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matching white horse
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Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide - Photograph, Possibly the Ersilac Parade travelling along Main Road, Eltham, c.1958
View from Grace Mitchell's shop at the corner of Mount Pleasant Road and Main Road. Grace Mitchell was probably best known for her Eltham shop at the corner of Mt Pleasant Road and Main Road. Grace's memories covered many local identities who were patrons of her shop between 1954 and 1971. From the elevated position of her shop and home Grace was able to view a varied passing parade of Eltham events from ERSILAC, Easter and Eltham Festival parades passing on their way to Eltham Lower Park, circuses in Wingrove Park (then Bremner’s Reserve), roadworks and other happenings. Bremner's Reserve was renamed Wingrove Park c.1970 This photo was from a series of images presented by Grace Mitchell at a Society talk 10 March 1993 on the theme of “My Eltham”. Alistair Knox had one of the first VW Beetles in Eltham; perhaps the one shown is his. This model has a large rear window, first introduced in 1958. The Holden ute could be an FC or FE. The FE was produced July 1956-April 1958 and the FC May 1958-January 196035mm Kodak 5052 TMX Black and White transparency, 1 strip, 6 frames Black and white print 17 x 25.4 cmcars, bremner's flat, eltham, ersilac parade, main road, mount pleasant road, wingrove park, festival, horse drawn carriage -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George Coop, A Tait (Red Rattler) train passes through the level crossing at Box Hill, c.Feb.1964
Under the shadow of the tree is a two-horse dray, typical of the time around Box Hill, used by Council for cleaning the streets. The dray had a tipping device so that when full, it could be tipped up like a dump truck to empty the load. Alongside the horse and dray is a Wolsley 24/80 manufactured by BMC Australia (1962-1965).Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white transparencybmc wolseley 24/80, box hill, box hill council, george coop collection, level crossing, street cleaning, tait train, two-horse dray -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Horse and Pony Club, Eltham Community Festival Grand Parade, Main Road near Arthur Street, Eltham, 6 August 1977, 1977
... , main road, parade, Horse and Pony Club, Kodak Tri-X Digital ...Saturday 6th, August "Grand Parade, 10.30 a.m., Main Rd., Eltham. Dozens of local groups will be participating. Entries include ponies, Scouts, elderly citizens, bands, athletic clubs, life-be-in-it display, schools and many many more." - 1977 Festival ProgramDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Kodak Tri-X black and white transparencyKodak Tri-X1977, eltham festival, george coop collection, main road, parade, horse and pony club, -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Jock Read on 'Popeye', Ersilac Parade, Main Road, Eltham, c.1960, 1960c
Jock Read riding 'Popeye' south along Main Road approaching Bridge Street. Jock acquired 'Popeye' just before the outbreak of WW2. As he was already in the Royal Australian Navy, Jock named the horse after Popeye the Sailor Man. Popeye was a dapple grey, then went white as he aged. Digital file only (Wes's 35mm)don muir collection, eltham, ersilac, ersilac parade, jock read, main road, popeye (horse) -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Photographs, Fredrick Charles Dix
Fredrick Charles Dix enlisted 8th July 1915 at Castlemaine (at the time he was living with his Mother and stepfather in Fryers Town) after serving in the Senior Cadets. He was taken on by the 9th Light horse and sent to Egypt for further training. Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A30 Borda on 11 January 1916.He served in France and was wounded by shrapnel in the eye socket but eventually returned to active duty on the front.He returned to Australia 6 September 1919 Sgt. F. C. Dix 1790 9th light horse 13th reinforcement 13 Field Artillery Brigade where he (several times) attained the rank of Sergeant. He also served during WWII at Nowra as a driver. Photos of Fred. were taken after enlistment, and the photo of ? 13 F.A.B. is thought to have been taken in Egypt 1916 3 Black and white photographs from WWIWritten on reverse of the image of the soldiers in front of tent "Fred's Mates"f dix, fredrick dix, 13th f.a.b., 9th light horse, castlemaine, wwi, egypt, photographs, photos, postcards france wwi -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book, Tracks to the Wood's Point and Jordan Goldfields-A brief history of the Wood's Point and Jordan Goldfields, Unknown
