 11 knots. Coal consumption 26 ½ tons per 24 hours. Steel hull, one funnel, two masts, barque rig. • 1889: Argus launched. Worked in the Australia to India trade, passengers, goods and horses. • 1891 July: While taking coal from Newcastle to Singapore, ran onto sunken rock in Gaspar Strait (in Indonesia). Watertight bulkheads held, got to Singapore, was repaired for two months, 60,000 Straits dollars (about £12,000). • 1895 July: While taking 400 horses to Colombo, ran onto reef near Somerset, North Queensland. holed, water in two compartments. 400 tons coal jettisoned, finally got off in spring tides. • 1901 Feb: During Boer War took Victorian contingent, 5th Mounted Rifles, fromMelbourne to Durban and Cape Town, with 500 horses. • 1901 Dec: Took horses for Boer War from Brisbane to Durban. • 1903 31 July: Leaving Sydney for Calcutta with 86 horses, 20 passengers including the Sultan of Johore, was rammed by the incoming steamer Mildura (on the wrong side of the channel). Argus's side plating was cut from deck to below waterline, had to be beached on Goat Island to prevent sinking. Refloated 2 August and repaired. • 1905: Argus sold to the Japanese shipping company, Osaka Shosen Kaisha. Renamed Giran Maru. • 1907 11 Sept: Wrecked in Soya Strait, between Hokkaido & Sakhalin Island.Built for Archibald Currie & Partners, Melbourne. Carried passengers between Australia and India and between western and eastern Australia.Large ship builder's model in glass case

Lieutenant Leslie Maygar served with the 5th Contingent Victorian Mounted Rifles in south Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902). He was awarded the Victoria cross for heroism . Maygar served with the 15th Light Horse (CMF) in the period 1902-1914 and at the outbreak of WWI (1914-1918) he was promoted to Major and appointed as a Squadron Commander with 4th Light Horse (AIF). He served at Gallipoli then was promoted Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer 8th Light Horse. He was serving in this capacity at Beersheba in October 1917 when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft. Maygar died of wounds sustained in the attack. Fine photograph of officer of the Victorian Mounted Rifles in the period immediately following the Boer War. Leslie Maygar was a native of the Euroa district and a geographic feature and a winery have been named in his honour.Framed black and white photograph of Lieutenant Leslie Maygar VC in Victorian Mounted Rifles uniform following his return from South Africa 1902. He is wearing his Victoria Cross and Queen's South African medal with three bars: Transvaal, Orange Free State, Cape Colony..Engraved panel at lower centre frame "Lt L C Maygar VC 5VMR / Date of Award 23-11.01"maygar leslie c lieutenant vc, victoria cross, vmr 5th contingent, 8th light horse regiment

Former SMB mining student Alfred Johnston was the son of Charles Johnston of Cork, Ireland, and Elizabeth Jameson, the family owning a large furniture store in Fitzroy. Alfred joined the Fifth Victorian (Mounted Riffles) contingent at the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn. The October 1901 Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Students Magazine reported 'Alf. Johnston's gone. The news came as a shock to all of us at the school. He who was with us a few short months ago, in all strength of sturdy manhood, has met a soldier's death in South Africa, and we sincerely mourn his loss…. His heart was in the school, and he did his best to further its interests … His last act on leaving Australian shores was to send a telegram from Albany to Prof. Mica Smith, to whom he was warmly attached, wishing the School and all connected with it "Good-bye". In his short, all to short, life of 29 years, he had more adventure than falls the lot of most men, and possibly the spirit of adventure, and also, of duty, prompted him to throw in his lot with the "colors," and leave for the front. The news of his death comes to us with added weight of sadness when we remember that he was one of the organisers of the School entertainment last year to help swell the fund for the erection of a statue to fallen Victorian soldiers.' The SMB Annual Report of 1901 recognised the loss of one of their students: 'Mr Johnston was, until the date of his leaving for active military service in South Africa, one of our students. While here besides being regarded as a general favourite for his urbanity and manliness, he was noted as a faithful, diligent, and most successful student. The news of Lieutenant Johnston's death cast quite a gloom over the school and it was early decided that in addition to a letter of condolence sent to his parents a bronze tablet, suitably inscribed, be erected to his memory in some prominent part of the school. On the 4th November last the ceremony of unveiling the memorial tablet was performed by Professor A. Mica Smith in the presence of several members of the late Lieutenant A.G. Johnston's family, the President and Members of Council, the Staff and Students of the School, and a number of prominent citizens.Brass shield used to commemorate the death of former Ballarat School of Mines graduate Alfred G. Johnston who died during the Boer War. In memory of Alfred G. Johnston Lieut. Fifth Regt V.M.R., and student of this school who fell at Rhenoster Kop, South Africa May 7th 1901 aged 29 years. An esteemed student and a gallant soldier.boer war, victorian mounted rifles, alfred johnston, memorial, rhenoster kop, south africa, south african war

