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Bendigo Military Museum
Book - AUTOBIOGRAPHY, BCOF, Donald Henry NANCARROW, “MY JOURNEY’, 2017
“MY JOURNEY’ ‘ THE LIFE AND TIMES/ OF DONALD HENRY NANCARROW/ 1927-2017” 2nd AIF Service No VX 96723. Enlisted 21 March 1945. AWOL. To Japan- age 19 years March 1946. “Tour of Duty” in Japan ended September 1947. Discharged 9 October 1947Soft cover book Cover- front clear hard plastic, back black cardboard, metal spiral bound. Title page - black print on white paper 97 Pages- cut, plain white paper. Illustrated black and white and colour photographs and maps Title Page- handwritten donors name Title Page- handwritten donors name- blue pen “ Carol NANCARROW/ Mob 0418 382 503books, military history, ww2, bcof, japan -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - BUTTERFLY WAIST BELTS, FRAMED, 1941 - 1945
Made from selection of butterfly wings and cellophane from cigarette packets during WW2 on islands near Australia.Wooden frame, green felt lining, glass top contains; 1. Belt, shades of brown, cream hat shaped shell ends. 2. Belt, orange and cream, brown ends.souvenir, belts, framed item -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, PICTORIAL WW2, J.S. CUMPSTON, "THE RATS REMAIN", 1966
"THE RATS REMAIN" The Siege of Tobruk, 1941. Item in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details.Hard cover book. Cover - cardboard with adhered paper cover. red print on front and spine on yellow colour background. Illustrated - sepia toned photographs from back through to front cover - armoury in battle scene. 256 pages - cut, plain, glossy white. Illustrated black and white photographs. End papers - front and back illustrated in colour - map of "Tobruk Defences (12 Jan 1941). This is a pictorial book.books, military history, ww2, tobruk -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, AUTOBIOGRAPHY WW2, A. B. Palmer, "Pedlar Palmer of Tobruk", 1981
Owner and donor details, see Cat. No. 5836.3.Hard cover book with dust cover. Cover - cardboard with navy blue buckram. Gold print on spine. Dust cover - paper, black colour print on yellow background, front and spine. Front illustration - black print of RAN portrait. Back cover, sepia tones, photograph of trucks and boats dockside. 384 pages, cut, plain, white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs and maps. End papers front and back - maps.books, military history, ww2, ran, autobiography -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, BIOGRAPHY WW2, Margery McDonald SMITH, "Half a Life", 1997
... History WW2 Tobruk Biography Front end papers - handwritten ...Owner and donor details - see Cat No. 5836.3. "HALF A LIFE" "The Diary of a Tobruk Rat". From foreword "The man and soldier about whom this book is written is QX8135, Private E.H. (Snowy) ROSELT and the story is written by his daughter" Hard cover book. Cover - cardboard with paper adhered. Brown and black colour print on front, spine and back with dark beige background. Illustrated front to back - black print silhouette of a "Garry (Snowy) Roselt at Post R20, Tobruk - 1941". 197 pages - cut , plain, white paper. Illustrated - black and white photographs and maps. Front and back end papers - illustrated, sepia toned pages of a diary. front end papers - owners signature and author's signature.Front end papers - handwritten owner's information blue ink "B.D. Carr/ V6/32 Jan St/ Cheltenham, 3192" Handwritten author's signature black ink "Kind Regards/Marge Smith/ 28 Jan 1999"books, military history, ww2, tobruk, biography -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, WW2, Peter Fitzsimons, "Tobruk", 2006
Owner and donor details - see Cat No. 5836.3.Hard cover book with dust cover. Hard cover - cardboard, pale blue colour linen look buckram paper. Gold print on spine. Dust cover - paper, gold, black and white print on front, spine and back with pale blue background. Illustrated - front (top) 2 Tobruk soldiers (bottom) patrol moving through barbed wire entanglements. Back - wounded soldier. 580 pages - cut, plain, white paper. Black and white photographs and maps. End papers - front and back - illustrated sepia tones - half portraits of "General Field Marshal Rommel and Corporal John Edmondson AIF".books, military history, ww2, campaigns, tobruk -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, AUTOBIOGRAPHY, Elizabeth Burchill, "The Paths I've Trod", 1981/ 1984
