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.Collection of photographs showing early evolution of an armoured regiment of the Citizen Forces as it progressed from WWII equipment and uniforms to post-war equipment and uniforms. Silver regimental hat badges are worn in place of Rising Sun badge.Black and White photograph of White Scout Car heavily bogged on exercise in Chiltern Forest. Four so;diers digging the vehicle out." 1956 White Scout Car bogged in Chiltern area. "

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.Collection of photographs showing early evolution of an armoured regiment of the Citizen Forces as it progressed from WWII equipment and uniforms to post-war equipment and uniforms. Silver regimental hat badges are worn in place of Rising Sun badge.Black and white photograph of Staghound Armoured Car heavily bogged on exercise in Chiltern Forest near Albury. Has formation sign of 2nd Armoured Brigade on right mudguard." 1956 Staghound Armrd ( sic ) exercise in Chiltern / Rutherglen area "

William 'Lauchie' McGrath, an accountant with Australian Mercantile Land & Finance (AML&F), enlisted in AIF in September 1914. He was posted to 8th Light Horse regiment with the No 268 and rank of trooper. He rose through the ranks, serving at Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine reachin the rank of Captain/Adjutant of the regiment. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. McGrath wrote the History of the regiment (See 3091.901) Following his return to Australia he took up farming in the Upper Murray, On 10 February 1924, a community picnic was being held at a creek below his Jingellic homestead when a maniac armed with a rifle came out of the scrub and proceeded to shoot indiscriminately int the party. No reason was ever given but it was presumed that he wanted to kill one man who was not among the five he hit. McGrath got the women and children into the creek and organised the other wounded - he had already been hit in the chest - into cover before running over open ground for his rifle in the house. In all he stopped five bullets but the gunman bolted once McGrath appeared with his own weapon.Some weeks later he was captured getting milk from a dairy and declared insane. One of the five victims died that day, one some months later, one had to use a stick for the rest of his life and McGrath was forced to give up the farm and return to his old job as an accountant. He was awarded the silver medal of the Royal Humane Society of NSW and the silver medal of the Royal Shipwreck Relief & Humane Society of NSW. The latter body felt the water in the creek made it appropriate to also make the award. McGrath enlisted again in World War Two, serving firstly as 2/ic Broadmeadows Camp and later 2/ic the Officer Commanding 12th Garrison Battalion. Framed black and white photograph of mounted officer with tents in background.Across lower edge of frame "Capt. McGrath. MC.. MID. 8th Australian Light Horse"mcgrath, 8th, light horse, garrison, royal humane society nsw

The Governor General Lord Gowrie visited the 8th Light Horse regiment when it was in camp at the Corowa Showgrounds September 1939. The second World War broke out three days later. The 8th Light Horse (Indi) Regiment superseded the 16th Light Horse in 1919. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded. In 1948, the 8th together with 13th and 20th Light Horse regiments were linked in the raising of the 8th /13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment.Black and white photograph in wooden frame - two mounted horsemen with soldier standing in frontCorowa Camp 1939 ( Sept. ) Left - Trumpet Major Dobbie, 2 Cav. Div. Band. Centre - Lord Gowrie VC, Governor General of Australia. Right - Major Morrison, OC 8th Light Horsemilitary, corowa, gowrie, light horse

Following Gallipoli service, 3rd Light Horse Brigade comprising 8th (Victorian), 9th (South Australian/ Victorian) and 10th (West Australian) Light Horse Regiments formed part of the ANZAC Mounted Corps under command of Sir Harry Chauvel in the campaigns through Egypt, Palestine and Syria, 1916-1918. Fine study of senior officers of a Light Horse Brigade in the Middle East during World War 1 (1914-1918).Small Black and white photograph of Brigadier Wilson and Staff, 3rd Light Horse Brigade circa 1918.Back row L-R, Lieutenant Latham, Major Worthington, Captain Lyall, Captain Barker. Front row L-R. Lieutenant - Colonel Stewart ( Field Ambulance ), Lieutenant - Colonel Todd ( 10 Light Horse ), Brigadeer Wilson, ( Brig.( OMD ) , Lieutenant Colonel Wilson ( Brig. OND ), Lieutenant - Colonel Scott ( 9th Light Horse ), Lieutenant - Colonel Daly ( 8th Light Horse ) & seated in front Captain Hammond3rd light horse brigade, wilson, wwi, world war one, middle east