A history of the Wood's Point and Jordan gold fieldsPaperback. Beige cover. Front cover has a black and white photograph of miners standing and sitting around a mine cart that is sitting on railway tracks at the entrance to a mine.Back cover has a cartoon drawing of a pack horse that has fallen down a cliff with his rider trying to pull him back up by his tail. Inside the cover is a drawn map entitled 'Map of the Mining District round Wood's point'.Stamp of the Marysville & District Historical Society Inc / P.O. Box 22 / Marysville 3779 gold, gold field, gold mining, gold town, wood's point, jordan goldfields, victoria, australia, history, r w christie -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book, Tracks to the Wood's Point and Jordan Goldfields-A brief history of the Wood's Point and Jordan Goldfields, Unknown
A history of the Wood's Point and Jordan gold fieldsPaperback. Beige cover. Front cover has a black and white photograph of miners standing and sitting around a mine cart that is sitting on railway tracks at the entrance to a mine.Back cover has a cartoon drawing of a pack horse that has fallen down a cliff with his rider trying to pull him back up by his tail. Inside the cover is a drawn map entitled 'Map of the Mining District round Wood's point'.Stamp of Marysville & District / Historical Society Inc / P.O. Box 22 / Marysville 3779 gold, gold field, gold mining, gold town, wood's point, jordan goldfields, victoria, australia, history, r w christie -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book, The Last of the Yarra Track Stopping Places, 1980
A history of the stopping points on the Yarra TrackPaperback. Front cover has a black and white photograph of a wagon being pulled by two horses which have stopped to drink from a wide river. The back cover has a black and white photograph of an area of snow with a snow covered bush in the foreground.Inside back cover / From Kim Harley / Cliffton Hill Stamp of Marysville & District / Historical Society Inc / P.O. Box 22 / Marysville 3779marysville, yarra glen, wood's point, history, yarra track -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book, The Last of the Yarra Track Stopping Places, 1980
A history of the stopping points on the Yarra TrackPaperback. Front cover has a black and white photograph of a wagon being pulled by two horses which have stopped to drink from a wide river. The back cover has a black and white photograph of an area of snow with a snow covered bush in the foreground.Sticker on front cover / Revised / Edition Stamp of Marysville & District / Historical Society Inc / P.O. Box 22 / Marysville 3779marysville, yarra glen, wood's point, history, yarra track -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book, The Last of the Yarra Track Stopping Places, 1980
A history of the stopping points on the Yarra TrackPaperback. Front cover has a black and white photograph of a wagon being pulled by two horses which have stopped to drink from a wide river. The back cover has a black and white photograph of an area of snow with a snow covered bush in the foreground.With Best Wishes / Ann Thomas / 24.10.95 Stamp of Marysville & District / Historical Society Inc / P.O. Box 22 / Marysville 3779marysville, yarra glen, wood's point, history, yarra track -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (item) - Black and white postcard, Rose Stereograph Company, Nichol's Lookout, Marysville, Victoria, 1913-1967
A postcard in a series produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Victoria, Australia as a souvenir of Marysville.A black and white photograph of the view of the surrounding hills from Nichol's Lookout which is on the Marysville-Wood's Point road near Marysville in Victoria. The Marysville-Woods Point Road was originally part of the Yarra Track, constructed in the early 1860s to provide access between Healesville and the Woods Point Goldfields. Despite the steep terrain and engineering difficulties, the Yarra Track soon became a busy route used by pack horses, horse-drawn drays, and wagons. Today this sealed mountain road is a popular scenic drive between Marysville and Warburton.POST CARD The "Rose" Series/ De Luxe A Real Photograph/ Produced in Australia Published by the Rose Stereograph Co.,/ Armadale, Victoria. "The Falls"/ Marysville/ Monday Dear Mrs Wilson. Just a line to let you know/ I'm here by Dr's advice. He advised me/ to get extended leave. I'm suffering from/ blood pressure so have to go slow-no/ walking-Ugh-a bitter pill to swallow/ in these glorious surroundings. However/ I'm feeling much better and hope on my/ return (Saturday) to be able to resume duty/ I trust you and yours are well, Your loving/ friend A Butler. Quite/ an imposing/ hotel now/ stands at/ Keppel's/ Corner./ A.B.nicol's lookout, lookout, marysville, victoria, p. 2324, rose series postcard, postcard, souvenir, yarra track, mining, wood's point -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (item) - Black and white postcard, Rose Stereograph Company, The Main Street, Marysville, Victoria, 1913-1967
