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. Collection of five colour photographs of soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rfles training at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery cauldron" 5-20 March 1988

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. Collection of five colour photographs of soldiers and vehicles of ' A 'Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles training at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5-20 March 1988.

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. Collection of three photographs of soldiers and vehicles of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles training at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5 - 20 March 1988.

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 two M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5 - 20 March 1988. Crewmen identified : Sergeant Burke standing on carrier; Captain Colin Carrington in turret of carrier.

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 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles M 113 Armoured personnel Carriers at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5 - 20 March 1988. Sergeant Hindle is crewman in carrier in foreground.

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

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. Black and white photograph of three infantrymen in firing positions having just dismounted from M 113 ARmoured Personnel Carrier during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " at Puckepunyal.Private mark Barling at M60 machine gun." Pte Mark Barling "

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. Black and white photograph of infantry soldier, Private Dale, during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " Puckapunyal" Private Dale takes a rest. "

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. Black and white photograph of two infantry soldiers doubling forward during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " Puckapunyal" Infantry on the move "

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. Black and white photograph of infantry soldier lying on ramp of M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier during Exercise "Fiery Cauldron " , Puckapunyal. Tube of 81mm mortar on floor of carrier. " L/Cpl Jef Marsh resting, March 1988 "

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. Two black and white photographs of Leopard Main Battle tank during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " Puckapunyal." Leopard Tank on the move" and Leopard tank giving support, March 1988."

During Exercise “Fiery Cauldron” the Squadron experienced an explosive ordnance detonation incident on 12 March 1988 when a long buried 20 pounder shell exploded as the result of a fire. Twelve members were injured, six requiring hospitalisation. The area of the explosion was cordoned off and the matter investigated by an Ordnance Technical Officer.Four colour photographs of the area on Puckapunyal training range where a shell exploded during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5 -20 March 1988. The explosion occurred near vehicles of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

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. Black and white photograph of infantry in armoured personnel carrier of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. Infantry Platoon Commander ( left ) discussing next move wi5th APC Crew Commander Trooper Rose.

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. Black and white photograph of four infantry soldiers resting prior to mounting Armoured personnel Carriers in background during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " Puckapunyal 5 - 20 March 1988.

Military training was never without danger especially when weapons were handled. Risks were assessed during planning and measures taken to minimise hazards. On one occasion the Conducting Officer was injured by a grenade fragment during throwing practice. He was promptly treated by Squadron medics and transferred to hospital.Colour photograph of Grenade Range at Puckapunyal showing Conducting Officer's box, left foreground, and priming and waiting bays and throwing bays.

Military training was never without danger especially when weapons were handled. Risks were assessed during planning and measures taken to minimise hazards. On one occasion the Conducting Officer was injured by a grenade fragment during throwing practice. He was promptly treated by Squadron medics and transferred to hospital.Colour photograph of Conducting Officer's box at Grenade range Puckapunyal taken from waiting bay.

Military training was never without danger especially when weapons were handled. Risks were assessed during planning and measures taken to minimise hazards. On one occasion the Conducting Officer was injured by a grenade fragment during throwing practice. He was promptly treated by Squadron medics and transferred to hospital.Three colour photographs of Captain P. Williams, Adjutant ' A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles receiving treatment after he was injured by a grenade fragment at Puckapunyal.

Military training was never without danger especially when weapons were handled. Risks were assessed during planning and measures taken to minimise hazards. On one occasion the Conducting Officer was injured by a grenade fragment during throwing practice. He was promptly treated by Squadron medics and transferred to hospital.Two colour photographs of .50 calabre machine gun training at Puckapunyal conducted by ' A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.Sergeant R. McDonald is the instructor.

‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles conducted an annual range day at Puckapunyal at which soldiers undertook instruction leading to qualification in a range of weapons including M26 Grenade, 84mm Carl Gustav Medium Antitank Weapon (MAW) and both .30 calibre and .50 calibre machine guns.Colour photograph of Sergeant G Wynd, 'A' Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles, preparing to fire the 84mm Carl Gustav Medium Antitank Weapon during training at Puckapunyal.

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

Jaffles were a very popular meal using tinned stew and issued sliced bread. Freshness of bread was not important.Good study of officer of 8/13 VMR cooking in the field.Black and white photograph of Lieutenant Bill Russell in beret and tank suit kneeling beside fuel stove holding a jaffle iron. Probably taken at Puckapunyal during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp, 1986. Plastic mug in foreground.Lt. Russellmilitary, training, stove, jaffle, cmf, vmr

Under training conditions, armoured vehicles pulled alongside supply vehicles to collect water, rations, fuel and ammunition as quickly as possible and without dismounting.Colour photograph of M113 Armoured Carriers with light camouflage alongside trucks. Taken during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual camp at Puckapunyal, 1986.training, vmr, carrier, resupply, puckapunyal

The Fire Support Vehicle mounted a 76mm gun and added greatly to the fire power of a cavalry troop.Colour photograph of 3 crewmen on M113A1 Fire Support Vehicle ( FSV ) during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual camp at Puckapunyal 1986. Crew are from left: Corporal Ramsdale, Corporal RAC McDonald and Sergeant King.fire support, vmr, military, training, puckapunyal

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. Colour photograph of two WRAAC soldiers of 'A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles serving a meal from a BBQ set up on back of truck in A1 Echelon during field training. Private L. Cameron at left ; Private T. Roche, right.

Battle runs were a live firing exercise designed to test capability of all members of Fighting Vehicle crew.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 M 113 A1 Fire Support Vehicle about to begin battle run during ' A ' squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp 1986 at Puckapunyal.fsv, vmr, armour, puckapunyal, training, military

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

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.Two colour photographs of two soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, one holding a dislodged guide post. Line of trucks behind them. probably a driver training exercise. Corporal M. Roberts is wearing beret.