The practice of wearing emu plumes in hats began with the Queensland Mounted Infantry. It is thought to have begun when the unit was engaged in suppression of the Shearers’ Strike of 1891. It remained a Queensland tradition till 1915 when other AIF units of the Light Horse began to do the same. After some dispute and discussion, the practice was approved provided the soldiers paid for their own plumes. Some regiments did not take up plumes: 6th and 7th LH continued to wear wallaby fur puggarees; 4th LH refused plumes because of the association with anti-unionism. The post-war militia adopted plumes and today all Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) regiments wear emu plumes in slouch hats. In the 1950s 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles and some other RAAC regiments wore an emu plume tuft behind the regimental badge on black berets. Framed Emu feathers with the use of, with news item on history of the Light HorseKangaroo feathersmilitary, light horse, queensland, plumes, emu, wwi, world war one, hat

This photo was taken shortly before the regiment embarked for overseas. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. It departed Melbourne 15 February 1915. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.Framed photograph of 21 8th Light Horse Officers on Bivouac.8th Light Horse Officers on Bivouac at Greensbrough, 9th January 1915military, wwi, broadmeadows, greensborough, light horse, world war one

A World War 1 relic probably brought home to Australia as a souvenir by a returning soldier. WWI souvenir of limited display value. Should be considered for de-accession.German pattern bayonet, Blade 365mm long with saw edge on back with steel scabbard." P D Luneschlose Solingenweapon, bayonet, german army, military, wwi, great war, scabbard

Swords were a common item of equipment of Japanese officers and soldiers in WWII. Representative of souvenirs brought back following the end of WWII.Japanese Samuari Sword with 70mm hand guard with wooden handle wrapped with red and white and brown tape - blade length 700mm. Common souvenir brought back by returning servicemen from the Southwest Pacific area following the Japanese surrender.japan, samurai, sword, wwii, world war two

The M7 bayonet was introduced in 1964 for use with the M16 rifle. It was issued to Australian troops during the Vietnam conflict 1962 - 1972.Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian military forcesUS M7 bayonet , blade 170mm length, Plastic handle. Scabbard Green Plastic.On blade " US M7 Cometta " On scabbard " US M8 A1 "bayonet, vietnam war, m16

This pattern bayonet, which affixed to a .303 Lee Enfield rifle was standard issue to Australian forces in World War 1 ( 1914 - 1918 ), World War 2 ( 1939 - 1945 ) and the Korean War ( 1950 - 1953 ).Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.British pattern 1907 bayonet, with wood hand grips blade 430mm long, with leather scabbard with steel fittings and leather bayonet frog.ON handle " A- 93061 " On blade " 1 - 1922 Lithgow "wwi, wwii, korea, world war one, world war two, lee enfield

This type of bayonet was common issue for the French Army in World War 1 (1914-1918). Part of a collection of edged weapons, some relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian military forces, others are souvenirs brought home by returning soldiers.French Model 1892 Berthier bayonet, 527 mm long fluted steel blade, with metal scabbard. On ring - "AE 30556"france, berthier

Used with Lebel Model 1886 bolt action rifle and was the basic French infantry weapon of World War 1 (1914-1918). Probably brought to Australia by a returning soldier as a souvenir. Donated to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Collection when no longer of interest to family. Nickname 'Rosalie' by French soldiers, a reference to a popular song of the war years. Called French knitting needles by German soldiers.Fine example of World War 1 weaponry used by allied forces.French Model 1886/93 "Rosalie" bayonet, 500mm steel cruciform section blade with quillon (hook) and brass anodized handle.On Quilion "M 78124"rosalie, knitting needles, french, bayonet

