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

The 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Museum at Buna Barracks Albury was officially opened by Colonel G F Howard, Director of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, on 1 May 1988. The opening followed at Birthday Parade. Participating in the Parade was ‘A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles including the Heritage Light Horse Troop and the Heritage Vehicle Club, and the Pipes and Drums of the 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment.Colour photograph of Colonel G.F.Howard,Director RAAC with 5 members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop at Other Ranks Mess, Buna Barracks Albury,1 May 1988. The group are posing with the VMR Regimental flag. From left: Corporal G.Morris, Trooper Walsh, Corporal Touzel, Colonel G.F.Howard, Corporal S.Walch and trooper C. Ellison.

Armoured Corps Regiments celebrate the first successful attack by tanks near village of Cambrai, France, 30 November 1917, often with a regimental dinner..Collection of four colour photographs of ' A ' Squadron, 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles cooks preparing food for Cambrai Dinner at Buna Barracks, Albury. Segeant Cooks J. Robinson, K. Muller wearing chef's hat, Corporal Cooks Teweson wearing tee shirt and B. Lewis.cambrai, dinner, vmr, muller, robinson, tewson, lewis, cooks

Colour photograph of two soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 VMR during Exercise ' Northern Explorer ' Trooper Pratt and Lance Corporal Van De Velde demonstrate how the F2 Radio set could be carried. In addition the men would have webbing, pack and rifle to carry.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of three soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR using a whip antenna to establish communication with their base while on patrol during exercise ' Northern Explorer.'

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Lance Corporal R. Van De Velde, ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR during Exercise ' Northern Explorer' September 1988. LCpl Van De Velde has a collection of Pandamus Palm nut prematurely ripened by fire near King River Northern Territory.

Inspections were made of regimental depot facilities to determine capital works and maintenance requirementsColour photograph of Officer Commander ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles in civilian dress with Colonel GK. Howard, Director RAAC, Warrant Officer T. Burnie Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant 8/13 VMR and Lieutenant Colonel A. McNeilage DSU Bandiana, at Buna Barracks ALbury 1988.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of Captain C. Carrington, earing hat, and Sergeant Koschel of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR during Exercise " Northern Explorer." Flood debris caught high in tree branches indicate water level during wet season on Ferguson River, Northern Territory.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of Lance Corporal R. Van. De Velde picking native figs on bank of Ferguson River, Northern Territory during Exercise "Northern Explorer." Soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR had received instruction of bush food by Major Les Hiddens aka ' The Bush Tucker Man. '100 mm x 100 mm

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of four members of a vehicle patrol of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR at Ferguson River, Northern Territory, during Exercise 'Northern Explorer."

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of vehicle patrol of ' A " Squadron 8/13 VMR accessing the viability of a crossing point of Ferguson River during Exercise ' Northern Explorer. The patrol decided the Armoured Personnel carrier could descend the shale bank but not climb out again.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of two soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR during Exercise ' Northern Explorer '. Trooper Pratt and Lance Corporal Van De Valde demonstrate how the F2 radio set could be carried. In addition the men would have webbing, pack and rifle to carry.

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

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Rare patrol report made by soldiers of a Victorian regiment while on exercise in Northern Territory.Report of patrol carried out by soldiers of 'A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles 18 September 1988 near Tindal Air Base Northern Territory. Six pages plus sketch map.military, patrol, tindal, northern territory, 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.Colour photogtraph of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles parading at Buna Barracks Albury 1986. Lieutenant W. Russell is marching off parade ground.

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. Shows citizen soldiers on weekend training.Colour photograph of 4 soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at a road side break during a driving exercise, 1986. From left : Corporal M. Roberts, Private T. Roche, Corporal Tewson and Trooper Bowerman.military, citizen soldiers, vmr, uniform

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Two colour photographs of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles formed for the march to Holy Trinity Church Benalla 4 August 1985 for the Centenary Service.

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Two colour photographs of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles marching to Holy Trinity Church Benalla 4 August 1985 prior to the Centenary Church Service.benalla, vmr, centenary, church

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. First Day Cover commemorating 100 years of service Victorian Mounted Rifles Postmarked 1 May 1985 at Albury NSW 2640. Badge of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles on left side of envelope.3109908 Tpr Ellison. C. E. A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Buna Barracks Victoria Street Albury NSW 2640military, vmr, postage, centenary, victoria

Clear study of armoured corps soldiers parading at Buna Barracks c. 1988Colour photograph of soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles on parade at Buna Barracks Albury.military, parade, buna barracks, vmr, uniform

Army Reserve regiments had ARA officers and senior NCOs posted to them for training and administrative purposes. The duration of the posting was usually two yearsRecords a presentation of memento in soldiers' messColour photograph of Lance Corporal Mahony, " A " Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles presenting a plaque to Cadre Staff Sergeant Whitney on his departure from Salamaua Barracks Cobram December 1987.military, mess, cobram, salamaua barracks, 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.