"Captain Simon Thomas Staughton was the son of Simon Thomas Staughton MLA who had built the mansion Eynesbury on his share of the Exford property inherited from his father Simon Staughton, the original 1840s Werribee River squatter. When the land was sold, Simon’s Exford station extended from Mt Cotterell to the Brisbane Ranges. ST Staughton (senior) was a reputedly the public spirited member of the family in his generation, being a member of the first Roads Board (and Melton Shire President in 1867), a JP, Magistrate and MLA for Bourke from 1883 until his death in 1901, whereupon his son became the MLA for Bourke. Captain ST Staughton had earlier been chosen as a member of a contingent of Victorian Mounted Riflemen sent to England for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee (1897), and was later a member of King Edward’s coronation escort. In October 1899 he had sailed for South Africa with other Mounted Riflemen from Victorian and NSW to take part in the Boer War. There he was awarded the DSO. He died of peritonitis in 1903, aged 27. He was buried in Boroondara Cemetery after a full military funeral, in which the coffin was borne on a gun carriage drawn by four black horses. All local newspapers reported eloquently on the funeral, and the late Captain’s virtues. The Staughton Memorial Lamp was given to the town by his young widow in 1903. In addition a window in the (former) Christ Church bore the inscription ‘This window is erected by his brother soldiers in loving memory of Captain S Tom Staughton, DSO, ADC, MLA’. The Staughton family had been prominent benefactors of the Church, whose altar rails were also inscribed to the much respected Captain, along with a memorial stone in the new chancel. In the 1970s the memorial was within one of four fenced tree plantations, probably erected and planted in the 1920s or 30s. When High Street and its service roads were redesigned in the 1970s the plantations were completely removed, and the Melton and District Historical Society was successful in having the memorial moved about 50 metres east to its present location". The Weekly Times article about a gift from Tom Staughtonlocal identities

Former Ballarat School of Mines mining student Alfred Johnston was the son of Charles Johnston of Cork, Ireland, and Elizabeth Jameson, the family owning a large furniture store in Fitzroy. Alfred joined the Fifth Victorian (Mounted Riffles) contingent at the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn. The October 1901 Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Students Magazine reported 'Alf. Johnston's gone. The news came as a shock to all of us at the school. He who was with us a few short months ago, in all strength of sturdy manhood, has met a soldier's death in South Africa, and we sincerely mourn his loss…. His heart was in the school, and he did his best to further its interests … His last act on leaving Australian shores was to send a telegram from Albany to Prof. Mica Smith, to whom he was warmly attached, wishing the School and all connected with it "Good-bye". In his short, all to short, life of 29 years, he had more adventure than falls the lot of most men, and possibly the spirit of adventure, and also, of duty, prompted him to throw in his lot with the "colors," and leave for the front. The news of his death comes to us with added weight of sadness when we remember that he was one of the organisers of the School entertainment last year to help swell the fund for the erection of a statue to fallen Victorian soldiers.' The SMB Annual Report of 1901 recognised the loss of one of their students: 'Mr Johnston was, until the date of his leaving for active military service in South Africa, one of our students. While here besides being regarded as a general favourite for his urbanity and manliness, he was noted as a faithful, diligent, and most successful student. The news of Lieutenant Johnston's death cast quite a gloom over the school and it was early decided that in addition to a letter of condolence sent to his parents a bronze tablet, suitably inscribed, be erected to his memory in some prominent part of the school. On the 4th November last the ceremony of unveiling the memorial tablet was performed by Professor A. Mica Smith in the presence of several members of the late Lieutenant A.G. Johnston's family, the President and Members of Council, the Staff and Students of the School, and a number of prominent citizens. Lieut. Alfred Johnston was killed on 7 May 1901 at Rhenosterkop, Middleburg district, Transvaal. When the news reached Ballarat the students wrote 'Alfred Gresham Johnston has passed away, and his passing has left many a sorrowing heart amongst his troop of friends everywhere. Outside of his home circle, none will miss him more than his old friends - Professors and students alike - of the Ballarat School of Mines. Farewell, Alf., a long farewell.' Alfred Johnston is buried in an unlocated grave. His SMB friends decided to erect a tablet at the school to the late Lieutenant Johnston. An appeals for donations was made, the SMB students magazine reporting that it had 'met with a handsome response from past and present students.' The SMB Council augmented the fund, and the memorial was dedicated with great reverence. (See http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/aasp/is/library/collections/art_history/honour-roll/honourroll_Johnston,%20Alfred.shtml) Black and white image of a Boer War Memorial to Alfred G Johnston. The memorial includes a marble and brass plaque, flag and flower. boer war, alfred johnston, ballarat school of mines and industries, rhenoster kop, transvaal

