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.

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

Embroidered shoulder titles were worn on the upper sleeves of uniform prior to the introduction of colour patches c.1990. Regular regiments used the numerical designations First, Second, Third and Fourth. CMF regiments used their territorial designation: Victorian, Queensland, New South Wales, Hunter River, South Australian, Prince of Wales's and 10th Light Horse. Australia’s defence plans and priorities changed after the Second World War. Decolonisation coupled with competing ideologies created an unstable situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia recognised it needed both regular and citizen forces. Six Armoured Corps regiments were formed in 1948, all with territorial titles reflecting their Light Horse heritage. In Victoria they were 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse and 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. The 1st Armoured Regiment, formed July 1949, was the first regular RAAC regiment, followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th Cavalry Regiments decades later. Unique collection of regimental titles worthy of preservation and display.Display board containing the badge and shoulder title of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles flanked by the formation signs of 2nd Armoured Brigade. These are followed by the shoulder titles of Royal Australian Armoured Corps and eight other RAAC regiments.military, titles, uniform, ara, cmf

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 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.

Early attempt to form regimental band took place in 1948, but it failed. This drum indicatesit was more successful later but it is not thought the band followed the regiment to NE Victoria in 1955. Possibly band members joined 4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse.Base drum with title around edge of skin "8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles"band, vmr, military, music, drum

Black and white photograph of Lieutenant Dan Wyborn, 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles

Following Federation mounted units in Victoria became Light Horse Regiments, all with territorial title 'VMR'.Brass shoulder title for Victorian Mounted Rifles group of Light Horse Regiments 1903 - 1912vmr, light horse, victoria

Representative of an object frequently given to a departing officer by an officers' mess. The regimental badge is soldered to the pewter by local jeweller.Silver plated mug with handle and decorated with a Victorian Mounted Rifles cap badge affixed to the side."Mayfair" on underside of base, otherwise uninscribed.8/13 vmr, badge, officers' mess

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.

On Saturday 13 May 2000, Victorian Mounted Rifles Squadron, 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment departed Buna Barracks Albury and relocated to its new depot at Building 105 North Bandiana. The occasion was marked by a parade through the main streets of Albury and Wodonga. The mayor of Albury, Councillor Les Langford, farewelled the regiment and the mayor of Wodonga, Councillor Graham Crapp, welcomed the regiment to Wodonga. At Building 105, the Area Commander, Colonel Chris Anstey, welcomed the regiment and handed over the building to Lieutenant Colonel Michael Annett, Commanding Officer 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse. Major General David McLachlan was Honorary Colonel of 4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse.Colour photograph of Lieutenant Colonel M Annett, Councillor G Crapp, Major General McLachlan and Councillor L Langford on dais just prior to the march past of Victorian Mounted Rifles Squadron, 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse regiment parading through Dean Street Albury 13 May 2000.annett, anstey, bandiana, langford, 4th/19th, vmr, band, albury

As part of battle procedure, officers called his crew commanders together to issue orders at what was known as Orders Group of O Group.Black and white photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles officer and a group of crew commanders with mapboards." Lt Bob Ohlin with his O group "

Two 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles hat badges mounted on a black fabric covered board.badge, 8/13 vmr

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

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

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.

8/13 VMR provided cenotaph parties in regional towns in NE Victoria and southern NSWColour photograph of officer and soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at cenotaph outside Tocumwal RSL, 1990.millitary, vmr, anzac day, tocumwal

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 ).

This style of trouser was worn by light horse soldiers. The jodhpurs were adapted from an ancient style of Indian trouser called the Churidar, which is tight around the calf and loose at the hips. It was adopted by British troops serving in India during the 18th century especially for sport. A British version was soon being produced by Savile Row tailors in London. The use of the Indian-style, ankle-length Jodhpurs allowed riders to use short, less expensive boots, as their calves were protected by the reinforced design and snug fit.Pair of Jodhpurs of the type most recently worn by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Light Horse Heritage Troop.jodhpur, uniform, light horse

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

Regimental Association participated in marches and regimental activittesColour photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association marching in Anzac Day march, Albury, 1991.association, vmr, albury, anzac day

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

Black and white photograph of two crewmen of 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles in turret of M113 Fire Support Vehicle

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.

Colour photograph of men on dais at 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Open Day at Buna Barracks 28 February 1982." John Maynes Ex 8th ALH presenting Norm Whitehead MC Ex 21st ALH, Chairman 8/13 Museum Committee with the Nichols Trophy ( Aggregate shooting score in 8th Rgt (CMF) on behalf of himself and Capt. Burnham Fraser MC, the last winner, absent through illness."

he 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 saluting at a parade of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at a hand-over parade at Puckapunyal 1982." Major G.F. Cole handing ' A ' Sqn 8/13 VMR over to incoming OC Major IE Docking, Puckapunyal Courses Camp 1982. "