Framed colour portrait of Major Reg McDermott who following Would War Two service in 2/8th Infantry Battalion joined 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles and was Squadron Commander 'C' Squadron 1953-57.world war two, wwii, mcdermott

9th Australian Light Horse was raised in South Australia and western Victoria. It was part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade and served on Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine.World War One British War Medal 1914-1918 and Victory Medal awarded to Regimental No 2805 Driver J T Bowden 9th Australian Light Horse.wwi, world war one, light horse, bowden

non-fictionTranscription of diaries and notebooks of Trooper Harry Turner, 8th Australian Light Horse 1915-18 give a vivid account of a light horseman participating in the battles on the desert campaign 1916-1918.world war one, wwi, egypt, palestine, light horse, turner

Uniform worn by Major Charles Stening when serving with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. He had World War Two service (SX 1412) and service with United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) 1951.Battledress jacket, shirt and tie. Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) shoulder titles, Major badges of rank, blue platted lanyard, ribbon bar: 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence medal, British War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service medal 1939-45, United Nations medal and Efficiency Decoration (ED). Blue UN beret.united nations, world war two, wwii, sinai, stening, un, unmogip

This shirt was worn by Staff Sergeant Maurice Miles 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. SSgt Miles had World War Two service prior to joining the Citizen Military Forces (CMF)Jungle green shirt with rolled sleeves, yellow lanyard on right sleeve, metal VMR shoulder titles, Staff-Sergeant rank insignia, ribbon bar: British War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 39-45, Efficiency Medal with rosette, and National Medal.world war two, wwii, miles, vmr

These binoculars belonged to Lieutenant Thomas Spencer Howard, 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment. Howard was killed in action in the charge at the Nek, Gallipoli peninsula, on 7 August 1915. Howard was a 25-year-old grain dealer from Melbourne when he enlisted in the AIF and was appointed a lieutenant in the 8th ALH on 24 October 1914. He had pre-World War One service with 10th Light Horse (VMR), 11th & 29th Light Horse Regiments. Prior to sailing he was presented with these binoculars: “Lieut TS Howard 8th LH, 3rd Aust Imp Exped’y Force, From Chief and Staff of J.F.C. Jan 1915”. They were returned, together with his spurs, to his family following his death. Metal binoculars with leather case with metal presentation plaque on inside flap lid. Lieut TS Howard 8th LH, 3rd Aust Imp Exped’y Force, From Chief and Staff of J.F.C. Jan 1915howard, light horse, 8th, gallipoli, binoculars, wwi, world war one, nek

This set of spurs belonged to Lieutenant Thomas Spencer Howard 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment. Howard was killed in action in the charge at the Nek, Gallipoli peninsula, on 7 August 1915. Howard was a 25-year-old grain dealer from Melbourne when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and was appointed a lieutenant in the 8th Australian Light Horse on 24 October 1914. He had pre-World War One service with 10th Light Horse (VMR), 11th & 29th Light Horse Regiments. They were returned, together with a pair of binoculars, to his family following his death. Spurs with leather straps and chainshoward, gallipoli, nek, wwi, world war one, light horse, 8th

World War One vintage personal entrenching tool carried by a soldier. Probable German issue.Metal entrenching tool with spade end and pick end, wooden handle.world war one, wwi, german, trench

Small axe, metal head with one bladed end and one spiked end. Wooden handle. Probably World War One (WWI) German army issue.world war one, wwi, german army

World War One individual trenching shovel probably issued by German Army. Small shovel with wooden handle. Blade is worn.1915world war one, wwi, german army

During World War One poisonous gas was used as a weapon. When gas was detected or suspected an alarm was given in the trenches so soldiers could put on masks and protective gear. The gas rattle was a simple and effective method of raising the alarm. Gas precautions were taken in World War Two but gas was not used. This rattle might be WWI vintage or it might be from WWII era.A wooden box incorporating a toothed cog attached to a 'swing' handle. When swung the toothed cog engaged with a wooden flap enclosed in the box causing a loud noise. world war one, wwi, gas

Wax matches also known as 'strike anywhere' were invented in 1826 by William Newton in England. It consisted of a wax stem with embedded cotton threads and a tip of phosphorus. Cases of various styles were introduced to protect against accidental combustion. This simple but robust metal cylindrical box with close fitting cap made it attractive to soldiers in World War One. Bryant & May was a British company created in the mid-19th century specifically to make matches. In 1901 they acquired the rights to the Swan Vesta process.Match cylinder with press on lid.On cap " Bryant & Mays Wax Vesta London"match, bryant & may