It is believed that the photograph was taken between 1899 - 1903. Depicted is a group of fourteen unidentified young men dressed in Australian military uniforms. A few of them are holding swords. This group were part of the Beechworth Mounted Rifles; a voluntary detachment of the Australian Light Horse Militia. This unit consisted of soldiers from the Euroa, Longwood, Violet Town, Benalla, Thoona, Wangaratta, Rutherglen, and Beechworth Detachments of Victorian Rifles, and subsequently formed into the 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment (Victorian Mounted Rifles). The Victorian Mounted Rifles was gazetted as a volunteer formation on 2 December 1885 with the aim of consolidating all the disparate calvary units dispersed across Victoria into a coordinated and single administrative and military unit. Two contingents of the Victorian Mounted Rifles fought during the Second Boer War (11 October 1889 - 31 May 1902). This conflict was fought between the British Empire and two independent Boer states; the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, over the Empire's influence in South Africa.The photograph is historically significant due to its connection to the Second Boer War and Australian Light Horse Regiment. This significance is enhanced by Australia's involvement in this war, specifically of the Victorian Mounted Rifles. This unit retains a special significance within Victorian culture, as there is a memorial and monument - erected in 1903 - honouring their service on St. Kilda Road in Melbourne. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, and the ANZAC legend. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military and defence policies. Lastly, as the Victorian Mounted Rifles remain a largely unexplored topic in comparison to other military units and divisions, the record presents a unique opportunity for further and important study and research.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM2638 / 071 1NA211 22JAN98 FOTOSUPPLIES........ ........................................ /military album, beechworth mounted rifles, australian light horse militia, second boer war, victorian mounted rifles, australian light horse regiment, military, war, british empire, south africa, 1800s, 1900s, australian army

This cup was awarded at a sports day held in 1937 by the Second Cavalry Division of the Victorian Light Horse regiments (The 4th/19th Light Horse Regiment was active in the Warrnambool region at that time). The Victorian Light Horse had both mounted infantry and cavalry units and was the successor in the early 1900s to the Victorian Mounted Rifles founded by Colonel Tom Price in 1886. Eight mounted contingents from Australia served in the Boer War and the Australian Light Horse served with distinction in World War One. The Australian Light Horse, as official military units, ceased to exist in the 1940s. It is not known to whom this cup was awarded in 1937. This cup is of considerable interest as a memento of the activities of the Victorian Light Horse regiments in the 1930s, possibly in the Warrnambool district.This is a silver-plated cup on a circular Bakelite stand. The cup has two side handles and is inscribed on one side. The cup is slightly tarnished. ‘2 Cav.Div. Sports 1937 2nd - Best Remount’victorian light horse regiments, history of warrnambool