A postcard in a series produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Victoria, Australia as a souvenir of Marysville.A black and white photograph of Marysville's main street. This is now known as Murchison Street.POST CARD The "Rose" Series/ De Luxe A Real Photograph/ Produced in Australia Published by the Rose Stereograph Co.,/ Armadale, Victoria Dear Max./ I arrived here/ about 12AM Master E. M. Tonkin/ C/o Mrs. H. H. Castles/ Donniflour St/ Kyneton./ Vic.main street, murchison street, marysville, victoria, p. 2749, rose series postcard, postcard, souvenir -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (item) - Black and white postcard, Rose Stereograph Company, The Wood's Point Road, Marysville, Vic, 1913-1967
A postcard in a series produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Victoria, Australia as a souvenir of Marysville.A black and white photograph of the Wood's Point Road in Marysville , Victoria. This is now known as the Marysville-Wood's Point Road. The Marysville-Woods Point Road was originally part of the Yarra Track, constructed in the early 1860s to provide access between Healesville and the Woods Point Goldfields. Despite the steep terrain and engineering difficulties, the Yarra Track soon became a busy route used by pack horses, horse-drawn drays, and wagons. Today this sealed mountain road is a popular scenic drive between Marysville and Warburton.POST CARD REAL PHOTO THE "ROSE" SERIES DE LUXE PRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA Published by "The Rose Stereographer"/ Sydney and Melbourne.wood's point road, marysville-wood's point road, marysville, victoria, p. 10201, rose series postcard, postcard, souvenir, yarra track, mining, wood's point, warburton -
Federation University Historical Collection
Certificate, Victorian State Schools League of Kindness Member's Certificate, c1920
MEMBER'S CRTIFICATE I will be kind to all living crearures and will protect them as far as I can from cruelty. Richard Henry Watson was a student at Murtoa State School No. 1549 c1920 and signed the following statement on a MEMBER'S CRTIFICATE. 'I will be kind to all living creatures and will protect them as far as I can from cruelty.' Signature Harry Watson Witnessed by Head Teacher - L. WalkerMulti coloured rectangular shaped certificate with a black line border on a white background. In each corner there is an illustration: clockwise from left - a child and two horses; seagulls on a cliff face; koalas on a branch and a dog. In the centre is the Coat of Arms for the Victorian Society For the Protection of Animals with the date 1871.The Certificate is signed in ink by Harry Watson, Murtoa; Branch State School No.1549. The Witness - L Walker Head Teacher league of kindness, victorian state schools, league of kindness certificate, victorian society for the protection of animals, league of kindness member's certificate, murtoa, murtoa state school, l. walker, harry watson, richard henry watson, junior membership certificate -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Photograph (item) - Black and white photograph, Unknown
A black and white photograph which shows two saddled horses standing at the sign that once stood near the track that lead to the base of Steavenson Falls in Marysville in Victoria.A black and white photograph which shows two saddled horses standing at the sign that once stood near the track that lead to the base of Steavenson Falls in Marysville in Victoria. The sign was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The Steavenson Falls is named after the Victorian Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, John Steavenson who arrived in Victoria in the early 1860s.STEAVENSON FALLS/ MARYSVILLE/ HEIGHT 271 FEETsteavenson falls, marysville, victoria, waterfalls, john steavenson -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (item) - Black and white postcard, Rose Stereograph Company, The Talbot Drive, Marysville, Victoria, 1913-1967
A postcard in a series produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Victoria, Australia as a souvenir of Marysville.Lady Talbot Drive (Talbot Drive) is a 24 kilometer scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Lady Talbot Drive is named after Lady Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, who was the Governor of Victoria from 25th April, 1904 to 6th July 1908. This road was originally constructed as a corduroy road (or log road) is a type of road or timber trackway made by placing logs, perpendicular to the direction of the road over a low or swampy area. The result is an improvement over impassable mud or dirt roads, yet rough in the best of conditions and a hazard to horses due to shifting loose logs.POST CARD REAL PHOTO THE "ROSE" SERIES DE LUXE PRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA PUBLISHED BY "THE ROSE STEREOGRAPHS"/ Armadale, Victoria.talbot drive, lady talbot drive, lady talbot forest drive, sir reginald talbot, lady sarah elizabeth talbot, rainforest, marysville, victoria, rose stereograph company, p. 2340, postcard, souvenir, corduroy road -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Photograph (item) - Black and white photograph, Talbot Drive, Marysville, Unknown
