Puckapunyal was the only firing range for tanks in Victoria. M113 Light Reconnaisance Vehicle ( LEV ) training was also conducted on this camp. It was the last camp using Centurion tanks.Four black and white photographs of Centurion tanks of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles engaged in a range shoot at Puckapunyal during annual camp 1971.centurion, tank, gunnery, military, puckapunyal, vmr

The M113 LRV was introduced to 8/13 VMR in 1971 when the Regiment transitioned from tank to recon role. 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 11 soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles posed beside M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ) at annual training camp, Puckapunyal 1971." LtoR, Back: Lt Clay, Tpr Marki, Lt Curtis, L/Cpl Grundy, WO2 Madjeric, L/Cpl Roberts. Front: Cpl Smith, Cpl Young, Tpr Johnson, Tpr Reguski. "

The M113 LRV was introduced to 8/13 VMR in 1971 when the regiment transitioned from tank to recon role.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 ) topping a saw tooth obstacle during training at 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp, Puckapunyal 1971.

The M113 LRV was introduced to 8/13 VMR in 1971 when the regiment transitioned from tank to recon role.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} crossing a ditch obstacle during training a 8/13 VMR Annual Camp, Puckapunyal, 1971.

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, "

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.

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.

The Dibb Report into mainland defence of Australia,1986, among other things identified the requirement for protection of key assets in Northern Australia and the possibility of involving Army Reserve (Ares) units in this thus releasing regular forces for offensive operations. Dibb also pointed out that this defined role would result in a huge lift in Ares morale. In June 1988, the 3rd Division (3Div) conducted a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT), Exercise ‘Distant Trumpet’ in the Katherine- Darwin area to study problems associated with defence against low level incursions against Tindal RAAF Base. Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ followed in October of that year when units of the 3Div including A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles sent patrol groups to get a first taste of environment and conditions. Post-Exercise reports had to include recommendations re: health, equipment and adaptation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the new role deploying to Northern Australia. The first deployment by 8/13 Vistorian Mounted Rifles was in 1988. Deployments continued i following years. In September 1993, 3 Troop (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4/19 PWLH commanded by Captain Kelvin Robertson deployed to NT. The training began with airfield defence at Tindal followed by a 1000km recon into Arnhem Land in four Landrovers. The troop reported on the conditions of the roads, airfields, bridges (mainly causeways) resources such as fuel supplies in the towns and infrastructure. Each troop taking different route. 3 Troop had the Northern route through Kakadu National park across the East Alligator River to Oenpelli then to Maningrida and Ramangining and south to the Central Arnhem Road and back to Tindal Air force Base. Kelvin Robertson enlisted on 6 April 1981 at Cobram where Lieutenant Dan Wyborn was the troop leader at 2 Troop A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles (2TP A SQN 8/13 VMR). He completed the Initial Employment Training Course (IET) and then an M113A1 driver’s course in March 1982. Course Senior Instructor (SI) was Captain (CAPT) John McLean and wing instructor Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Mick Baxter (ex-Driving & Servicing Wing instructor at the School of Armour). He served with 2TP at Cobram as a trooper Driver/Signaller until June 1982 when he was selected for officer training. He served two years as an Officer Cadet in Course 21 at Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) graduating in June 1984. He returned to 8/13 VMR and completed the 1/85 Army Reserve (ARES) Regimental Officers Basic Course (ROBC Reconnaissance), then was posted immediately as 1 TP LDR for the Hay Booligal Annual Field Exercise (AFX). In 1985 he took command of 2TP at Cobram until Nov 1987 when he transferred to C Squadron First Armoured Regiment (CSQN 1AR). This began six months full time duty in which Lieutenant (LT) Robertson completed the regular army 1/88 (ROBC Tank), and then served as CSQN's first and only ARES Leopard Tank TP LDR until the next ARES LT was trained up as 2TP LDR. He later served as the CSQN Liaison Officer (LO) on the First Brigade (1 Bde) exercise ‘Predators Advance’ and as a staff officer on a Second Division (2Div) exercise. In Jan 1991 he studied at the Reserve Command and Staff College (RCSC). Upon completion of Grade 3 he was promoted to CAPT and transferred back to a reconnaissance troop, 3TP VMR SQN 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse (4/19PWLH) at Wangaratta. CAPT Robertson transferred to the Inactive List in 1994, but in 2011 returned to the Active List serving as Operations Captain (OPS CAPT) at Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers (12/16 HRL)and later Second-In-Command (2IC) Tamworth-based Operations Support Squadron (OPSPT SQN), and at 9 day exercises at Singleton range and an exercise at Townville High Range in Protective Mobility Vehicle (PMV) Bushmasters. In 2013 after completing the ARES Grade 3 Staff Officers course in Brisbane he returned home to Jerilderie and served as 2IC A SQN 4/19 PWLH based at Latchford Barracks Bonegilla. He was awarded the Defence Long Service Medal (DLSM) in 2014. Highlights of his career included being Parade Commander for the 75th anniversary Beersheba parade in Canberra on 31 October 1992. The guard, drawn from the VMR SQN 4/19 PWLH represented the 4th Light Horse Regiment, a participant of the Charge. Then twenty years later, 2012, he was invited to speak at the Quirindi Anzac Day ceremony. On this occasion he was serving with 12/16 HRL, so in two ceremonies, 20 years apart, he had represented both the 4th LHR and the 12th LHR, the two lead Regiments that charged Beersheba. CAPT Robertson was placed on the Inactive List again in 2015. Illustrates Reserve training in NT.Colour image of soldier with landscape in background being Captain Kelvin Robertson 3 Troop Leader (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment looking out over the Arafura swamp near the Maningrida to Ramingining road in Arnhem Land during exercise in the Northern Territory, September 1993.tindal, robertson

