Helmet of a type worn by soldiers the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, commonly known by Australians as the Vietcong, was an armed communist political organization in South Vietnam and Cambodia. Its military force, the Liberation Army of South Vietnam, fought against the United States and South Vietnamese governments during the Vietnam War, eventually emerging on the winning side. The LASV had both guerrilla and regular army units, as well as a network of cadres who organized peasants in the territory the Việt Cộng controlled. During the war, communist insurgents and anti-war activists insisted the Việt Cộng was an insurgency indigenous to the South, while the U.S. and South Vietnamese governments portrayed the group as a tool of North Vietnam. The helmet usually had a waterproof cover often with camouflage scrim.Representative if the uniform of the guerrilla forces opposing Australian forces in Vietnam.Sun helmet with red star mounted centre front.military, helmet, vietnam, vietnam war, guerrilla

Maurice Miles served in the Australian Army in World War Two and was present at Cowra when the Japanese POW breakout occurred. He joined Citizien Military Forces in 1965, serving with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles till 1985. He was a keen rifle shot and this shield was a way of fostering the skill within the regiment.Representative of community efforts to foster military skills in citizen soldiers.Wooden shield with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles badge at centre and plaques arranged around edges recording winners of competition.Donated by / S Sgt Maurie Miles / & Family / upon his retirement / 8/13 VMR / 1965-1985cowra, cmf, vmr, military, world war two, marksmanship

Training Officers were regular army officers posted to Citizen Military Forces regiments such as 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles for training and administrative purposes. The practice was beneficial to CMF units and young ARA officers who gained a broader range of experience.Representative of methods of fostering excellence in citizen soldiers.Wooden shield with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles badge at top centre and plastic plates attached giving details of the purpose of the trophy and recording winners. Competition was for Best Vehicle Crew and was presented 1984, 85 & 86, then 1990, 91, 92.Training Officer's Shield / Donated by Capt D M Cameron / Trg Offr Dec 1982-Dec 1984military, competition, ara, cmf, vehicle, crewman

Souvenir of significant event, raising of Citizen Forces in 1948.Small statuette of soldier holding rifle standing beside dead tree and large rock with engraved plaque attached.50th COMMEMORATIVE MARCH / CMF/ARMY RESERVE / AUSTRALIA / 4TH JULY 1998 / ALBURY 1998military, cmf, army reserve, march, anniversary

The Light horse Heritage Troop of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles provided mounted escort to the Royal couple, HRH Prince Charles and HRH Princess Diana.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’.Complements another group of photographs in the collection of this rare event on the Australian military calendar, It is taken from a different location by another photographer.Black and white photograph of men of the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop escorting HRH Prince Charles and HRH Princess Diana at Puckapunyal 31 October 1985. Photograph is glued to fluted plastic backing card.military, royal visit, charles, diana, puckapunyal, hopkins, light horse

Three soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles with tent and M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier at display at Ettamogah 30 November 1991.military, vmr, display, army reserve

Soft covered booklet stapled at spine being noted on Turkish Army and section on Turkish words and phrases, 1915. Issued to 3rd Light Horse Brigade AIF 22/10/17.Ink stamp on front cover "3rd LH Brigade / AIF"military, turkish, wwi, world war one, light horse, middle east

A memorial rock was installed in the grounds of the army depot at Sisley Avenue in 2003 to commemorate the Charge at the Ney undertaken on 7 August 1915. When Victorian Mounted Rifles departed the depot there was uncertainty as to its future so the plaque was removed and lodged with the museum. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded. Single fold program for memorial service 8th Light Horse Memorial, Wangaratta, 2 August 2003military, light horse, nek, wangaratta, memorial

This form of winter dress for the Australian Army replaced the WWII style tunic c.1952. The silver regimental badge replaced the silver Rising Sun on the black beret in 1955.Mannequin dressed in battle dress uniform with boots, belt and beret. Hat badge is 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.military, uniform, armour

8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association marched in Anzac Day parades each year in Albury, Wangaratta, Benalla and Cobram. On this occasion the guard was drawn from navy, army and air force cadet units in Albury-Wodonga.Colour photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Association with banner passing a guard drawn up in Dean Street Albury. Probably Anzac Day c.2000.vmr, association, cadets, anzac day, albury, banner