An early black and white photograph of Lady Talbot Drive in Marysville in Victoria.An early black and white photograph of a car traveling along Lady Talbot Drive in Marysville in Victoria. Lady Talbot Drive a 24 kilometer scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Lady Talbot Drive is named after Lady Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, who was the Governor of Victoria from 25th April, 1904 to 6th July 1908. This road was originally constructed as a corduroy road (or log road) is a type of road or timber trackway made by placing logs, perpendicular to the direction of the road over a low or swampy area. The result is an improvement over impassable mud or dirt roads, yet rough in the best of conditions and a hazard to horses due to shifting loose logs.marysville, victoria, lady talbot drive, lady talbot forest drive, sir reginald talbot, lady sarah elizabeth talbot, corduroy road -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (Item) - Black and white postcard, Rose Stereograph Company, The Main Street, Marysville, Victoria, 1913-1967
A postcard in a series produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Victoria, Australia as a souvenir of Marysville.A black and white photograph of Marysville's main street. This is now known as Murchison Street. This postcard was produced by The Rose Stereograph Company as a souvenir of Marysville.POST CARD The "Rose" Series/ De Luxe A Real Photograph/ Produced in Australia Published by the Rose Stereograph Co.,/ Armadale, Victoriamain street, murchison street, marysville, victoria, p. 2749, rose series postcard, postcard, souvenir -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (item) - Black and white postcard, Valentine Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd, The Old Ford, Marysville No.9, 1923-1963
An early black and white photograph of the old ford in Marysville, Victoria.An early photograph of the bridge at the end of the main street in Marysville which is near the Buxton-Marysville Road and the Marysville-Wood's Point Road intersection. The Marysville-Buxton Road joins the Maroondah Highway which leads to Alexandra. The Marysville-Woods Point Road was originally part of the Yarra Track, constructed in the early 1860s to provide access between Healesville and the Woods Point Goldfields. Despite the steep terrain and engineering difficulties, the Yarra Track soon became a busy route used by pack horses, horse-drawn drays, and wagons. Today this sealed mountain road is a popular scenic drive between Marysville and Warburton. This photograph was published by the Valentine Publishing Co Pty. Ltd as a souvenir of Marysville.marysville, victoria, valentine publishing co, souvenir, buxton-marysville road, marysville-wood's point road, maroondah highway, alexandra, yarra track, mining -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
framed embroaded Patches & Brass military Medals, Blue material background Framed Patches & Medals
Some are rare in natureBlue material - background, White timber frame surround with 18 metal military cap badges and 6 military cloth patches., Row 1 British Army Cap Badge - Royal Army Ordnance Corps. F1 Household Life guards, Cap Badge, Center G.R. below V. Oval with motto on outside Banner. Royal Lancashire Cap Badge.World War 1 R.F.C. - Royal Flying Corps Cap Badge. surrounded by Laurel Wreath with Crown on top. Circ. 1895 Royal Australian Air Force pilot's wings. The brevet has white cotton embroidered wings, a king's crown, and the letters 'R.A.A.F.' within a pale blue embroidered laurel wreath. Horse Badge - Small Brass - British Army Military. Saint George slaying he dragon - Small Brass Badge. Army Cyclist Corps - World War 1 Cap Badge. Duke of Wellington's Regimental Cap Badge. Row 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Corps 1895 = Shoulder Title - Officer's. Royal Horse Guards Brass Army Cap Badge. Brass Badge - Queen; Mary's Own - 18th Hussars. Vintage Royal Welsh Fusiliers Cap Badge. R.A. F. Service Dress Wings with King's Crown. American Eagle Brass - Army Officers Cap Badge. 45th Overseas Battalion - Canada Expeditionary Forces. 48th Battlion, Victoria, Canada - British Columbia Brass Cap Badge. World War 1. Row 3. Center World War 11 - Rhodesian Air Force Cloth Pilots wings . row 4 Center - Embossed Woven Crown with metal gold thread woven feathers under. Right - Embossed Woven Crown with Brass Gold Anchor below.- Navy Petty Officer Cap Badge. Row 5. Large Metal Gold color Crown - British Army Warrant Officers Badge. Small Brass Single Rifle with ACT on the Butt of the rifle. Brass Badge - Drummers Proficiency., Last Row - center Embossed woven Crown Red Felt on Blue Back.none - no labels6 cloth patches raised and embossed, 18 military brass metal cap badges vary in type and country and conflict. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - PLUME, LIGHT HORSE, c. World War One
