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

Saddle bag used during the First World War. This is presumably a dog saddle bag used to carry machine gun weaponry.This item is a piece of equipement that presumably was used as a dog saddle bag during the First World War. As a WW1 item which presumably would have been worn by working war dogs, this item has an unique history associated with it. It is a rare item, it has historic significance and good interpretive capacity as an unusual piece of war equipment.Fabric and leather saddle bag rectangular in shape with curved edge for the curve of the animal's neck. Fabric is beige-coloured on interior and a thicker woven layer on the exterior is brown with black and light green stripes; fabric remains on only half of the exterior saddle and holes throughout remaining. Saddle has leather binding along edges. Each side carries five pockets, the outer two on each side are fastened by metal buckle and the middle remaining unfastened. Pockets are lined with same beige-cream woven fabric. Leather strap fastens around the neck of the animal and is secured with a metal buckle which inserts through one of several punched holes. first world war, world war i, world war one, the great war, saddle, horse, mule, mounted infantry, equine

The battle of Beersheba took place on 31 October 1917 as part of the wider British offensive collectively known as the third Battle of Gaza. The final phase of this all day battle was the famous mounted charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Commencing at dusk, members of the brigade stormed through the Turkish defences and seized the strategic town of Beersheba. The capture of Beersheba enabled British Empire forces to break the Ottoman line near Gaza on 7 November and advance into Palestine.Decisive victory at Beersheba fell to one of the last great charges of mounted troops in history. As Australian Light Horse Divisions captured the town and secured crucial water wells, their success also marked the beginning of the end of the war in the Middle East. This end came exactly a year to the day after success at Beersheba.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame showing the Light Horsemen.Charge of the Light Horsemen The Battle of Beershebabeersheba, the light horse, lara r.s.l.,world war one, battle of beersheba, ww1

William John ARCHER (Bill) No 321 enlisted in B Coy 21st Batt AIF on 18.1.15. Embarked for Eygpt 8.5.15. Hospital 9.9.15 with Influenza. Hospital 24.11.15 with Gastric Enteritis. Hospital 2.1.16 with Otitis Media. Transfers to the 57th Batt and embarks for France. Hospital with Trench Fever 4.10.16. Promoted to Cpl 28.4.17. Hospital 19.3.18 with Scabies. WIA 18.4.18 GSW's to chest and leg severe. Discharged from the AIF medically unfit 9.1.19. Alexander William ARCHER No 40637 enlisted in the RAAF on 16.5.41 age 18 years 8 months. He wanted to be a Mess Steward and was taken in as he had worked in similar work line. He then has 5 postings before embarking for Egypt on 2.4.1942 and was posted to No 3 SQD RAAF on 20.5.1942. Re mustered as a Motor Cyclist he became a Dispatch Rider on 8.9.1942 between the RAAF and the Army. Alex served in the Middle East and Italy with 3 SQD. He embarked from Egypt diagnosed with Kyphosis and Scoliosis on 5.2.1944. In Australia he was re mustered as Office Orderly on 6.7.1944 and then discharged from the RAAF on 2.10.1944 Medically Unfit. Wooden base with brass shells either end resembling Officers caps,one being WWI, the other WWII, both inscribed. Centre plaque inscribed Alex Archer and Bill Archer, father and son. Above the centre plaque is a piece of German shrapnel chrome plated Map - "North Africa, 1940", on left hand side, "18-Pounder, 1917, Bill Archer-Anzac, 1914-1919", on right hand side, "German shrapnel"handcrafts - trench art, metal craft- brassware, arms - ammunition, military history - souvenirs

The "A" was worn on a colour patch by those who served on Gallipoli. It was also approved for soldiers who served on Lemnos, Imbros & Tenedos Islands, hospital ships on or off Gallipoli. This patch belonged to Harold Hall No 270, 10th Batt & 7th Field Ambulance AIF. Refer 2062, 2064, 2065.Colour patch, cloth, rectangular shape, light blue over dark blue. Centre is a brass capital letter "A" attached via a pin on the rear. The patch denotes 10th Batt AIF. The "A" is for ANZAC.Nonemilitary, award, history, campaign,, anzac, a

First approved for wearing in 1916. A stripe was worn for each time wounded enough to take the person out of the front line. Worn vertically on the left forearm. This one was worn by Harold Hall No 270, 10th Batt and 7th Field Ambulance. Refer 2062, 2063, 2065.Empire Wounded Stripe. Metal stripe resembling Russian gold braid. Came with a metal backing plate for attachment to a uniform."The Empire Wounded Stripe, prov No 2 Pat."military, uniform, history, metal work., wounded stripe, empire

Chevrons were worn inverted above the wrist on the right arm. The red stripe denotes that the soldier embarked in 1914. The blue stripes are for each year of overseas service. These chevrons were worn by Harold Hall No 270, 10th Batt & 7th Field Ambulance AIF. Refer 2062, 2064, 2065Blue and red Chevrons, cloth, "V" shaped denoting years of service overseas.Nonemilitary, uniform, service, history, chevrons