Howard green jumper/pullover was issued to Australian Army to replace khaki V-necked pullover c.1980. It was a popular item of clothing for field wear and when coupled with a corps or regimental stable belt constituted smart barracks wear. Went out of service c.1994.Half mannequin dressed in Howard Green Jumper and 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles stable belt.military, pullover, jumper, howard green, uniform, belt, stable

Formal dress ‘blues’ uniform with patrol collar and chain mail epaulets replacing the previous lapel style jacket. This uniform was worn by Major Gordon Cole RFD who enlisted in 8/13 VMR 1960 (?) and went on to command the Independent Squadron 1980-1982.Army dress jacket with silver VMR buttons and badges and chain mail epaulets. Jacket is hung on half mannequin.military, uniform, vmr, cole, blues

Assault troopers performed specialist dismounted to Armoured units. On 1 April 1991, ‘A’ Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles linked with 4/19 Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment to form a new regiment of two squadrons: VMR Squadron and PWLH Squadron. The 4/19 Prince of Wales’s Light Horse title was retained, but the VMR Squadron continued to wear the VMR hat badge.Black and white photograph of 16 soldiers of VMR Squadron 4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse Assault Troop at camp, Puckapunyal, September 1992.military, vmr, pwlh, puckapunyal, reserve, army, assault

All three men had a long association with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. John Neale served in RAN during WWII; post war he joined 8/13 VMR as a trooper in 1948. He rose through the ranks to command the regiment in 1972-76, and later became Honorary Colonel. Ron Almond served in WWII; following the war he joined the Regular Army and served several postings to the Cadre Staff of 8/13 VMR including a post as Regimentla Sergeant Major. He also served with the Australian Army Training Team in South Vietnam. Bill Woolford served in the Royal Marines in WWII; post war he migrated to Australia joining the Victoria Police and was posted to Wodonga. He joined 8/13 VMR and served as Squadron Sergeant Major 'A' Squadron.Colour photograph of Colonel John Neale and former 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers Ron Almond and Bill Woolford at Buna Barracks 29 April 1990neale, almond, woolford, vmr, albury, aattv, buna barracks

This slouch hat was worn at the 75th Anniversary of Beersheba parade at the Australian War Memorial, 31 October 1992. VMR Squadron 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse provided the Honour Guard under the command of Captain Kelvin Robertson. It was the first occasion on which slouch hats and plumes were worn by the regiment. In 1992, all Corps in the Australian Army were ordered to wear slouch hats. This was a reaction to the high incidence of skin cancer in soldiers. Berets were thought to offer inadequate sun protection. Slouch hats were not practical in AFVs. Not all crewmen had access to helmets, so berets continued to be worn in vehicles. Slouch hats were worn for parade ground and general barracks work. RAAC acknowledged its Light Horse ancestry by wearing the emu plumes. Life continued in this way till 2010 when the wearing of berets was banned. Special Forces were exempt because it was argued they had a special relationship with the beret. Armoured Corps was outraged. Their relationship with the ‘black hat’ went back nearly a century. Submissions and argument ensued until the current workable arrangement was reached where a CO can authorize the wearing of berets but recognising that the slouch hat is the formal Australian Army head dress. Slouch hat with emu plumes and silver Victorian Mounted Rifles badge over and red backing on turned up side.military, hat, plumes, vmr, robertson

Vehicles of these types were issued to CMF units following WW11 for transport purposes.Part of a collection of workshop manuals and user handbooks relating to equipment on issue to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles during the latter half of the twentieth century.Buff coloured soft covered manual 108 pages square bound being Driver's Handbook for a variety of Chevrolet wheeled vehicles ranging from 15cwt 4x2 to Fd Arty Tractor. Published by Australian Army 1945.Ink stamp on title page " 8/13 VMR Regimental Collection."

Part of a collection of workshop manuals and user handbooks relating to equipment on issue to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles during the latter half of the twentieth century. Unbound Technical manual 62 pages, without covers, single metal staple in top left corner being User Handbook Truck Wrecker 5 ton GS Medium Recovery F5 with Twin Boom Hoist. Published by Australian Army 16 June 71" 118 " on bottom right corner title page.