Part of the Leo Reoch Cohn Collection. See Catalogue No. 5527.2 for his service record.Emu feather plume for an Australian Light Horse slouch hat. Feathers are attached to pieces of leather and stitched together with black and white thread.australian light horse, emu plume, uniform, leo reoch cohn -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS - A SET OF SEVEN PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING FUNERAL MARCH FOR CAPTAIN ALBERT JACKA, 1932
Captain Albert Jacka, VC, 14 Bn, first VC in WW1.A set of seven black and white photos showing the funeral march for Captain Albert Jacka VC in Melbourne 1932. 1. & 2. Front of gun carriage team. 3 horses and 2 riders. 3. Party of armed soldiers, bayonets fixed, marching in formation. 4. Gun carriage and coffin stationary. 2 soldiers in WW1 fighting kit in Rest on Arms Reverse. Civilian clothed men, hats off. One drummer is marching past. 5. Group of eight senior Officers marching. Most are in uniform with swords. 6. Large group of marching men in civilian clothes. They hold their hats against their heart. A civilian policeman is standing as crowd control. 7. The gun carriage and coffin moving away. Men in civilian crowd have removed their headdress. There are two files of men either side of the coffin, marching beside it.1. "Jacka's Funeral" on rear. 2. Funeral Captain Jacka, Melbourne 1932. 3. "Albert Jacka's Funeral" on rear. 4. "Albert Jacka's Funeral" on rear. 5. "Members of Jacka's battalion at his funeral. Jan 1932." on rear. 6. "Funeral Capt Albert Jacka 'Australia's first VC'" on rear. 7. "Funeral Capt Albert Jacka, Melbourne 1931" on rear.albert jacka vc, funeral, melbourne -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK - Gallipoli WW1, John HAMILTON, "Goodbye Cobber, God Bless You.", 2004/ 2005
"GOODBYE COBBER, / GOD BLESS YOU." "The Fatal charge of the Light Horse, Gallipoli, August 7th 1915."Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard. Gold, dark brown and light brown print on front, spine and back. Front cover - Illustrated sepia tones photographs of scenery and a group of Light Hors soldiers. 365 pages - cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs and maps.books, military history, ww1, gallipoli peninsula -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, 67th INFANTRY
Alex Stone was in the 67th (Bendigo) Infantry.1. Photo of a framed larger picture. Pic shows a machine gunner in seated position, other soldiers in various poses. Two horses with kit are in the background. The original frame had green border. 2. Photo of an officer on a dark coloured horse. He is wearing a slouch hat and Sam Browne Belt. In the background are white "A" shape tents.1. The caption under 6664.1P is "Gisborne - encampment 1913". 2. Written on the rear is "Alex Stone". passchendaele barracks trust, 67 battalion -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph
Photo was found under a house at "165 Eaglehawk Road, Long Gully" with no context. Possibly Bendigo people at camp. Timeline from Boer War to WW1 going by the uniform which is possibly Light Horse.Black and white original photo of sixteen young soldiers in uniform, standing outside a tent. light horse, photo, soldiers in uniform -
Bendigo Military Museum
Plaque - MEMORIAL PLAQUE ANZAC DAY 1999, 1999
Shield shaped plaque, wooden, glossy black with metal emblem, striped light blue-red-white-navy blue, Prince of Wales feathers insignia"ANZAC Day 1999", "4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse"plaque, anzac day, 1999, 4/19, light horse -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARD PORTRAIT
Possibly friends of Victor James. Later Squadron Leader Victor James, RAF, WWII. Refer Cat No 5084P..1 Portrait (black and white) photograph of British WWI soldier. He is wearing a peaked cap, leather bandolier. The hat badge appears to be a galloping horse. .2 Portrait (black and white) photograph of a man wearing what appears to be a band uniform with cross straps and loops on his chest, no hat. .3 Portrait (black and white) photograph of a man in civilian suit and tie. He is seated on a bench seat in a studio.1 On rear is noted "Friend of VMKJ 1914-18" .2 On rear is noted "Friend of VMKJ 1914-15" .3 On rear is noted " Freddie Cacusitut Accrington France, 14th Worcesters 1916-1917"wwi, portraits -
Bendigo Military Museum
Print - PRINT, FRAMED, "Publishers to Her Majesty the Queen and to Their Royal Highnesses the Prince & Princess of Wales"
Representation of all the Commonwealth Forces that served in the Boer War.Framed print with the title of "SONS OF THE EMPIRE". Frame: timber with decorative edge, brown stain colour, glass front. Mount: Cream coloured cardboard with outer mount timber with gold coloured paint. Print: Black and white grouping of men in uniforms of various countries with flag, horses and some soldiers holding rifles. Artist signature at base of print. Title and information printed below illustration.Artist signature on print "Harry Payne/Dec/99" Printed title below illustration - "SONS OF THE EMPIRE" Printed information below title - "Dedicated by Special Permission to / Field Marshall the Right Hon. Viscount Wolseley. K.P., G.C.B/, G.C.M.G./Commander in Chief of the British Army"" with signature in black ink "Wolseley F.M."framed print, commonwealth, boer war -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARDS SET OF THREE OF TEL AVIV, PALESTINE, TMLINA JERUSALEM