This badge was issued to Harold Hall No 270, 10th Batt & 7th Field Ambulance AIF. Refer 2062.Returned from Active Service Badge, brass, round with a crown at the top. Centre is the Rising Sun badge emblem. On the rear are two lugs for clothing attachment.Around the outside dia, “Issued by the Dept of Defence” , “Returned from Active service”. Centre of badge, “Australian Military Forces AIF”, Rear, “Stokes & Sons MELB, 61406”.military service, returned, history, metal work., ras, badges

Leslie Pryde "MM", Regt No 11986. refer Cat No 914 for his service history and award details.Official document from the Australian Imperial Force dated, Melbourne 18.7.1918 relating to the award of "The Military Medal" for bravery in the field by Corporal L Pryde. The notice was sent to his mother Mrs J Pryde stating that "His Majesty the King" had approved the award. The document is a one sided paper. awards, military history, mm

Tuckerman brothers. Rear in the photo. Left Frederick Charles No 4618 enlisted on 28.7.15 in 14th reinforcements 6th Batt AIF age 23 years. Embarked for Egypt 28.1.16, embark for France 29.3.16, transfer to 2nd Pioneer Batt 5.7.16 with rank of Sapper, WIA 5.8.16 remaining on duty, hospital 14.12.16 with trench Feet, hospital 21.6.18 with PUO then Classed Influenza, discharged from the AIF 24.8.19. Centre at rear Victor. Right Robert Samuel No 742 enlisted on 11.3.15 in C Coy 24th Batt AIF age 33 years. Embark for Egypt 8.5.15, embark for Gallipoli 30.8.15, transfer to 2nd Pioneer Batt 4.3.16 with rank of Sapper, embark for France 19.3.16, discharged from the AIF 29.6.19. Front sitting, Thomas William No 7318, 2nd Australian Tunneling Company AIF. Refer 1265.3 re his service details.Wooden framed, glass covered black and white photograph of the four Tuckerman brothers. Frederick No 4618, Victor, Robert No 742, Thomas No 7318.photography-photographs, frame accessories, military history

Worn by S J KIRKHAM No 685 1st Pioneers 8th Battalion. Refer cat No 1281 for his service history.Kahki Battle Dress Jacket issued in WW1.australia, military uniform, armed forces, costume, male

This bell was apparently salvaged from a Freighter by Syd Storrie a Merchany Navy Sailor. The Freighter had been torpedoed by a German Submarine in WW1.Ship's bell, rough cast bronze? Clapper is rough cast steel. There is an old steel mounting bracket at the top, painted green. maritime technology, ship relics, military history - navy, ships fittings, souvenirs

Francis John Williams No 7326. Refer 69.2 medals for his Service Details also Reg No 69P. Discharge Certificate in wooden frame for Francis John WILLIAMS, No. 7326 8 Battn.. In purple stamp in ink, “117374, 18.6.20, JM”documents - certificates, military history - army

James BROWN No 5977 enlisted in the AIF in 19th reinforcements 5th Batt on 30.11.1915 aged 32 years 3 months. Embarked for England 27.7.1916, transfer to 37th Battalion 23.9.1916, hospitalised 9.10.1916 with Scabies. Rejoined unit 6.1.1917, allowed Regt No 5977A, embarked for France 25.2.1917. Hospitalised 16.3.1917 with Enteritis, rejoined unit 25.3.1917. Hospitalised 21.5.1917 with Debility, rejoined unit 1.6.1917. Hospitalised 14.6. 1917 with Exhaustion later as growth in groin. From here he gets himself into trouble. Hospitalised 24.12.1917 with Nephritis, discharged from the AIF 9.11.1918 medically unfit.Certificate of Discharge Register No 547 for James BROWN Regt No 5977 AIFdocuments - certificates, military history - army records

Item relates to John Stanley HOWLETT No 2676 AIF. Refer Cat No 41 for his service history.Certificate of Appreciation by the Citizens of the Shire of Tullaroop to Pte John S Howlett No 2676 59th Battalion AIF 1914-5-6. Black & white certificate with red and white flags at top. 6 x dignitaries of the day are pictured. White border mounted, glass front, timber frame with gold inner border & ply backing.certificates, framed, shire

Leslie Iser, refer Cat No 337 for his service historyCream paper with black print attached to cardboard backing. Appointment by Governor General & Commander In Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia of Leslie Iser to Honorary Second Lieutenant on 12.3.1916.certificates, officer

