The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph of 4 soldiers in Light Horse uniform and one other in civilian coat ( probably a recruit )sitting on a fence with shop and tree in background. Part of 20th Light Horse collection.Across bottom of photo " L to R Tapeworm Buckland, L. Willaton, Doug Larkin, Foxy Adams, Colin Bullock, Mansfield Troop."light horse, mansfield, military, uniform

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

The 2/8th Armoured Regiment was raised in June 1941 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel W G Hopkins with officers and men selected from the wider AIF in Victoria. The regiment trained in newly arrived M3 General Grant tanks at Puckapunyal before moving north to Singleton, then the Wee Waa plains. The regiment sailed for New Guinea in April 1943 and carried out mobile defence to airfields at Port Moresby, Milne Bay, Dobadura and Popondetta. The regiment returned to Australia in February 1944 and disbanded as an armoured regiment and retrained as Nos 41, 42 and 43 Landing Craft Companies. They returned to the South West Pacific serving at Bougainville, Balikpapan, Lae and Wewak.Black and white photograph of squadron of armoured regiment soldiers, thought to be 2/8th Armoured Regiment. c. 1942armour, uniform, world war two, wwii, ww2

Uniform worn by Colonel J A Neale when serving as honorary colonel of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. John Neale served with the Royal Australian Navy during World War Two, having enlisted as 16-year-old. His service was on ships off northern Australia and in the South Pacific. Following the war, he enlisted as a trooper in 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles when the regiment was raised, serving in non-commissioned and commissioned ranks finally rising to command the regiment 1969-76. He served as Honorary Colonel 1986-92. Colonel Neale was instrumental in the formation of the Regimental Association and the establishment of the Regimental Museum. Service dress jacket with service ribbons, yellow lanyard, silver RAAC buttons and colonel rank insignia.neale, uniform, honorary, colonel, vmr, world war two, wwii, vietnam

Following service in World War Two, Staff Sergeant M Miles enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces and served as Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant in 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. Lapel style Blues jacket with Staff Sergeant rank insignia. All buttons except one pocket button have been removed.miles, wwii, cmf, reserve

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. Many officers and senior non-commissioned officers had previous service in World War Two.Khaki battledress jacket and trousers. Jacket has Victorian Mounted Rifles shoulder titles, Major badges of rank and ribbon bar showing wearer had qualified for Efficiency Decoration (ED) i Citizen Military Forces and had served in World War Two.vmr, uniform, world war two, wwii, cmf, citizen military forces

In the evening of 20 November 1940, while en route from Queenscliff to Portsea in Port Phillip Bay where she intended to anchor for the evening, she collided with the 10,364 ton, outward bound passenger liner, MV Duntroon, which struck her amidships on the port side. Duntroon’s captain had believed that she was on a parallel course to Goorangai and overtaking her. By the time he realised Goorangai’s true course, with Duntroon travelling at more than 17 knots, it was too late to avoid the collision. Goorangai was cut in two and sank in less than a minute with the loss of her entire crew of 24. Just six bodies were recovered in subsequent salvage operations. She was the first ship lost by the RAN in World War II.This event is still remembered by the community at an annual ceremony in Queenscliffe. The hat band holds Victorian Heritage Register number S294 / 151982A hat band of Signalman Jack Herbert RAN mounted on a display board containing a copy of a signed photograph of the HMAS Goorangai ships company and an extract of his service record.hmas goorangai, mv duntroon, wwii, royal australian navy, port phillip

Susan BakerReference, Research, InformationProvenance Order1. Photograph of Len Baker in WWI British Army uniform; 2. Certificate of Transfer to Reserve 1918; 3. Photograph of Len and Edie Baker's wedding in 1932; 4. Letter from St Paul's Church of England, East Kew vicarage 1940; 5. Letter from City of Kew 1941; 6. Wallet from City of Kew given in WWII; 7. 2nd Australian Imperial Force Certificate of Discharge, dated 7 May 1941; 8. Australian Military Forces Volunteer Defence Corps Certificate of Discharge dated 15/3/42 - 9/10/45; 9. British Passport issued 20 April 1971 from British High Commission Canberra The items were donated by the great-niece of Len Baker. Each item can be viewed in the image carousel above.ww1 (1914-1918), second world war (1939-1945), first world war (1914-1918), ww2 (1939-1945), wwii (1939-1945), wwi (1914-1918), len baker, city of kewww1 (1914-1918), second world war (1939-1945), first world war (1914-1918), ww2 (1939-1945), wwii (1939-1945), wwi (1914-1918), len baker, city of kew