See Cat 4575P.Set of 3 Black and white postcards printed in Palestine, WW2. 1. A scene of the Shephardic Synagogue, Tel Aviv. 2. A street scene of Allenby Street, Tel Aviv. 3. A scene of Moepabi Opera House, Tel Aviv. In the foreground can be seen horse drawn taxis.Nilww2, tel aviv, palestine -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Set 4 photographs. and others for Torquay Light Horse camp, 1940
These images capture for all time Light Horsemen travelling through Geelong on their way to camp at Torquay for the last Group meeting in Australia . information following - details obtained from .........https://torquayhistory.com/light-horse-brigade/ On Australia Day, 1997, Sir John Young unveiled this plaque on Point Danger, Torquay. Torquay history, Light Horse Training Camp, WW2 Plaque at Pt. Danger Note----- (See images to view plaque) The plaque identifies a significant event in Torquay’s history and the sentiments of ‘change’ for the Light Horse Brigade – from horses to machines. In 1940 the four Light Horse Regiments (4th, 8th, 13th and 20th), some 5000 Light Horse and 2000 horses camped and trained at Torquay. Three other regiments, formerly mounted on horses, were also at Torquay ‘mounted’ on privately owned trucks and cars. Division troops included Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Field Ambulance and other branches of the Army necessary to enable a Division to function. It wasn’t just the sheer numbers of men coming to this little town that made the event significant, it was also the fact that the men of the Light Horse were dramatic, almost glamorous figures and it is easy to see their exploits as some splendid adventure. Horses have played a special role in the story of Australia. They were the only means of transport across this huge country, so it was necessary for everyone to have the ability to ride a horse. When war broke out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers of South Africa (“Boer” was Dutch for “farmer”) Australia sent troops to fight. At first Britain was wary of using untried, unprofessional colonial cavalrymen but soon saw that the slouch-hatted Australian “bushmen” were a match for the fast-moving and unconventional mounted commandos of the Boers. The Australians proved themselves to be expert rough-riding horsemen and good shots. Bush life had hardened them to go for long periods with little food and water. They also showed remarkable ability to find their way in a strange country and use its features for cover, in both attack and defence. By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Men were given remounts (if not using their own horses) – army horses bought by Commonwealth purchasing officers from graziers and breeders. These were called “walers” because they were a New South Wales stockhorse type – strong, great-hearted animals with the strains of the thoroughbred and semi-draught to give them speed, strength and stamina. On 1st November, 1914, Australia’s First Infantry Division and the first four Light Horse regiments sailed for England in a fleet of transport ships. The first of the Light Horse arrived at Gallipoli in May without their horses. Back with their horses after Gallipoli, they were formidable combatants across the Sinai and Palestine. Some British commanders observed that the light horseman moved with a “lazy, slouching gait, like that of a sleepy tiger” but described how the promise of battle “changes that careless gait, into a live athletic swing that takes him over the ground much quicker than other troops”. They had Light Horse, Torquay, training campdeveloped a reputation as formidable infantrymen. The Turks called them “the White Ghurkas” – a reference to their deadly skill with the bayonet. The Arabs called them “The Kings of the Feathers”. The plume had originally been a battle honour of the Queensland Mounted Infantry for their work in the shearer’s strike of 1891. During WW1 it was adopted by almost all the Light Horse Regiments. It was the proud badge of the light horseman. The most famous of their battles was the attack on Beersheba- the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Mounted infantrymen and their superb walers had carried out one of the most successful cavalry charges in history – against what seemed impossible odds. They surprised the Turks by charging cavalry-style, when they would normally have ridden close to an objective then dismounted to fight. The fall of Beersheba swung the battle tide against the Turks in Palestine; and changed the history of the Middle East. While 19 men from the Surf Coast Shire served with the 4th Light Horse over the course of WW1, only four were involved in the charge of Beersheba- John GAYLARD, Philip QUINN.