Owner and donor details - see Cat No. 5836.3. "The Paths I've Trod / Autobiography of an Australian Nurse"Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, brown print on front, spine and back. Illustrated two sepia toned photographs - front 1/2 portrait of author (1940, back - author receiving her Bachelor of Arts. 249 pages - cut, plain, white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs. Title page and endpapers back - handwritten signature and notes.Title page - handwritten, blue ink, author's signature "E. Burchill B.A., B Lits, R.N., R.M., I.W. (AUTHOR)/ Melbourne/ 1987" End papers - back - handwritten, blue ink. ("David/ 855937") name and no's have been crossed out.books, military history, ww2, nurses -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, WW2, George Sprod, "Bamboo Round my Shoulder/ Changi: The lighter side", 1981
... Military History WW2 Cartoons Front end paper - handwritten notes ...Owner and donor details - see Cat No. 5836.3.Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, red, black and green print on front, spine and back. Illustrated front - red, black and green colour cartoon of two men with tools. Back - cartoon portrait of author. 88 pages, cut, plain, white paper. Biographical stories and black and white cartoon illustrations. Front end paper - handwritten notes.Front end paper - handwritten notes, grey lead pencil "$6.95/ NID"books, military history, ww2, cartoons -
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - BACKPACK - PATTERN 37, AUSTRALIAN ARMY, c1939-1945
This is a cotton webbing back-pack. It has a flap which has 2 straps to hold it shut. On the back are 2 x 50 mm short straps with 2 x 25mm brass buckles. At the bottom are two web straps sewn on both ends. Inside, attached to the Left and right wall are short flaps with one eyelet.On the flap is written " VX723648" "N C Stevens".back pack, equipment, army, ww2 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, BIOGRAPHY & NARRATIVE of a PHOTOGRAPHER, BOWDEN Tim, "The Changi Camera", 2012
"THE CHANGI CAMERA/ A UNIQUE RECORD OF CHANGI AND THE THAI-BURMA RAILWAY" A unique story of an Australian soldier - GEORGE ASPINALL - a keen photographer.Hard cover book with dust cover. Hardcover - cardboard, black buckram with gold print on spine. Dust cover - paper, grey, red and gold print on front, spine, back and flaps. Illustrated sepia toned photographs. Front - Barracks with large crowd of troops. Back - Beach scene. 242 pages, cut, plain, white paper. Illustrated - collection of black and white photographs. End papers illustrated - black and white photographs.books, history, ww2, biography, photography -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, BIOGRAPHY & NARRATIVE of a POW. WW2, Peter REES and Sue LANGFORD, "A Week in September", 2021
Book - "A WEEK/ IN/ SEPTEMBER/ - A STORY OF ENDURING LOVE/ FROM THE BURMA RAILWAY."Soft cover book. Soft cover - cardboard, white, gold and yellow print on front, spine and back. Illustrated in colour, sky and jungle in silhouette. 356 pages - cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated - black and white photographs. End papers - on back of front and back - illustrated, hand writing - in colour yellow.biography, ww2, history, books -
Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet - BOOKLET OF POW DEATHS AT SANDAKAN, Extraction from Don Wall's book - "Sandakan - The Last March", "AUSTRALIAN/ POW DEATHS/ BRITISH NORTH BORNEO/1942-1945/ SANDAKAN", c 1988
Booklet information "Extracted from Don Wall's book - Sandakan - The Last March" .Soft cover booklet - facsimile. Cover - cardboard, black print on cover, white background. Illustration - front, small black print of a soldier with bugle with cemetery scene. Binding tape. Pages 148 to 181 copied into booklet paper. End papers - printed colour triangular shaped images.books, history, ww2, sandakan -
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - BRITISH COMPASS WW1, C. 1916
The item was obtained by Donors Grandfather who served British Forces WW1 and was a RAF Sqd Leader during the surrender of Japanese Forces in Hong Kong and New Territories WW2..1) British Marching Compass brass circular shape with hinged opening, has small screws lock device on one side, brass ring on one end. .2) Brown leather case for .1). Has belt loop on rear, folding lid with brass stud for securing..1) On base, “Cruchon & Emons London, 1916 (arrow up)”compass, marching, equipment -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED, Vincent Kelly