Worn by VX45541 Lieutenant Louis A Jackson who served with 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment in Australia and New Guinea during WWII. Following its return from New Guinea in 1944, 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment had a change of role and was redesignated Numbers 41, 42 and 43 Landing Craft Companies and served in Pacific Islands till the end of the war. In 1947, Louis Jackson joined the Citizen Forces (CMF) and served as a captain in the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. This uniform is a well provenanced, representative example of WWII clothing as worn by an officer of an armoured regiment. Service dress winter jacket with 37 pattern webbing and belt, and revolver holster. Jacket has lieutenant rank insignia, 'Australia ' metal shoulder titles, 'Rising Sun' collar badges, colour patches of 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment AIF, ribbon bar for 39-45 Star, Pacific Star, British War Medal 39-45 and Australian Service medal 39-45. Overseas service chevrons on right sleeve.uniform, 2/8th armoured regiment, jackson

Geoffrey R Fink volunteered for military service in early 1940. He served initially with 3rd Division A.A.S.C. but was discharged as being in a reserved occupation at the Aircraft Production Commission. He resigned from the Commission and joined the AIF on 28 July 1941 and was allotted to 2/8th Armoured Regiment. He served with the regiment in New Guinea and on return to Australia was transferred to No 41 Landing Craft Company serving out the war in the South Pacific. Geoffrey Fink died 14 March 2008 aged 86 at Wangaratta Victoria.This object is a well provenance, in good condition and completeness, and is a fine example of the uniform worn by a soldier who served in the Second World War (1939-45) in an unusual combination of roles, armoured corps and water transport. Service dress winter jacket with 'Australia' metal shoulder titles, 'Rising Sun' collar badges, miniature 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment colour patches above Landing Craft Company colour patches. Overseas service chevron on right sleeve. Ribbon bar: 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, British War Medal 1939-45 and Australian Service Medal 1939-45. Jacket worn by VX60307 Trooper Geoffrey R Fink, 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment and 41st Landing Craft Company, WWII. uniform, metal, fink geoffrey r mr

This tunic was worn by Sir David Fairbairn KBE DFC when Honorary Colonel of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment 1981-83. Sir David served with 21st Light Horse prior to World War Two. During WWII he served with the Royal Australian Air Force flying Spitfires in Britain and Europe and later in the war, in the Pacific theatre. Following the war, he entered politics, holding the federal seat of Farrer from 1949-1975. He was Minister for Defence 1971-73. Sir David was Australian Ambassador to the Netherlands 1977-1980.This object is well provenanced, complete and representative uniform worn by an honorary colonel of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment, a man who gave exemplary service as a serviceman, politician and diplomat.Service dress tunic, polyester summer, with yellow cord lanyard, officer badges of rank, 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles collar badges, silver Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) buttons, and pilot qualification badge (wings). Neck decoration Knight Commander of British Empire (KBE) (Civilian list) (replica); ribbon bar denoting: Order of the British Empire (Civil), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 39-45 Star, Europe and Germany Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal 1939-45, British War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1939-45, Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. uniform, fairbairn, vmr, raaf, honorary, ambassador, wwii, spitfire, world war two, parliament

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.Fine example of a uniform worn by a well known grazier and citizen soldier of the Tocumwal district, southern NSW, in both peace and war.Khaki wool serge officer's tunic with leather Sam Browne belt and revolver holster, and slouch hat with emu plumes and 20th Light Horse hat badge against red backing. Tunic has 20th Light Horse colour patches. overseas service chevrons and ribbon bar for Military Cross, 39-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence medal, British War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45; metal Australia shoulder titles captain's rank stars and Rising Sun collar badges. Uniform worn by Captain Robert Fyffe MC, 20th Light Horse and 6th Division Cavalry Regiment AIF.. uniform, fyffe robert captain mc, 20th light horse, 9th division cavalry regiment, military cross

This tunic and cap were worn by Major General H H (Tack) Hammer CBE DSO & Bar, ED when Honorary Colonel 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment 1959-1960 Hammer had pre-WWII service with 8th Battalion and 17th Light Horse (Machine Gun) Regiment. He served with the 6th Division in North Africa and Greece before becoming Commanding Officer of 2nd/48th Battalion. On return from the Middle East, Hammer commanded the 15th Brigade throughout two years of fighting in New Guinea and Bougainville. After the war, Hammer became Commissioner for Repatriation in Victoria and continued his military career in the Citizens Military Forces, commanding the 2nd Armoured Brigade and later 3rd Division. Open-neck officer's 'Blues' tunic with gold braided general's epaulettes and Major General's embroidered badges of rank; gilt general's buttons; red and gold braided aiguillette and white gloves. Uniform worn by Major General H H (Tack) Hammer when appointed as Honorary colonel of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. Medals awarded to Major General Hammer are Commander of the British Empire (CBE), Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Mentioned in Despatches (MID), 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal 1939-45, British War Medal, Australian Service Medal 39-45, Queen Elizabeth Coronation Medal, Efficiency Decoration (ED). General's peak cap with gold bullion hat badge and double row of oak leaves on peak. Medals on display are replica.8/13 vmr, military, hammer, honorary, colonel, general, world war two, wwii, cmf