There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. Between 1899 and 1902, around 16,500 Australians served in South Africa during the Boer War. This was the largest international deployment of troops from the Australian Colonies before Australian Federation. Of the 16,500 men who served in South Africa, 606 were killed in action or died of diseases. The Australian War Memorial records that the fighting conditions in South Africa extremely hard on men and horses. Australians fighting in South Africa were doing so as part of Colony based Regiments such as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, New South Wales Lancers, Queensland Mounted Infantry as well as units from the other states. Australians were awarded six Victoria Crosses during the campaign along with many other decorations. In May of 1902 the treaty of Vereeniging was signed officially ending the Boer War. The Boer War is commemorated in many Towns and Cities around Australia. The Lara RSL Sub Branch holds some memorabilia from the Boer War. There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. He was a resident of Lara and was a member of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles. It was reported that he carried this flag into battle. The Lara RSL also holds the flag staff of the China, South African and Old Veterans Association. Both these items are of national significance. Both the flag and flag staff were used in marches in Geelong each year until 1916 when Anzac Day commenced. The flag and flag staff were donated to the Lara RSL sub Branch when he joined in 1928. Fredrick James Smith was born at Lara in 1879, the son of Mr/Mrs Smith from Lara. He was a farm hand from Horton Vale, Anakie when he joined F Company of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles at the beginning of February 1901. Two weeks later, he left for South Africa on the 15th February. Before leaving, he purchased the flag from W. Libby & Son Geelong. Frederick Left for South Africa on the 15 February 1901 on the Orient. He saw service between March 1901 - March 1902 in east Transvaal and Natal frontier under the British Major General S. Beatson then Pulteney, including the defeat at Wilmansrust where 18 soldiers were killed and 42 wounded (12th June 1901 - heaviest casualties of any Australian contingent,); and the successful intervention at Onverwacht on the 4th January 1902. The 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles suffered: 36 killed or died of wounds, 13 died of disease of a contingent of 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks and 1099 horses. They returned to Australia on the 26th April 1902 on the Custodian after sailing from Point Natal in South Africa on the 5th April. On his return, Tropper Smith (Saddler Private) joined the South African Soldiers Association of Victoria – Geelong Branch, and after 1928, he joined the Lara RSL. He was buried in Western Cemetery on the 19th June 1968 at the age of 89. Enrolled February 1901 Departed for South Africa on 15 February 1901 Establishment: 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks with 1099 horses Mobilised at Pretoria: 24 March -- 4 April 1901 Typical company: 1 Captain, 4 Lieutenants, 1 company sergeant-major, 1 company quartermaster-sergeant, 1 sergeant-farrier, 1 sergeant-saddler, 5 sergeants, 6 corporals, 3 shoeing-smiths, 3 saddlers, 1 bugler, 99 privates. Total in company: 126 with 131 horses. Engagements: Rhenoster Kop, Klippan, Kornfontein, Drivelfontein, Wilmansrust, Kambuladraai, H'Lobane, Luchiel's Nek, Loch's Kraal, Vryheid, Onverwacht, Johnston Hoek Killed in action (or died): six Officers, 48 Other Ranks VC Winner: Lieut. L. C. Maygar News article Leader (Melbourne) Saturday 31st May 1902, page 42 - Dear Cinderella. — This is the second time I have written to you. I was very sorry at not seeing my first letter in "The Leader". But I hope to say, that this one will be in. The last time I wrote to you I told you that my brother (Fredrick Smith) went to the Boer War in South Africa, and that he was supposed to be killed in the Wilmansrust disaster. But this time I am going to tell you about his return, and the grand welcome he got from the residents of Lara. Mother, Father, and my Brother, went down to Melbourne, to meet the boat. You can just imagine how rejoiced we all were to see him back again. The railway station was decorated some thing beautiful with flags of all description all the colours you could think of. He has bought a lot of Boer curios home and some Kaffir bracelets. They are such funny looking things. The residents of Lara, also gave my brother a grand social and ball there were over four hundred people present, They presented him with a hand some gold chain, and locket suitably inscribed, and a pair of gold sleeve links, they were magnificent. The ball was very nice. . I had a few dances. I enjoyed myself grand. I think this is all I can tell you this time. I must conclude with love. I remain yours sincerely - BESSIE SMITH. Age 14-years. This flag is of national significance as it was used in the Boer War by Private Fredrick James Smith (SN:1229) of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles, F Company in their deployment to South Africa between 1901 and 1902. The flag was taken into the Wilmansrust engagement in which 19 soldiers died and 41 were wounded. On return to Australia, the flag was used in marches by the South Africa, China Old Veterans Association - Geelong. This flag represents a unique part of Australian history from which the movie, Breaker Morant was taken. It is of spiritual significance as the Boer War was where the first Australian received the Imperial Victoria Cross, and the spirit of Anzac was conceived, giving birth in World War 1. The Flag represents the spirit of Australians who fought and died in South Africa.Cotton Union Jack flag approx 221cm wide by 109cm tall with small repair patches and center section cotton deteriorated.Has the word "Lara" inscribed in black on bottom part of the flag heading. Has the flag makers name "W.Libby & Son" on the top part of the flag heading.boer war, union jack flag, south africa, wilmansrust, 5th victorian mounted rifles, f coy, private fredrick james smith, service number 1229, february 1901, april 1902, south africa china old veterans association

Roll of negatives of the Eltham Festival Parade as it progresses along Main Road past the Catholic Church heading towards Bridge Street. Floats included the Tasmanian Wilderness Society with the Save the Franklin River campaign, and Diamond Valley Railway celebrating 21 years of passenger service as well as the Victorian Police Marching Band. A well known Eltham identity, Jock Read was asked to lead the Eltham Pony Club contingent that year and the roll includes several shots of Jock on his horse, Lofty who was approximately ten years of age, his colour was still classed as a steel grey at the time before he went "white" quite a few years later.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 24 shotsKodak Safety Film 5035eltham festival

Roll of negatives of the Eltham Festival Parade as it progresses along Main Road past the Catholic Church heading towards Bridge Street. Floats included the Tasmanian Wilderness Society with the Save the Franklin River campaign, and Diamond Valley Railway celebrating 21 years of passenger service as well as the Victorian Police Marching Band. A well known Eltham identity, Jock Read was asked to lead the Eltham Pony Club contingent that year and the roll includes several shots of Jock on his horse, Lofty who was approximately ten years of age, his colour was still classed as a steel grey at the time before he went "white" quite a few years later.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 24 shotsKodak Safety Film 5035eltham festival