IAN ALFRED (Joe) LYONS MBE Born 16.2.1915 in Bendigo enlisted in the RAAF aged 25 years on 27.5.1940, No 400095. Starting in the ranks as an LAC, he rose to Flt/Sgt pre-embarkation. He embarked for the Middle East on 2.11.1941before dis-embarking to serve with No 3 Sqd RAAF. During heavy action on 8.1.1942, his plane was forced down due to engine damage. It landed in an enemy minefield and when it came to a halt, its wheels were straddling a mine. After being rescued by a British officer, dozens of mines were located and dug up. On return, some 15 miles from base, the vehicle Lyons was travelling in hit a mine (on 9.1.1942), resulting in 5 KIA or WIA. Lyons spent 2 weeks in hospital with severe concussion and deafness. Lyons the embarked for Australia on 11.3.1942 before disembarking on 18.4.1942. He was posted to Townsville with 82nd Sqd on 27.6.1944. Subsequently he was posted to Noemfoor Island on 21.9.1944 as Operational with 82nd Sqd and promoted to Flt/Lt (Temp.) on 3.1.1945. On 6.1.1945 he was posted to 77Sqd as Operational on Morotai. This deployment ended on 9.7.1945. Records show that he flew 26 Strike/Attack missions and 13 others with both squadrons. Post WW2, Lyons remained with the RAAF with a new service number (033072). On 2.2.1948 he was posted to Japan before returning to Australia on 28.8.1948, apparently for medical reasons. He was appointed Flt/Lt on 23.9.1948 before returning to JApan and Korea on 22.8.1950. He was awarded an MBE as Operations Officer with 77Sqd for 'Outstanding enthusiasm and energy at 3 Korean bases'. A US Bronze Star was awarded to Lyons for 'Distinguished and meritorious service as Operations Officer in Korea during the period 14.10.1950 to 17.2.1951'. After Korea, Lyons received a number of posting from Victoria to Western Australia. He was awarded the Air Efficiency Medal in 1964. At his own request, Flt/Lt Ian Alfred 'Joe' Lyons MBE, retired from the RAAF HQ OP COM on 15.12.1967. The photograph is part of the Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection.Framed hand tinted colour head and shoulders photograph of a man in an RAAF uniform. The photograph is bordered with a light brown matt. THe wooden frome is painted white and gold. A white printed label bearing the name of the man is located below the photograph. Clear perspex covers the photograph. The photographer's name also appears below the photograph. The rear of the frame is covered in brown paper secured with masking tape. Two eyes and white cord are attached for hanging purposes.Handwritten in black below the photograph: 'VINCENT KELLY, Bendigo'.raaf uniform, photograph, flight lieutenant ian a. lyons -
Bendigo Military Museum
Banner - BANNER, MOUNTED
Banner- soft vinyl canvas, printed in white, black and grey colours. Mounted on two hanging poles, timber with cream coloured plastic coating ornamental knobs on each end with black cord hanger “34 Brigade/ Provost/ Coy/ Hird/ Japan 1945-1952banner, japan, post ww2 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Ceramic - SOUP TUREEN & GRAVY BOAT, ROSENTHAL, C1940
“The items were left behind by the Ss units stationed in Nijmegen, Arnhem, Holland’ The pottery was made at the Rosenthal pottery which was taken over by Germany. Soup Tureen- pottery round bowl with white glaze, with pottery handles in the shape of a lion’s head. Gray Boat - pottery oval shaped pitcher with attached tray, with white glaze. Long lip on both ends of gravy boat. .1) Base of Tureen, makers stamp, black ink, German Eagle with Swastika “F1. UV./ Rosenthal” .2) Base of gravy boat, makers stamp, green ink, German Eagle with Swastika “F1. U.V. 1940 BOHEMIA pottery, german, ww2 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - BELT HOLDERS, Australian Army, c1939-1945
Refer to Cat 4967.2. The service of John Robert Attwood.Brass hook shaped item. One end has two loops, the other end is the curved hook. They are made from one piece of brass wire. x 4 ww2, uniforms -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER, AIR MAIL