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

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.

The extensive stock routes of the Booligal area made a good training area for a reconnaissance squadron.Black and white photograph of Private Roche, A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at wheel of Land Rover during annual exercise in Booligal area 1983.

The reconnaissance squadron made use of the wide stock routes in the Booligal area for training.Black and white photograph of 3 soldiers studying a map while on 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles annual exercise at Booligal NSW in 1983. From left : Captain D. Cameron, SERGEANT e bEASLEY AND lIEUTENANT cOLONEL d. hUNTER.

This was probably a training course conducted at the Armoured Centre, Puckapunyal.Black and white photograph of eight soldiers from Armoured Corps regiments with M113 Medium Reconnaissance Vehicle. 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers are Trooper Pye, left front; Sergeant Laughton, right front; and Trooper Kevin Collihole, right rear.

Western plains of southern New South Wales provided good training areas for a unit practicing reconnaissance tasks.Colour photograph of four 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers on an M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ) during Annual exercise at Balranald NSW. From left: Lance Corporal lM. Roberts, Captain T. Fraser, Lieutenant T. Goode and Trooper Bone.

The western plains of southern NSW provided ideal training areas for a cavalry squadron engaged in reconnaissance training.Colour photograph of three officers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles standing near Land Rover during annual exercise in Balranald area c. 1979. From left: Lieutenant T. Goode, Captain J. Mclean and Captain T. fraser.

In this exercise A Squadron 8/13 VMR operated under command 2nd Cavalry RegimentColour photograph of soldier standing beside M113 Armoured Command Vehicle ( ACV ) during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles annual exercise in Ivanhoe NSW area, 1980. Lance Corporal Alister Barrie was a member of Squadron Headquarters Troop. military, vehicle, training, soldier, camouflage

In this exercise A Squadron 8/13 VMR operated under command 2 Cavalry Regiment. Major D. Hunter commanded A Squadron 1980-1982, then was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and posted as Staff Officer Grade 1 ( SO1 Armour ) on Headquarters 3rd Division.Colour photograph of officer standing beside camouflaged M113 Armoured Command Vehicle ( ACV ) during exercise in Ivanhoe NSW area, 1980. Major Doug Hunter was Officer Commanding A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.military, vehicle, training, soldier, camouflage, hunter, vmr, victorian mounted rifles, acv

Western plains of southern NSW provided good training areas for a unit practicing reconnaissance skills. Technical Support Troop provided first line repair and recovery to the reconnaissance squadron.Colour photograph of Sergeant Viv Schmidt, Technical Support Troop ( TST ) A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles standing beside a M 548 tracked load Carrier ( TLC ) on exercise near Balranald NSW.military, training, vehicle, vmr, victorian mounted rifles

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 group of soldiers outside the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles training depot at Cobram, Victoria.

