In 1985, the portion of Puckapunyal Army Camp housing the Armoured School and Corps Museum underwent a major rebuild. The new facility named Hopkins Barracks was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles on 31 October 1985. Prince Charles, who was accompanied by his wife HRH Princess Diana, is Colonel in Chief of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC). The Barracks is named to honour Major General R N L Hopkins who was instrumental in the development of the RAAC and is affectionally known as the ‘father of the Corps’.Two colour photographs of Guidon parties carrying Regimental Guidons of Royal Australian Armoured Corps ( RAAC ) regiments.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association..Colour photograph of seven men taken at Buna Barracks, Albury on Cambrai Day 20 November 1986. Back row, left to right: Lieutenant Colonel Doug Hunter, Major Ian Docking, Max Oates and Gordon Cole: Front Row : Major Reg McDermot, Lieutenant Colonels Alan Cunningham and John Neale. All were former Officers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of three men taken at Buna Barracks Albury on Cambrai Day 20 November 1986. From left : Warrant Officer Mick Howes, Sregeant John Bauerle and Staff Sergeant Maurie Miles. All were former NCOs of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of men with flags behind them. They are from left : John Neale, Doug Kuwald, Mick Howes, Doug Hunter, Darryl White and Kurt Muller. All were former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment. Photograph taken at Buna Barracks Albury on Cambrai Day 30 November 1986.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of three men taken at Buna Barracks Albury on Cambrai Day 30 November 1986. They are : Bill Woolford, with back to camera, Max Oates and Gordon Cole. All were former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph taken at Buna Barracks Albury on Cambrai day 30 November 1986 of group of men in a mess building. former Warrant Officer Ludwig Szbolics is in foreground.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of a group of men at the Cambrai Day function at Buna Barracks Albury 30 November 1986. From left : Corporal Ron Ardern, Lieutenant Jack Larkin and Sergeant Eric Regulski. All three were former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of group in mess building at Buna Barracks Albury on Cambrai Day 30 November 1986. From left : seated Corporal Cook Bruce Bullock, majors Robert Morrison, Ian Docking and Max Oates. All were former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental AssociationColour photograph of Lieutenant Colonel Alan Cunningham at Cambrai Day at Buna Barracks Albury. Colonel Cunningham was a former Commanding Officer of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Corporal Leon Frohling and Major Ian Docking taken at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November 1986.Leon Frohling was technician in the Workshop Troop. Ian Docking enlisted as a Trooper and progressed to Squadron Commander.

Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Corporal Bruce Barnett and Major Gordon Cole taken at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November 1986.Gordon Cole enlisted as a trooper and progressed to Squadron Commander.

Brian Lewis was a Squadron cook. Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Corporal Brian Lewis taken at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November 1986.

Gordon Robins was a medical Corporal. Bill Cameron was a Centurion tank and M113 driver. Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association..Colour photograph of Corporal Gordon ( Doc ) Robins and Trooper Bill Cameron taken at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former members of 8 /13 Victorian Mounted Rifles , 30 November 1986.

Robin Ellison was a signals Sergeant on HQ and Mick butler was an AFV crewman.Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Sergeant Robin Ellison and lance Corporal Mick Butler taken at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November 1986.

Viv Schmidt was a Tech Sergeant in the Workshop Squadron. Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Sergeant Viv Schmidt taken at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November, 1986.

Eddie Lancaster was a member of the ARA Cadre Staff.Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Warrant Officer Class 2 Eddie Lancaster taken at Buna barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles 30 November 1986,

Mick Howes was a Squadron quarter Master Sergeant. Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever. The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Staff Sergeant Mick Howes taken at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November, 1986.

Kurt Muller was a Sergeant Cook. He had WW11 service in the German Navy, and after migrating post war joined 8/13 VMR. Sergeants Scott, Perkins and Boogarde were ARA members of the Cadre Staff. Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever. The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Sergeant Kurt Muller, Sergeants Scott, Perkins and Boogard at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former and serving members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November, 1986.muller, scott, perkins, boogarde, vmr, buna barracks, mess

Under training conditions, armoured vehicles pulled alongside supply vehicles to collect water, rations, fuel and ammunition as quickly as possible and without dismounting.Colour photograph of M113 Armoured Carriers with light camouflage alongside trucks. Taken during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual camp at Puckapunyal, 1986.training, vmr, carrier, resupply, puckapunyal

The Fire Support Vehicle mounted a 76mm gun and added greatly to the fire power of a cavalry troop.Colour photograph of 3 crewmen on M113A1 Fire Support Vehicle ( FSV ) during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual camp at Puckapunyal 1986. Crew are from left: Corporal Ramsdale, Corporal RAC McDonald and Sergeant King.fire support, vmr, military, training, puckapunyal

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 soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles on parade at Buna Barracks, Albury, 1986. Squadron Sergeant Major Paech has taken post on right of front rank.

Members of the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) were posted to Army Reserve units in the 1980s and 1990s. They were rarely posted to Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) but were invaluable in the A1 Echelon driving fuel, ammunition, ration and water supply vehicles. Colour photograph of two WRAAC soldiers of 'A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles serving a meal from a BBQ set up on back of truck in A1 Echelon during field training. Private L. Cameron at left ; Private T. Roche, right.

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 two officers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles on parade at Buna Barracks Albury, 1986. Squadron Second-in-Command, Captain Peter Martin, is handing over the parade to Squadron Commander Major Ian Docking

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 ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles moving on parade at Buna Barracks Albury 1986 under command of Squadron Sergeant Major Paech.

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 photogtraph of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles parading at Buna Barracks Albury 1986. Lieutenant W. Russell is marching off parade ground.

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 officers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles lined up on edge of parade ground at Buna Barracks Albury 1986.Closest to camera : " Capt Gay, Lt Russell, Lt Burke "

Battle runs were a live firing exercise designed to test capability of all members of Fighting Vehicle crew.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 M 113 A1 Fire Support Vehicle about to begin battle run during ' A ' squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp 1986 at Puckapunyal.fsv, vmr, armour, puckapunyal, training, military

While many recruits could already drive when they joined 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles it took many hours of instruction and training before they were licenced to drive heavier, more complex army vehicles both on and off road and under combat conditions.Two colour photographs of two soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, one holding a dislodged guide post. Line of trucks behind them. probably a driver training exercise. Corporal M. Roberts is wearing beret.

While many recruits could already drive when they joined 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles it took many hours of instruction and training before they were licenced to drive heavier, more complex army vehicles both on and off road and under combat conditions. Members of the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) were posted to Army Reserve units in the 1980s and 1990s. They were rarely posted to Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) but were invaluable in the A1 Echelon driving fuel, ammunition, ration and water supply vehicles. Two colour photographs of group of soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at a meal break during a driving exercise, 1986. Considerable variation in dress and headgear. Green beret at left, Sergeant D. Reynolds; hat Private T. Roche; Black beret Sergeant H. Wilson; no hat Corporal M. Roberts ; peak Cap with badge Warrant Officer 2 Burnie; Peak cap Corporal Potts.