See Cat 5109PThis is a foldable Air Mail letter card. The cover is printed in blue ink. It has a One Penny stamp attached with a Post Office Stamp. The stamp is Australian with the image of the Queen. On the front is the censor's stamp "Australian Military Forces. Passed by censor 537". Signed by unknown. Inside the letter is addressed to "My Darling Loved One" From VX25591 Pte E H Hildebrandt, 13th A.D.B. N.T. Forces. It ends with "From your loving Sweetheart & Husband. First Line he mentions receiving a letter 4-3-45. Tex xxxww2, romance, civilian life -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, WW2 13 Squadron 50th Anniversary Publication, GRANTHAM Sid, "The 13 Squadron Story", 1991
13 Squadron 50th Anniversary Publication. Official and unofficial history of No.13 Squadron R.A.A.F. during its wartime existence from 1940 to 1946.Soft Cover book. Soft cover - cardboard, red and black colour print on front, spine and back. Front cover illustration, copy of oil painting (in colour) of "Lockheed Hudson" aircraft by artist ALFORD Robert. Back cover illustration in colour of the unofficial badge of No. 13 Squadron. 158 pages plus appendix, cut, plain white. Illustrated black and white photographs and maps. Front and back end papers illustrated black and white maps. Title page - signature by the author. 13 Squadron 50th Anniversary Publication. Official and unofficial history of No.13 Squadron R.A.A.F. during its wartime existence from 1940 to 1946.books, ww2, raaf, aircraft -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, Biography of Bendigo's "Rats of Tobruk" WW2, Alma Mulqueen, Bendigo's Own Rats of Tobruk, 1995
Biography of Bendigo's Rats of Tobruk"Soft cover book. Soft cover - cardboard, black print on front and spine. Illustrated background, colour (light) picture of a landscape. Front below title - colour photograph of group of men marching on parade. Two men at front holding banner. Back cover in colour - "Rats of Tobruk" emblem. 172 pages, cut, plain white, illustrated black and white photographs, many portraits. End papers - colour copy. Extra paper - one, colour illustration of Siege of Tobruk" . Colour patches. Title page - donation information.Biography of Bendigo's Rats of Tobruk"books, military, ww2, local history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION, SHARE Pat, "Mud and Blood" "Albury's Own". Second Twenty third Australian Infantry Battalion, 1978 First Edition
Original owner of book, Mr FREDERICK CARLETON. Please see Catalogue Number 142 for service history.Hard Cover book. Hardcover, cardboard with red coloured buckram, white print on front and spine. End papers - illustrated black and white photographs, front silhouette of barbed wire and soldiers. Back - soldiers on parade.Opposite Title page - newspaper cuttings from Bendigo Advertiser, Monday June 6, 1994 and Saturday July 2, 1994. Death notices or CARLETON Frederick Lloyd".book, battalions, ww2 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, DARWIN, RUWOLDT Rex, Darwin's Battle for Australia. Vol. 2, 2005
From the front cover " REMEMBERING THOSE/ DESPARATE DAYS/ WHEN THE JAPANESE/ DROPPED 683 BOMBS ON DARWIN IN THE/ FIRST EVER ATTACK/ ON AUSTRALIA BY/ AN ENEMY FORCE/ AND THE 62 OTHER RAIDS/ OVER THE NEXT 18 MONTHS.Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, yellow and black print on front, spine and back. Illustrated front - colour photograph of a beach scene, back - small colour photograph of the author's superimposed over colour photograph of a beach scene. 368 pages, cut, plain, glossy white, illustrated black and white and colour photographs, maps and documents. DVD Plastic, adhered to back end paper.books, military history, darwin, ww2 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, NEW TESTAMENT AND HOLDER, John C Winston Co. International Bibles, c1939-1945
1. Pocket sized book. It has a dimpled leather cover. Colour black. The page ends are gold tinted. There are 568 pages. There is a purple page marker ribbon attached to the book. 2, Cardboard cover that slides over the book. Labelled "ClearNUtype" Testament. The smallest large type testament published. It has a stylistic map of the two hemispheres of the world.1. Inside front cover = "A little token of welcome to Dear Fred, wishing you all the best of luck. Love from Auntie Eva & family 19 Aug 44". On page 351 - Book of Romans - Chapter 5, verses 38 & 39 have been marked & underlined. 2. Äuntie Eva & family to Pte Addlem F E, Neereman, Maldon, Victoria. ww2, christianity -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - COLOUR PATCH WW1, Post 1916