This pattern bayonet was used by Australian troops in World War One and Two and the Korean War. British model 1907 bayonet with leather scabbard - overall length 550mmMA 1907 x MA 4 42wwi, wwii, korea, australian

This pattern bayonet which affixed to a .303 Lee Enfield rifle was standard issue to Australian forces in World War 1 (1914-1918), World War 2 (1939-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953). Leather bayonet frog might indicate WWI light horse issue.Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.British pattern 1907 bayonet, blade 430 mm long with wood hand grip and leather scabbard and leather frog.Blade " 7. 17 Wilkinson" Frog " Dexxil Don 1917"military, bayonet, world war one, world war two, korea, light horse

Collection of photographs showing early evolution of an armoured regiment of the Citizen Forces as it progressed from WWII equipment and uniforms to post-war equipment and uniforms. Silver regimental hat badges are worn in place of Rising Sun badge.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of White Scout Car bogged in bushland: soldiers digging it out." 1956 White Scout Car bogged in Chiltern area. "

Collection of photographs showing early evolution of an armoured regiment of the Citizen Forces as it progressed from WWII equipment and uniforms to post-war equipment and uniforms. Silver regimental hat badges are worn in place of Rising Sun badge.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of Armoured Car bogged on side of road. Tactical sign of 2nd Armoured Brigade on right mudguard." Staghound Armoured car 1956' Exercise in Chiltern/ Rutherglen area."

In 1961, 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was equippedSergeant Peter Hartung, later Caprain with Humber trucks to fulfil an Armoured Personnel Carrier role. A troop comprised 3 vehicles, each with a 2 man crew, commanded by a Sergeant.Sargeant Peter Hartung, later Captain, served in WW2 with German Panzer Corps. Trooper lou Madjeric served with German Navy. After immigrating to Australia after the war they joined 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. Collection of photographs showing an armoured regiment of the Citizen Forces in the 1960s as it transitioned from wheeled armoured vehicles to tanks to M113 armoured personal carriers.Black and white photograph of seven soldiers lined up in front of Humber trucks" Trooper Vincent, Corporal Roberts, Troopers McCluskey, Doyle, Cameron, Madjeric, Sgt. Hartung. "

The King's Banners 1904 and 1920 were presented to the 8th Light Horse Regiment for Service in the Boer War and World War One. They were placed in Benalla Holy Trinity Church on unknown date. They were found in a cupboard during renovations in 1976, placed in a specially constructed case and mounted on the wall of the foyer of the Church. Displaced by further re-modelling they were transferred to the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection.Photograph of a salient time in the conservation by the regiment of a rare object of historical interest to North-East Victoria.Black and white photograph of two 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Officers standing with two flags in a frame. Capt. McLean and Lt. Trapnell . Finding of King's and Queen's Colours.

Rare VMR SwordBritish pattern 1908 cavalry sword with blade 845mm long and engraved blade. Steel handguard engraved VMR with composition handle. Leather scabbard with brass fittingsBlade. Scroll work with VMR in centre " Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London. Handguard " VMR"weapon, sword, vmr, british, wwi, world war one

Swords were issued to Australian Light Horse in 1918. Light Horse in period 1920 - 1940 were equipped with swords. Some soldiers including Trooper G R Fear chose to obtain their own swords. Trooper Fear served with 2/9th Armoured Regiment during World War Two. 8/13 VMR Heritage Troop carried swords and gave exhibitions of tent-pegging during 1980s.Part of collection relating to an Armoured Corps soldier of WW11British Model 1908 cavalry sword with steel blade 890mm long, composition handle with steel handguard, painted steel scabbard with 2 fixed rings. Painted khaki greenON blade 12 A 15 EFD On back " 08 "military, sword, fear, light horse, militia