All field units such as 8/13 VMR had need of methods to store equipment. This document provided a template for storage in tropical conditions.Moderate research valueGreen coloured heavy card covered technical manual, screw bound, adhesive fabric spine being Instructions for the Australian Army Ordnance Services Storage in the Tropics 1966.Ink stamp on title page " 8/13VMR Regimental Collection. "

British 1907 pattern bayonet and .303 Lee Enfield rifle was standard issue to the armies of many Commonwealth countries including Australia, in World War One (1914-1918), World War Two (1939-1945), and Korean War (1950-1953). In Australia it was replaced by the 7.62mm Self-loading rifle (SLR) in 1960.British 1907 pattern bayonet with leather scabbard with metal fittings. XOA and L 43 under 1907 with Slazenger on handleworld war one, weapon, bayonet, british, lee enfield

The 7.62mm self loading rifle (SLR) was introduced to the Australian Army in 1962 replacing the .303 Lee Enfield Magazine rifle. For Australia, the SLR was the main infantry weapon of the Vietnam War era (1962-1972).L1A2 bayonet for use with 7.62mm self-loading rifle (SLR), together with plastic scabbard.bayonet, weapon, slr

When the US entered WW11, the Army moved quickly to provide training materials. In many cases it drew on British experience.Representative of training documents from early years of WW11Black and White covered booklet " Removal of wounded from Tanks" '.Military Intelligence Service Information Bulletin No. 17- War Department - Washington. DC. dated 5th June 1942. 28 pages, soft cover, saddle stitched and stapled.Ink stamp on first page " RAEME Trg Centre, Training Publications, Register No 20145 "usa, tank, training

8th/13th VMR was equipped with Centurion tanks 1955 - 1959 and 1966 - 1970. Provides information for gunnery crew commanders & gunnery instructors to train crews in tank gunnery.Representative of training pamphlets used when Australian Army received Centurion tanks Centurion gunnery intro - handling, servicing & mechanismGrey covered booklet" Royal Armoured Corps Training Volume III - Armament Pamphlet No. 15 Centurion 1964. " 286 pages, staple bound.On front cover " 66-022-7190" and ink stamp " A Sqn 2 Cav Regt" Holsworthy 2173 and another very faint stampmilitary, tank, centurion, gun, vmr

Us manufactured Browning machine guns were introduced to Australian Army in 1950s.The. 30 calibre replaced 7.92 mm Besa in Centurion tanks equipping 8/13 VMR in 1957. The. 50 calibre was mounted on some M113 carriers as Commanders MG. Representative of Training booklets issued to CMF units in the 1960sLightbrown covered booklet Browning Machine Gun Caliber .50HB, M2. Department of the Army Field Manual FM 23 - 65. December 1955

Lieutenant General Ernest K Squire was Chief of Staff of Australian Army who died 2 March 1940 in Melbourne and was buried on 5th March. 8th Light Horse was in full-time training at Torquay..Rare photo of soldiers from North East Victoria on Guard of Honour duty.Sepia photograph of soldiers of Corryong Troop 8th Light Horse at funeral of Lieutenant General Ernest Squires" 8th Light Horse ( Corryong Troop ) as " Guard of Honour " at funeral of Lieutenant General Squires Melbourne 1940 "

Probably taken at Wangaratta depot during at a conference or course of instruction.Shows variety of dress in Army Reserve Units in Victoria in mid 1970s.Black and White photograph of soldiers posed in three rows, standing and seated. They are wearing badges and headgear representing a variety of Regiments and Corps.

In 1970s Army Reserve Units carried out their own recruiting and NCO training. RSM Kennard was a member of the 8/13 VMR Cadre staff.Fine study of Army Reserve soldiers at Albury 1970s.Black and White photograph of soldiers in two ranks with instructor in front" NCO Course, Albury, RSM WO1 Kennard " List of some members of squad follows.

Army Reserve Units such as 8/13 VMR carried out their own NCO training in 1970s.Shows Army Reserve soldiers at Albury 1970.Black and white photographs of soldiers relaxing on edge of parade ground between sessions of drill." NCO Course Albury Depot ". List of names follow.

Army Reserve regiments were responsible for their own recruiting in 1970sShows recruiting activity involving the community of which regiment was part.Black and White photograph of 8/13 VMR soldier in turret of M 113 Armoured Personnel Carrier with boy in civilian dress wearing headphones." Trooper McKechnie Recruiting Drive."military, vmr, recruiting, pr