Item relates to Leslie Raymond HUGHES. He initially enlisted in the CMF No V56193. Stationed in Geraldton he then transferred to the 2nd AIF No VX88615 age 23 years on 22.7.1942. He was discharged from the Army on 22.3.1946 ad a Pte in 2/1st Aust Gaurd Regt.Coloured certificate - The Call to Arms. From Borough of Castlemaine paying tribute to Leslie Raymond HUGHES who served in the World War 1939 - 1945. Top of certificate has a photo of King George between a Union Jack & Australian flag. Regimental badges are around the border & a red seal is bottom L. Signed by the Mayor, Councillor & Town Clerk. Certificate is attached to metal backing with heavy clear plastic.documents - certificates, military history - army, civic mementoes

All Returned badges are individually numbered on the back and can be traced.Badge, brass, Returned from Active Service WW1, round shape with crown on top.Around edge: “Returned from Active Service & Issued by Dept of Defence” In centre: “AIF” Imprinted on back: “No 237619”badge, active service, military history

Ref Reg No's 2057P & 2058.3P.Army Book No 64. Soldiers Pay Book for use on Active Service. Relating to George Ross FREEMAN No 2485, 57th Battalion AIF. Contains details of pay & transactions.Written in green ink: "Next of Kin - Father G V Freeman 64 Barkly Place Bendigo".pay, military history, book

.1) Sepia photo of troops on green cardboard backing. .2) Sepia photo. .3) Sepia photo of a collection of troops & tents. .4) Sepia photo of assembled soldiers on cream cardboard backing. .5) Sepia photo of officers on cream cardboard backing. .6) Sepia photo of assembled troops, mounted horses & drays on brown cardboard backing. .7) Sepia photo of assembled troops on grey cardboard backing. Photos are various sizes. .8) Sepia photo of troops, horses, wagons & tents on green cardboard backing..1) “No 2 Fortress Coy Aust Engineers Kitchner Camp Queenscliff” .2) “Templestowe Camp Nov 1905: receiving rations” .3) “Camp at Templestowe - preparing to leave” .7) “F.V.E. Off, NCO's and Men”photography-photographs, military history - army, pre ww1

Sepia photo of a group of soldiers & seamen assembled onboard a troopship for what appears to be a sea burial.photography-photographs, military history - army, burial

Wire spiral bound book of photocopied photos & documents detailing the war service of James HOGAN in WWI. Transparent front cover, black card back cover. Photo of James HOGAN on front. Pages unnumbered.books - military / biography, military history - army

Part of the HEWSTON collection re WW1 & WW2.Green paper cover with title & author in black print. 48 pages of war cartoons, black / white illustrations with captions.Front cover printed in black: “1/- Net” Back cover printed in black: “Lifebuoy soap advertisement” Back cover top in pencil: “Illegible name”books - collections, military history - army, fragments, bystanders

Bert HEWSTON, refer Cat No 2759.2 for his service history. Part of the HEWSTON collection re WW1 & WW2.Four x black & white photos presumable taken by Bert HEWSTON during his war experience. .1) Group of Kaffir women & children. .2) Band playing onboard the ship Wandilla, conveying Bert to Europe. .3) Band playing on Avon River, Durrington. .4) 2 x uniformed soldiers. All different sizes.photography-photographs, military history - army

Refers to Bert HEWSTON Cat No 2759.2 for his service history. Part of the HEWSTON collection re WW1 & WW2.Hard covered photo album containing postcards of tourist attractions in UK, greeting cards, etc. Towards the back are post cards of troops in Europe c.WWI. Encased in linen dust cover embroidered in greens & yellow on front. Many cards have messages on them. Wire stapled spine. Dark red card cover. Dark grey pages with slots for affixing cards.On some cards: “Bert”books-albums, documents - post cards, military history - souvenirs

Part of the HEWSTON collection re WW1 & WW2.Four page military newsletter dated Wednesday 15.8.1945, sepia with black print & red heading, Issue No 73.documents - newspapers, military history, table tops, newsletter

Part of the HEWSTON collection re WW1 & WW2.Sepia photo of HEWSTON family member. Mounted on brown cardboard with WWII colour patch, red / blue insert surrounded by grey.photography-photographs, military history - army

Items relate to Bert HEWSTON, refer Cat No 2759.2 for his service history. Part of the HEWSTON collection re WW1 & WW2..1) Souvenir booklet of Westminster Abbey. .2) - .9) Souvenir postcards from France & places enroute to Australia from Europe. Some dated 11.1918. All various sizes..1) - .9) Some dated 11.1918.documents - postcards/booklet, military history - souvenirs

Part of the HEWSTON collection WW1 & WW2.Collection of foreign bank notes issued by Japan, Malay & Netherlands contained in brown envelope. Various sizes.Envelope addressed to: “H T HEWSTON 10 Kerr Cres Camberwell”numismatics notes, military history, souvenirs, currency, invasion, japanese

Herbert Hewston VX71132, refer Cat No 2893.2 for his service history. Part of the HEWSTON collection WW1 & WW2..1) Army Driving Licence, folded material covered, brown. .2) Record of Service Book, brown. .3) Demobilization Procedure Book, brown.“HEWSTON H T, VX71132”military history - service records, documents - licences