The American designed 'Jeep' was issued to Australian Army in WW11 and the Post-War CMF. Technical manuals and User Handbooks were essential equipment for Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) tradesmen permanently attached to Armoured Corps regiments as Light Aid Detachments (LAD) or AFV Workshops and were responsible for repairs and maintenance of a nature beyond the expertise of AFV crewmen and just short of major rebuilds undertaken by Base Workshop detachments.Part of a collection of workshop manuals and user handbooks relating to equipment on issue to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles during the latter half of the twentieth century.Buff coloured covered booklet, saddle- stitched and stapled: 40 pages being Instruction Book Driving & Maintenance for trucks .25 Ton ( USA ). Published by Australian Military Forces 1944.Ink stamp on front cover " C Sqn 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles "

Comet was a WW11 British tank. Publication possibly issued to CMF Units in anticipation of receiving Comet tanks in early post war period. Instead Centurion tanks were received, Technical manuals and User Handbooks were essential equipment for Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) tradesmen permanently attached to Armoured Corps regiments as Light Aid Detachments (LAD) or Tech Support Troop (TST) and were responsible for repairs and maintenance of a nature beyond the expertise of AFV crewmen and just short of major rebuilds undertaken by Base Workshop detachments.Part of a collection of workshop manuals and user handbooks relating to equipment on issue to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles during the latter half of the twentieth century.Cream coloured soft covered manual being Inspection Instructions ( Provisional ) Overhaul Comet Tanks. 88 pages and 6 fold out sheets. Stapled on short edge. Published by British Army September 1948Dyna tape on front cover " 629.28.Bri

Small gold medallion inscriber with the recipient's name.Presented by residents of Lancefield to Con Fitzgeraldfitzgerald, lancefield, medallion, wwi, world war one

Medals awarded to W1940 J C Hitchins, Pacific Star, BWM 39-45, ASM 39-45. No ribbons attached.world war two, wwii, hitchins, medal

Australian Service Medal awarded to VX81347 C French. No ribbon attachedworld war two, wwii, french, medal

British Defence Medal 39-45 awarded to 413820 W F Burge. No ribbon attached.medal, wwii, world war two, burge

The Gallipoli Star and its ribbon were designed in 1917 by R K Peacock, but official approval from King George V for the proposed campaign medal was withdrawn after the ribbon, but not the medal, had been manufactured, because it was to have been presented only to Australians and New Zealanders, but not British or other Empire soldiers involved in the campaign. Some Anzac veterans are known to have been issued with lengths of ribbon during the war in anticipation of the medal's production. In 1990, Mr Ross Smith, a former Australian Army Warrant Officer and Vietnam veteran, arranged, at his own expense, for dies from the original design to be manufactured, and for A J Parkes & Co Pty Ltd, of Brisbane, to strike 1000 examples of the medal. 200 of these stars were presented to surviving Australian and New Zealand Gallipoli veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of the campaign. The remainder were sold to the public. A further 1000 were later struck for sale to collectors. The design features an eight pointed star, representing the states and territories of Australia (seven points) and New Zealand. The colours of the ribbon are blue, representing the ocean, gold, representing Australian Wattle, silver grey, representing New Zealand fern, and red for the colour of Australian gum blossom and the New Zealand Rata flower.Gallipoli Star is a star shaped medal with raised crown at centre suspended on a coloured ribbon.medal, gallipoli, world war one, wwi

Bronze medallion with soldier in relief on obverse and inscription on reversePresented by the residents of Nulla to Pte Con Fitzgerald on his return from the war 20-3-18world war one, wwi, fitzgerald, nulla

World War One 1914-15 Star awarded to 349 Private W Simeon 4th Australian Light Horse.medal, wwi, world war one, light horse, simeon