Cobram depot was a base for regimental exercises in sothern NSW.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.Two colour photographs of soldiers surrounded by equipment and vehicles at 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles depot at Cobram Victoria.Soldier in photo 1 is Sergeant S. Laughton and soldier in photo 2 is Trooper M. Roberts.military, soldier, training, bullets, vmr

Following the Anzac Day March in Albury the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Training Depot was opened for drinks and food, and traditional games of chance played.Colour photograph of Crown and Anchor table at Buna Barracks Albury on Anzac Day 1994.

The Dibb Report into mainland defence of Australia,1986, among other things identified the requirement for protection of key assets in Northern Australia and the possibility of involving Army Reserve (Ares) units in this thus releasing regular forces for offensive operations. Dibb also pointed out that this defined role would result in a huge lift in Ares morale. In June 1988, the 3rd Division (3Div) conducted a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT), Exercise ‘Distant Trumpet’ in the Katherine- Darwin area to study problems associated with defence against low level incursions against Tindal RAAF Base. Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ followed in October of that year when units of the 3Div including A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles sent patrol groups to get a first taste of environment and conditions. Post-Exercise reports had to include recommendations re: health, equipment and adaptation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the new role deploying to Northern Australia. The first deployment by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles was in 1988. Deployments continued in following years. In September 1993, 3 Troop (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4/19 PWLH commanded by Captain Kelvin Robertson deployed to NT. The training began with airfield defence at Tindal followed by a 1000km recon into Arnhem Land in four Landrovers. The troop reported on the conditions of the roads, airfields, bridges (mainly causeways) resources such as fuel supplies in the towns and infrastructure. Each troop taking different route. 3 Troop had the Northern route through Kakadu National park across the East Alligator River to Oenpelli then to Maningrida and Ramangining and south to the Central Arnhem Road and back to Tindal Air force Base Major Annett later commanded 4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse, and later again 4th Brigade 2nd Division.. Colour photograph of Major M. Annett, Officer Commanding VMR Squadron 4/19Prince of Wales's Light Horse during annual exercise Northern Territory 1994.

The Dibb Report into mainland defence of Australia,1986, among other things identified the requirement for protection of key assets in Northern Australia and the possibility of involving Army Reserve (Ares) units in this thus releasing regular forces for offensive operations. Dibb also pointed out that this defined role would result in a huge lift in Ares morale. In June 1988, the 3rd Division (3Div) conducted a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT), Exercise ‘Distant Trumpet’ in the Katherine- Darwin area to study problems associated with defence against low level incursions against Tindal RAAF Base. Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ followed in October of that year when units of the 3Div including A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles sent patrol groups to get a first taste of environment and conditions. Post-Exercise reports had to include recommendations re: health, equipment and adaptation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the new role deploying to Northern Australia. The first deployment by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles was in 1988. Deployments continued in following years. In September 1993, 3 Troop (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4/19 PWLH commanded by Captain Kelvin Robertson deployed to NT. The training began with airfield defence at Tindal followed by a 1000km recon into Arnhem Land in four Landrovers. The troop reported on the conditions of the roads, airfields, bridges (mainly causeways) resources such as fuel supplies in the towns and infrastructure. Each troop taking different route. 3 Troop had the Northern route through Kakadu National park across the East Alligator River to Oenpelli then to Maningrida and Ramangining and south to the Central Arnhem Road and back to Tindal Air force Base. Colour photograph of five soldiers and three vehicles of VMR Squadron,4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse on roadside during annual exercise in Northern Territory 1994.military, vehicles, soldiers, northern territory, training, vmr