Henry George Roberts was born in Lambeth, Middlesex, The United Kingdom on 17 June 1885. The son of Elizabeth and Corporal Thomas Roberts of 2/3rd Regiment of Foot, The Buffs. Thomas Robert died in 1893 and on 28 September 1894 Henry was admitted to the Royal Military School as an apprentice. He remained there until 7 July 1900 when he enlisted at Aldershot, in the 2nd Dragoon Guards as a boy soldier. The 1901 and 1911 Censuses record him as being a musician with the 2nd Dragoon Guard, (The Queen’s Bays). Roberts married Lily Winterbourne Quinton in early 1912, a son Frederic was born on 1 February 1913. By August 1914 Roberts has travelled to Australia where he was employed as a musician and residing at “Quamby” Royal Park, Melbourne. His wife and child remaining at Mellison Road, Lower Tooting, London. On 8 September 1914 he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Melbourne, allotted Regimental Number 42, the Rank of Trooper and allocated to A Squadron, 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment. His enlistment papers raise a mystery. He stated that he and six years’ service with the Territorial Hampshire Carabiniers but made no mention of his eleven years’ service with the Regular 2nd Dragoon Guards. There is no clear answer as to why this misinformation was provided. Roberts was promoted to Sergeant on 28 October 1914. His occupation and prior experience resulting in Roberts’ appointment to the leadership of the regimental band. After training in Australia, he embarked on the Star of the Sea at Port Melbourne on 25 February 1915 arriving in Egypt on 14 March. On 16 May 1915 he proceeded to Gallipoli where he was killed in action on 7 August 1915 during the attack on the Nek. He has no known grave and is commemorated at the Lone Pine Memorial for the missing. For his service in The Great War, he was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War, and Victory, Medals. Circular metal medallion with image of Britannia standing with a lion issued to NOK of No 42 Sergeant Henry Roberts 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment who was killed in action at the Nek 7 August 1915. The plaque about 120 mm in diameter, was cast in bronze, and came to be known as the "Dead Man’s Penny", because of the similarity in appearance to the much smaller penny coin. 1,355,000 plaques were issued, which used a total of 450 tons of bronze,Henry Roberts and continued to be issued into the 1930s to commemorate people who died as a consequence of the war.Henry Robertswwi, world war one, gallipoli, nek, 8th, light horse, roberts

Alexander Henry White, born 9 May 1882 was educated at Greenville College Ballarat. He enlisted in the Victorian Mounted rifles in 1899 and continued to serve in the Light Horse followinh Federation. Following the outbreak of World War One he applied for a commission in the AIF 19 November 1914 and was appointed as Commanding Officer 8th Light Horse regiment. He was 32 yers of age, married with one child. He sailed with the regiment to Egypt in December 1914, and in May 1915 landed at Gallipoli. Lieutenant Colonel received a shrapnel wound to the scalp 27June, was treated at the Casualty Clearing Station, and returned to duty 4 July. In the Charge at the Nek, 7 August, White chose to lead the first wave of the 8th Light Horse. He was killed in action and his body never identified. His name is recorded on Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula. He was posthumously mentioned in dispatches for his leadership in commanding the 8th Light Horse. Framed case containing portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Henry White, together with his medals (replica) and colour patches of 8th Light Horse.On plaque under portrait 'Lt Col Alexander White / Commanding Officer 8 Light Horse Regiment' and under medals 'Lt. Col. Alexander White borne 9 May 1882 / K.I.A. 7 August 1915 at the NEK Gallipoli'gallipoli, white, wwi, 8lh, ballarat

Regimental No 113 Trooper Hugh Lennon 8 ALH was killed in action at the Nek 7 August 1915. His brother Richard, 7 Battalion was killed the same day at Lone Pine, and a second brother John, 29 Battalion, was killed in France 29 July 1918.Bronze disc with goddess holding trident, and a lion in relief The name Hugh Lennon in block letters.Hugh Lennongallipoli, wwi, first world war, 8lh, nek

General Tivey served in Boer War and commanded 8th Infantry Brigade AIF in WW1. Post War he commanded 2nd Cavalry Brigade CMF. Part of a collection of photographs taken by unknown photographer serving with 8th Light Horse in Middle East 1916-1918.Black and white photograph of two officers in front of horse lines. In foreground is Major General Edwin Tivey. Other officer cannot be positively identified . " Gen Tivey Lt Col Teaff"

Part of a collection of photographs taken by an unknown photographer serving with 8th Light Horse Regiment in Middle East 1916-1918.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. 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.Black and photograph of group of tents in desert" New Years Day 1918"military, wwi, world war one, light horse, desert

Hartung and Madjeric both served with German forces during WW11, Harris served with British army. All migrated to Australia post-war and joined 8/13 VMR. The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Black and white photograph of seven 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers at Buna barracks , Albury c. 1968." Boots Roberts, Bill Cameron, John Doyle, Jack Harris, Harry Barnes, Lou Madjeric, Peter Hartung. "military, migrant, vmr, armour, buna barracks

