1972 was 8/13 VMR first year fully equipped with M113 vehicles The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Black and white photograph of 10 soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles with M113 Light reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ) at Puckapunyal 1972." Top: Tpr E Toole, L/Cpl W. Russell, Sgt M. Hudson, Lt J. Clay, L/Cpl M. Barlow, Cpl J. Smith: front: L/Cpl L. Bergin, Tpr D. Wyborn. 1 Tp A Sqn8/13VMR Camp 1972 Puckapunyal :

The M113 LRV had ' swimming' capability, but required preparation before entering deep water.The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Black and white photograph of two 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers preparing an M113 Light reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ) for flotation training during Annual Camp 1972." Water entry preparation, Camp 1972, "

This group were the Regimental cook for Annual Camp 1973. Sergeant Robertson was the Regimental Sergeant Cook.Good photo showing cookhouse staff at camp.Black and white photograph of four 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers standing behind table outside a tent. One is in white cook's dress." Blue Bullock, Lin Lacey, Sgt. Jimmy Robertson.". One soldier not identified.military, camp, cooks, robinson, bullock

The Light Aid Detachment ( LAD ) was equipped with a Wrecker 5 Ton GS Medium Recovery with twin booms to provide recovery to an armoured reconnaissaqnce unit.Black and white photograph of soldiers with a large recovery vehicle in a bush setting during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp 1973. " LAD Camp 1973 "

Staff Sergeant Miles was the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant.Black and white photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldier at rear of truck near tent in bush setting. Taken during Annual Camp 1973." S/Sgt Maurie Miles camp 1973."

A bivouac area was a camp site occupied for a short period of days during a training exercise. Rudimentary structures might be erected.The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Black and white photograph of group of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers gathered around a wash point in a bivouac area during Annual cam9 1973.

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Black and white photograph of officers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at Annual camp Puckapunyal 1974.Back Row l to r: Lieuts J Clay, L Trapnell, T Ireland, Goodson,S. whitehead, R Griffiths, J boyce, Mentliskowsky,Wallman, K Courtis, J Mclean; Front Row: Major N whitehead MC, LieutsL Shefford, I Docking, Capt B Rowley, Major D Short, Lt Col J Neale, Colonel LG coleman ( Honrary Colonel ), Capt G Cole Lieuts J baines, L Jackel, J Horsley.

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regimentblack and white photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at Annual Camp at Puckapunyal 1974" 8/13 VMR 1974 "

Incidents of this kind occurred as crewmen tested the limits of their vehicle.The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Black and white photograph of M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ) stranded in an anti tank ditch during training. " M113 in a awkward position. Driver : trooper Grundy "

The 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles held its tracked Armoured vehicle training program camps at Puckapunyal. The regiment was raised as part of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Black and white photograph of three officers at 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Caomp at Puckapunyal 1974.. They are Colonel LG Coleman ( Honorary Colonel ). Lieutenant Colonel J Neale ( Commanding Officer and Major ( Ret'd) N. whitehead MC.

Between 1951 and 1959 National Servicemen from Albury and NE Victoria trained as Centurion crewmen for 8/13 VMR The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Reproduction photograph of four National Servicemen at Puckapunyal training as Centurion drivers prior to being posted to 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles,1956. They are ;Ttroopers Noel Strauss, Kerry McLure, colin hore and Jim Black.

Between !955 and 1959 National Servicemen from Albury and NE Victoria trained as Centurion crewmen for 8/13 VMR.The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Reproduction photograph of five National Servicemen at Puckapunyal training as Centurion drivers prior to in 1956 being posted to 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles . From front : Troopers C. Hore, K. McLure, J. Black, J. McGrath, and unknown.