(Winchelsea); Wallace FINDLAY (Anglesea); Harry TRIGG (Bambra). After the war, Light Horse units played a key role in the Australian Government’s compulsory military training programme. The Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F.) thrived on the glamour of the wartime Light Horse tradition, ignoring the possibility that motor vehicles would soon replace the horses. When training was no longer compulsory, the C.M.F. regiments declined and horses became more of a luxury during the 1930s depression years of poverty and unemployment. Some regiments were motorised. Then, in 1939, Australia joined Britain in another world war. Training was increased for the militia at both home bases and regional training camps. The camp at Torquay in 1940, commanded by Major General Rankin, was at Divisional strength. By the end of the camp some felt that the Division was ready for active service. Gradually, over the next four years, the Australian Light Horse units were mounted on wheels and tracks and the horses were retired. Six men enlisted at the Torquay camp and another 57 men and women enlisted at Torquay for service in WW2. Those who served in the Militia provided valuable Officers and NCOs and men for the armed services during the war. Each infantry division of the 2nd AIF had a Light Horse regiment attached to it. But the day of the Australian mounted soldier hadn’t quite passed. During World War II, Australia’s 6th Cavalry Regiment formed a mounted unit they called “The Kelly Gang” which did valuable scouting work. In New Guinea, a mounted Light Horse Troop did patrol duty and helped carry supplies. Some fully equipped walers were flown into Borneo for reconnaissance in rugged mountain country. But by the end of the war, in 1945, the horse had disappeared from the Australian Army. References: Australian Light Horse Association www.lighthorse.org.au National Australia Archives Australian War Memorial Surf Coast Shire WW1 memorials www.togethertheyserved.com The Light horse- a Cavalry under Canvas Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Late in 1939 it was decided to set up a Lighthorse training camp in Torquay to train both men and horses for the battles of the Second World War. Horses, men and equipment came on special trains from all over Victoria and NSW, and as you would expect horseman came from areas such as Omeo and Sale, the Wimmera and the Western District. They arrived at the Geelong racecourse for watering in the Barwon River and then were ridden across the ford at the breakwater and began their 11 mile trek to Torquay. Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Tent city By the end of January 1940 the camp at Torquay accommodated some 5000 men and 2500 horses of the Second Cavalry Division. The rows of horses, tents and huts near Blackgate Road were quite a sight. While the cavalrymen engaged in exercises on the land and on the beaches, many of the troops took over the Torquay School for special training of men and officers. Mr Bob Pettit local farmer and Councillor for the Barrabool Shire, wrote about the Light horse in the Surf Coast Community News in 1985 saying “They used to travel about the district riding four abreast in one long convoy. To my annoyance they went through my property and shut all the gates behind them. I had certain gates open to let stock in to the water holes and it would take me three -quarters of an hour to follow the horsemen up and put all the gates right again” he continued “the men from the Light Horse were here when the fire went through in March 1940. He recalled an incident when early one morning, as some one blew the bugle, a soldier putting a white sheet on the line frightened the horses. They panicked and ran off in all directions. Six went over the cliff near Bird Rock, five were never found, and the rest were gathered up after nearly a fortnight in the bush around Addiscott and Anglesea" Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2, Geelong Parade Geelong parade The training camp culminated in a parade through the streets of Geelong on March 12th 1940. The salute was given at the Town Hall and the troops continued on a route to the You Yang’s for a training exercise. Note-----(see media section for photograph) The Camp was abandoned in mid 1940 as it was deemed unsuitable for training during winter and the cost of a permanent camp could not be justified if it could not be used all year. Historic.......Rare,,,Interpretive.Sepia photographs.set of four ....post card size ....Horses &LighthorsemenNo 1, Lighthorsemen Regiment Geelong 1940......No 2 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940....No 3 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940.....No 4 Light Horse crossing Breakwater camped at Geelong Showgrounds. These markings are on reverse of photographs.light horsemengeelong 1940., world war 2