The Hutton Trophy or Shield was awarded annually to the best Light Horse Troop in Australia. The trophy is now held at the Armoured Centre Puckapunyal. Inter-regimental competition was strong in the years between WWI and WWII. Annually, the best troop in the regiments of the 3rd (Vic), 4th (SA), 5th (WA) and 6th (Tas) Military Districts competed for the Hutton Trophy and the Lord Forster Cup. The Tocumwal Troop 20th LH commanded by Sgt HG (Bob) Fyffe were the winners in 1937/38 and the Tallangatta Troop 8th LH led by Lt L Wildsmith, in 1938/39. Other competitors in 1938/39 were the York Troop, 10th Light Horse (WA), Burnie Troop 22nd LH (Tas) and Orroroo Troop 9th/23rd LH (SA). Troops were marked on Personnel, Horses (type & turnout), Saddlery, Hotchkiss Gun (turnout), Horsemanship, Fire control, Shooting (rifle & H gun), Sword action and Time. VX 42774 Captain Robert (Bob) Fyffe, a grazier from Tocumwal, NSW, served with the Tocumwal troop of the 20th Light Horse prior to WWII (1939-46). He enlisted at the outbreak of war and served with the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment in North Africa. During the attack on Trig 22 on 17 July 1942 Captain Fyffe commanding a composite squadron manoeuvred his tanks to knock out machine guns and anti-tank guns enabling 2/32 Battalion to capture the objective. Captain Fyffe was awarded the Military Cross for his leadership and courage in the action. This was 9th Division Cavalry's first tank action of the war. Complement other images in collectionBlack and white photograph glued to corrugated plastic backing card showing two officers with large silver shield. Occasion is the presentation of the Hutton Trophy to the troop leader of the Tocumwal Troop 20th Light Horse Regiment, Lieutenant H G (Bob) Fyffe, 1938.hutton trophy, tocumwal, fyffe, light horse, competition, victoria

Colonel Tom Price, following a distinguished military career in India, was tasked with raising Victoria's military forces in 1885. The mounted arm was the Victorian Mounted Rifles. Contingents of the VMR served in the South African War 1899-1902. Following Federation, the companies of the VMR became Australian Light Horse regiments. For a number of years the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles visited the site of the grave to clean it.Example of service to the memory of the founder of the regiment.Black and white photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldier removing leaves and debris from the surrounds of the gravestone of Colonel Tom Price founder of the Victorian Mounted Rifles in Melbourne General Cemetery. price colonel tom, victorian mounted rifles, vmr, cemetery, melbourne

John James Barnes , 23 year-old labourer of Marong Victoria enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) 8 September 1914 and was allocated to 8th Light Horse Regiment. He had two years pre-war service with the light horse. He served on Gallipoli, was evacuated ill and subsequently returned to Australia. 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. Good studies of soldier in World War One light horse uniformTwo black and white photographs of soldier of the 8th Light Horse Regiment (AIF) being No 487 Trooper John James Barnes, Machine Gun Section. One photo is more formal than other.John James Barnes / 8th Light Horse Reg / Reg No; 487barnes jj trooper, 8th australian light horse (aif), uniform, military

This case was used by Captain Charles Arblaster, a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, who served with the 8th Light Horse Regiment at Gallipoli where he was wounded and evacuated to the United Kingdom for treatment. He returned to Egypt and transferred to the 53rd Infantry Battalion and proceeded to the Western Front where he was wounded and taken prisoner of war at Fromelles on 20 July 1916 and died of wounds four days later. He was aged 21. Personal item which adds to other items in the collection. Small leather pouch with belt attachment. Belt attachment and front flap closed with metal buttons.CA / 8LH / MGSarblaster, 8th australian light horse

Warrant Officer Class Two Bill Woolford served with the Royal Marines during World War Two. Following the war he served in Hong Kong before migrating to Australia in the 1950s. He joined the Victorian Police and was posted to Wodonga. There he joined 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles serving as Squadron Sergeant Major until his retirement in 1967. This tankard was presented to him on his retirement. Often a gift of this type would be hung in the mess signifying the recipient would maintain close contact with mess and the regiment.Representative of a parting gift from the sergeants mess to a retiring NCO.Silver plate tankard with 8/13 Victoriann Mounted Rifles collar badge soldered to side and engraved with presentation details.Presented to / WOII Bill Woolford / by / Sgts Mess 8/13 VMR / June 1967military, drinking, silverware, woolford bill wo2, vmr, sergeants mess