A region on the Lachlan River flood plain north of Booligal New South Wales with its lightly timbered grassland criss-crossed with numerous flowing channels and water filled billabongs provided a challenging training area for a unit equipped with M113 family of vehicles. A Squadron 8/13 VMR deployed there in September 1985 for its annual exercise. The MRV was from 3 Troop commanded by Corporal RAC (Bob) MacDonald of Wangaratta Victoria. Army Reserve training in challenging countryColour image of M113 Medium Reconnaissance Vehicle(MRV) of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted rifles on annual exercise in Booligal region NSW, 1985.booligal, annual exercise, 8/13 victorian mounted rifles

Exercise of this type aimed to practice driver skills, map reading, camouflage and concealment. The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Colour photograph of truck in scrub-land covered with camouflage net,during " B " vehicle exercise in south west Victoria conducted by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, c. 1986.

This exercise was conducted by A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles using Land rovers and trucks. The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Colour photograph of convoy of vehicles entering Warrnambool Victoria during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles annual exercise, 1985

The western plains of southern NSW provided ideal training areas for units practicing reconnaissance skills sso were frequently used.The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regimentColour photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers standing on top of M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle { LRV ) during annual exercise near Balranald NSW, 1985. From left : Corporal Anton Florent, Corporal Peter Hicks, Lance Corporal Terry Mitchell.Centre group unknownAt right seated : Corporal Doug Cameron.

Unarmoured vehicles were classified as ' B ' vehicles. Armoured vehicles were claswsified as " A " vehicles. The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Colour photograph of trucks halted on roadside during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles ' B ' vehicle exercise in south-west Victoria, c. 1986. Skills practiced were driving and maintenance, radio communications and map reading.

Colour photograph of parade at Bandiana on the occasion of the farewell of Area Commander Lieutenant Peter Neuman, December 1983. Light Horse Heritage Troop A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles provided mounted escort.

A Squadron provided escort party for Lieutenant Colonel P. Newman, Area Commander, at his farewell parade, December 1983.Colour photograph of two soldiers and three mounted horsemen of Light Horse Heritage Troop A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles." L-.R. Troopers Dudley,Anderson, Ellison" ( Dismounted soldiers not named ).

A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles provided mounted escort for Area Commander Lieutenant Colonel P Newman at his farewell parade, December1983.Colour photograph of staff car on parade ground followed by mounted escort." Capt Morrison, Sgt Berg, Cpl Florant, Tpr Ellison.

The Ferret Scout Car was provided by Heritage Vehicle group of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted RiflesColour photograph of Area Commander Lieutenant Colonel P. Newman mounting a Mark 11 Ferret Scout Car prior to inspecting the parade at Bandiana December 1983.

Each cavalry troop carried a section of assault troopers to undertake dismounted tasks.Black and white photograph of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles exiting from a M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier. He is carrying a M 60 machine gun.

The Light Horse Troop was formed by serving soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 VMR as an extra curricular activity. The troop performed many ceremonial tasks.Two coloured photographs showing soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Light Horse Heritage Troop at the Shrine, Melbourne c. 1983.

The Benalla Drill Hall was an original8/13 VMR depot. It was closed for a period in the 1970s then reopened in early 1980s.Colour photograph of 14 soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at Benalla Drill Hall c. 1983" Aslt Troop Benalla Depot, Back: Tpr Petering, Lynch, Butler, ( two unknown, Centre: Tpr. Dudley ( unknown), Grant, ( Unknown ). Front: Lt. Carrington, Pte Tucknott ( Unknown ), Pte. Hilton ( Unknown ).

Courses Camps were held separate to annual exercise in order to train soldiers in driving and radio operator skillsBlack and white photograph of group in bush setting at Puckapunyal 1983. Standing at centre of group is Sir David Fairbairn, Honorary Colonel 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles." Courses Camp 1983. L to R Capt. Cameron, WO11 Gaughan, Hon Col Sir David Fairbairn, Pte Capelhorn, Tpr Marshall."

Cavalry squadron included an Assault troop able to carry out dismounted tasksColour photograph of line of M 113 Armoured Personnel Carriers drawn up on side of road. Assault troopers can be seen positioned in open hatch. Berets and hat badges identify them as 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.