The patches are 38th BN AIF, raised Bendigo1916, served France & Belgium, disbanded at Wars end, became local CMF unit post war, then 2/38th BN, disbanded during WW2, post re raised as 38th Bn Northern Victorian Regt.Colour patches, rectangular shape, khaki colour backing, centre oval shape patch divided red at top, purple at bottom.38th bn, colour patches, aif -
Bendigo Military Museum
Container - PERSONAL TRUNK, 1944
Metal trunk issued to F.G. Davey for his personal effects which were shipped home to Australia after WW2.Part of the Frederick Gardner Davey DFC collection. Refer Cat No 3536PRectangular metal hinged trunk painted black. A hinged metal handle in on each end and at the back. Each handle is secured with metal rivets. The lid is secured closed with two 'Closebind' catches A brass locking mechanism is located on the front of the body and is accessed through a keyhole. The interior is painted grey with a brown leather seal around the edges of the lid. Various markings in white paint appear on the lid, each end, the back and the front. Paper stickers are glued onto the lid, back and right hand end. Inside the lid is a manufacturers plaque and year of manufacture printed in black.On lid: 'J13/S, F.G. Davey, VIC, R/124, RAAF Central Repository, West Melbourne, Vic'. On front: 'J13/S'. On Left hand end: 'J13?S 90 VIC, P410533, Davey F.G.'. On right hand end: 'J13/S, Vic' plus paper labels 'Geelong' and 'Mr F.G. Davey, Bendigo'. On back: 'J13/S' and paper label 'Not wanted on voyage'. Inside lid; ' 1944'.f.g. davey, personal equipment, military equipment -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - CIVILIAN IDENTITY CARDS WW2, Both appear to be 11.4.1942
.1)Identity Card, envelope and cover all fawn colour, all printing in Black type, front has "Form C.R.3", date stamp, space for addressed to, signature of holder, cover is see through paper, envelope is plain with window and open one end. .2) Same as .1) except for different person..1) On front in black pen, V "4", F "74", "23168", "Margaretta Guiney 126 Sternberg St Bendigo", on rear in black pen, Witness "J.H. Chamberlain 130 Sternberg St", Holder signature, "M Guiney". .2) On front in black pen, V "4", F "10", "23167", Witness same as .1), Holder "K.M Guiney"civilian identity, cards ww2, envelopes -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE,WW2, March 22 1943
The address on letter/envelope is very hard to decipher, it is possibly 314 Newtonville Ave Newton USA which does come up in search. The letter also mentions “Vernon”, refer Cat No 4501.2.1) .2) .3) Letter 3 pages, blue paper plain, all hand written in blue ink. .4) Envelope blue colour, one end white stick on label “Opened by censor”, date stamp centre, stamp “give to Red Cross War Fund, green 5 cent postage stamp, addressed to in blue ink, rear has senders details in blue ink..1) Refer in Context, letter addressed to “My Dear Mrs Guiney, signed from “Lorraine G. Phipps”. .4) Envelope addressed to “Mrs Greta Guiney, 126 Sternberg Street Bendigo Victoria Australia”letters, envelopes, usa -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - TROPHY TRAY, C.1978
Cameron Highlanders was the 16th Infantry BN. John Lloyd, Brigadier John Lloyd 16th Bn 1939 - 1940, Honarary Colonel 16th Bn 1955 - 60, Patron of the Rats of Tobruk Assoc, 16th and 28th Bn’s, served WW1 & WW2. Peter Ball collection, refer Cat No 4704.Trophy tray rectangular shape, metal with handles each end, edge ink on other two sides, base is ornate with circles, centre has a small military badge, around that is inscribed into the metal, base under is wood, 4 small round legs screwed on each corner.Inscribed, “John Lloyd Trophy 1978 Pte P.C.Ball A Coy Geraldton 16 RWAR”. On small badge, “Cameron Highlanders Western Australia”.trays, trophy, accessory, 16th rwar -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Silk Flag, Nippon Times
Made at the end of World War 2 to celebrate the surrender of Japan. The item was brought back from Japan by Sapper Albert Alexander Founds VX71775 who joined from Lara Victoria 12 January 1942 and was discharged on 9th July 1947. Made of silk after the Japanese Surrender of World War 2A silk flag with the words Nippon Times. Unconditional Surrender by Japs Completed at 20 minute Ceremony. Picture of cherry blossoms, map of Japan and British, American FlagSee imagesilk, american army, british army, australian military forces, aif, cherry blossoms, nippon times, japan, world war 2, ww2, japenese surrender -
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