In December 1941 8th Light Horse (Indi) converted from horse to mechanised initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 became 8th Cavalry Regiment. Served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded March 1944.This object is well provenance and, in its condition and completeness, is a fine example of unusual headgear worn by Australian armoured corps soldiers in World War 2 (39-45).Khaki heavy cloth beret with 'Rising Sun' badge and 8th Cavalry Regiment colour patch.beret, 8th cavalry regiment, wwii, uniforms, hats, world war two, second world war, world war 2, badges, insignia

Indictative of light horse dress and training in period immediately prior to WWII.Black and White photograph in wood frame with gilt surround of soldiers in Light Horse uniform posed in ranks for a group photograph.On plaque at centre lower edge of frame "13th Light Horse"; on reverse of frame "2nd Division Cavalry School, Broadmeadows 20th September 1935"2nd division cavalry school, 13th light horse, broadmeadows

Lieutenant Des Martin took part in many Anzac Day Marches in Melbourne riding with a small group leading the march.Uncommon post-WWII photograph of a mounted officer of the Light Horse. Has added significance because the uniform is held in the 8th/13th VMR Collection.Coloured photograph with green fibreboard mount of Lieutenant Des Martin of Wodonga in Light Horse uniform on horseback.Officer of the Light Horse c. 1939. The tunic and Sam Browne belt was worn by Lieutenant Des Martin ( pictured ) of Wodonga who served in the 8th Light Horse Regiment in the pre-war militia and the 2/2 Pioneer BattalionAIF during WW11martin des lieutenant, 8th light horse 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. 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 and men transferred to a variety of other units. A small number were trained in the use of Flame thrower equipment in preparation for service in the landings at Balikpapan and Tarakan .Black and white photograph of 12 soldiers dressed in khaki drill uniforms and wearing slouch hats and peak caps posed with two flame thrower devices. LHQ Flame Warfare Training Team. Taken at Ravenshoe Atherton Tablelands QLD. Includes Sgt George Wiltshire and seven sgts all with service through 8th Light Horse Regiment, 8 Recce Bn, and finally 8 Cav Regt A.I.F.military, 8 light horse, flame thrower, flame warfare, wwii, world war two

This uniform was worn by Lieutenant Colonel J Allard who commanded 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles 1959-1962. Col Allard had served in the pre-WW2 militia, then in 2/4th Armoured Regiment (AIF). Following the war he joined the CMF and served as 2i/c 4/19 PWLH prior to taking command of 8/13 VMR. He maintained close contact with the Regimental Association and following his death in October 2018 at age 98 his family donated this uniform to the museum. The uniform was known as 'mess undress' but served as formal winter dress until 'mess dress' was made available in 1970s. Mannequin dressed in Blues uniform with beret and 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles badge with emu plume tuft behind badge. Uniform has 8/13 VMR regimental buttons, lieutenant colonel badges of rank and WWII service ribbon bar. military, uniform, allard, vmr, blues

Black and white photograph of 20 Motor Regiment.Location not known.Photo is laminated.military, motor regiment, uniform, world war two, wwii

This form of winter dress for the Australian Army replaced the WWII style tunic c.1952. The silver regimental badge replaced the silver Rising Sun on the black beret in 1955.Mannequin dressed in battle dress uniform with boots, belt and beret. Hat badge is 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.military, uniform, armour

Lieutenant Des Martin was a member of the Wodonga Troop of the pre-WWII 8th Light Horse (Indi) regiment. He volunteered for the AIF, 12/6/1940 (VX31564) and served with the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion in Syria and New Guinea. He was discharged 11/2/1944 with the rank of lieutenant. He was a horseman of considerable repute and was the author of the book “Australia Astride”. He provided valuable assistance to the 8/13 VMR Heritage Troop when it was raised. Wearing this uniform, he rode with a group of former light horsemen leading ANZAC Day marches in Melbourne for many years.Half mannequin dress in service dress tunic with 8th Light Horse lapel badges, silver buttons, badges of rank and colour patches. Complemented with slouch hat with 8th Light Horse hat badge and emu plumes, and Sam Browne belt.military, anzac day, melbourne, martin, pioneer, vmr, light horse, world war two, wwii

The 13th (Gippsland) Light Horse, a Citizen Military Forces unit was raised following WWI, 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.Khaki woolen tunic with colour patches of 13th Armoured Regiment, metal buttons, Rising Sun collar badges and metal 'Australia' titles; fabric ribbon bar and overseas service chevrons.military, wwii, world war two, tank, gippsland