Saddle blankets matching regimental colour patch were used by light horse regiments in the period between the wars, 1920-1940. Following WWI (1914-1918) the 13th Light Horse (Gippsland) was raised as a Citizen Forces unit and trained as a cavalry regiment till August 1940, when it converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 13th Motor Regiment then 13th Armoured Regiment. It trained in Victoria and, as the Japanese threat to the mainland declined, was disbanded in October 1943 with men going to other units.Representative of the Light Horse in the period following WWI and the beginning of WWII.Red coloured saddle blanket with white piping and embroidered number '13' and letters 'LH' near lower right edge.military, horse, saddle, light horse, 13 light horse

During the desert campaign in World War One (1914-1918) when grazing was non existent the horses began eating their neck ropes as a substitute. As a result the ropes were replaced with the British cavalry neck chain. The links are for securing the toggle piece when it was around the horses neck whilst being ridden. When the rider dismounted he would unlink the chain and use it as the horses lead chain. It was also used to tether the horse. It is doubtful if the chains were ever issued to light horse in Australia so it is likely this chain was brought home from the Middle East after the war.Rare relic of the Middle East campaign during World War One (1914-1918).Chain with loop om one end, toggle on the other and two intermediate plates with a cross shaped hole punched through them.military, chain, horse, desert campaign, wwi (1914-1918), cavalry

This water bottle was carried by stretcher bearers in the Light Horse Field Ambulance. The cup/cap was used to give a drink to a wounded soldier who could not hold a water bottle to his lips. A light horse field ambulance was an Australian World War I military unit whose purpose was to provide medical transport and aid to the wounded and sick soldiers of an Australian Light Horse brigade. Typically a Lieutenant Colonel commanded each ambulance. All officers of the ambulance were medical doctors or surgeons. Dental units were often attached to the ambulance as well. A Field Ambulance consisted of two sections, the Mobile and the Immobile. The Mobile Section travel with its brigade into combat, where it would establish a Dressing Station. It use stretchers or carts to retrieve the wounded and transport them to the Dressing Station. The Immobile Section established and operated a Receiving Station, which received the wounded the Dressing Station sent on. The ambulance's surgeons would operate on the wounded at the Receiving Station. From the Receiving Station, the sick and wounded would go first to the Casualty Clearing Station and ultimately to a Base Hospital. Representative of a water bottle which differed from the regular water bottle and was used for a specific purpose.Water bottle, felt coated, with small metal cup over spout, all held in leather carrier. Strapped to a wooden stand.military, water, medical, light horse, ambulance, stretcher bearer

The vessels boiling electrical was used by soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles when it was equipped with Centurion tanks 1966-71. A boiling vessel fitted to British armoured fighting vehicles that permit the crew to heat water and cook food by drawing power from the vehicle electrical supply. It is often referred to by crewmembers (not entirely in jest) as the most important piece of equipment in a British armoured vehicle. The "Vessel Boiling Electric" or "BV" was an innovation at the very end of World War II, when the Centurion tank was introduced with the device fitted inside the turret. Previously, British tank crews had disembarked when they wanted to "brew-up" (make tea), using a petrol cooker improvised from empty fuel cans[4] called a "Tommy cooker". Use of the BV enabled the crew to stay safely inside the tank and reduced the time taken for breaks. The first version, known as VBE No 1, began to be replaced in the early 1950s by the stainless steel No 2 version. A VBE No 3 had improved electrical sockets and was less prone to leakage. The principal use of the BV is to heat ration pouches or tins; the hot water is then used for making drinks or washing. The BV is cuboid and accommodates four tins; typically matching the crew numbers of an armoured fighting vehicle. Ration tins are supplied without adhesive labels so the surrounding water is not contaminated. A vehicle with a defective BV is declared unfit for purpose. It is common practice for a junior member of a vehicle crew to be unofficially appointed "BV Commander", responsible for making hot drinks for the other soldiers. Example of article which improved efficiency and well-being of tank soldiers.Cilinderical metal vessel with close fitting lid, folding handle and electrical socket on side.military, tank, centurion, meals, boiling

A feature of Agricultural Shows was military sports. Following World War One, the 8th (Indi) Light Horse was raised 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.Black and white photograph of section of four light horse jumping at Albury Show, 1938.Wodonga troop 8th Light Horseshow, military, sports, wodonga, martin, albury

The 8th Light Horse (Indi) was raised following World War One 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.Black and white photograph mounted on card of four light horse officers: Lieutenant AH McGeoch 4 Troop A squadron (Wodonga), Lieutenant F. Attree, A Squadron, Lieutenant Wilesmith, 3 Troop A Squadron (Corryong) and seated Captain Grossman 2i/c C Squadron 8th Light Horse, c. 1938.wilesmith, attree, grossman, light horse, mcgeoch, wodonga, corryong, 8th