This knitting pattern book was produced during 1939-45 by Patons and Baldwins' and contains knitting patterns for mens civilian and service garments. The front cover illustrates a knitted convalescent jacket (with extra room for bandages, etc) and there are other patterns suitable for men in the services which could be knitted for the Red Cross or Comfort Funds. The back is illustrated with a photo of two men (one in a flying cap, one in army uniform) reading a sign on a wall which states: "Don't help the enemy! Careless talk may give away vital secrets".Front cover, Patons and Baldwins' Specialty Knitting Book no. 120, WWII. Back cover of Patons and Baldwins Specialty Knitting Book no. 120, WWII.MEN'S SERVICE AND CIVILIAN KNITWEAR / No. 120 / 6D. / PATONS & BALDWINS' / SPECIALTY / Knitting Book / THIS IS A SPECIALLY DESIGNED CONVALESCENT JACKETknitting, world war ii, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd

WWII Battle Dress and accoutrements comprising: Jacket Service Dress with 'Australia' shoulder slides (2), 'Rising Sun' collar/lapel badges (2) brass buttons (7) trousers, boots (pair) with leather laces, we belt and brass, gaiters (2) water bottle, haversack and ammunition bags (2)

Issued as a uniform item post WWII until the late 1980s. It was also used parade dress until its replacement of a newly designed uniform made of polyester. This particular sample belonged to CPL K. Howe 3144504 whist in the Army Reserves 1982 to 2005The khaki battledress was standard uniform issued post world war two and used until the introduction of the polyester uniform in the late 1980s. This uniform belonged to CPL K. Howe, the donor providing good provenance. In conjunction with other items of militaria donated by the Howe family. Item can be to tell a story of multi generations of military service of the Howe familySingle breasted hip-height jacket in khaki fabric, fastened with five buttons down the centre of the chest. Two pleated breast pockets with triangular flaps fastened with two buttons. All buttons plastic and khaki green in colour. Jacket is fastened around the hips with a belt, attached on left hand side and buckled in a rectangular metal buckle on right hand side. Both left and right sleeves bear two patches, a double chevron and red rectangular patch rounded to follow the seam of the shoulder, with embroidered text. Navy lanyard looped around right shoulder, held in place by epaulet and tucked into right side pocket. Red patch reads "ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERS" Internal left chest label reads "A.G.C.F./VIC. 1981/[broad arrow symbol]/6405.66.025.6408/SIZE OF CHEST/SIZE 99-102R/MACQUARIE 80/BATCH J/DRY CLEAN ONLY/CREASE UPPER/HALF OF/LAPELS ONLY/No. 3144504 [handwritten]/NAME/CPL K. HOWE [handwritten]"jacket, battledress jacket, battledress jacket khaki, royal engineers

This lanyard attaches under the right shoulder epoulette of a jacket issued as a Royal Australian Engineers uniform item post WWII until the late 1980s. It was also used parade dress until its replacement of a newly designed uniform made of polyester. This particular sample belonged to CPL K. Howe 3144504 whist in the Army Reserves 1982 to 2005The khaki battledress was a standard uniform issued post world war two and used until the introduction of the polyester uniform in the late 1980s. This lanyard is a component of a uniform belonging to CPL K. Howe, the donor provided good provenance, in conjunction with other items of militaria donated by the Howe family. The Uniform can tell a story of multi generations of military service of the Howe familyA length of thick, navy blue, cylindrically shaped fabric. Knotted in two locations to create two loops at either end. One loop is 270mm long when outstretched and the other is 82mm long when outstretched.royal engineers, battledress jacket, battledress jacket khaki, lanyard, royal australian engineers

This belt was manufactured for military service. It is presumably a World War Two era article of Army uniform.This Army belt was presumably made and used during the World War Two era and therefore has historic value. Brown leather belt with a brass buckle. The belt has twelve holes in two rows at one end for fastening into the buckle. The very tip narrows to a point. There is light brown stitching along the edges of the belt. There are two brass studs which hold the leather in a loop of the other end. There is an additional piece of leather fixed to this looped edge for holding the other end in place. The buckle is made of a silver coloured brass and has two rods which pass through two of the twelve holes for fastening. The buckle also exhibits blue/green copper corrosion in several areas. belt, war, uniform, army, royal australian army, world war two, ww2, wwii, second world war

Long sleeve button up khaki woollen jacket with four large front pockets and buttoned down shoulder epaulets. Brass buttons. Ribbon bar and service chevrons. Brass 'Rising Sun' badges on collar ends.Campaign ribbons include 1939–45 Star, 1941-42/45 Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal, 1939-45 Australian Service Medaloccupation, commonwealth, forces, japan, post ww2, post wwii, australia, india, uk, new zealand

The Burma Star Association was formed as a British veterans' association for ex-servicemen and women who served in the Burma Campaign of World War II. Burma Star Association bottle green tie with printed logo.Logo reads: THE BURMA STAR / BURMA STAR ASSOCclothing, wwii, regimental associations