humber 1 ton trucks were a good substitute for armoured personnel carriers and enabled training in the APC role.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.Three black and white photographs of Humber 1 ton trucks of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles with camouflage covering during exercises at Puckapunyal c. 1964

Exercise Run a Mock was a two week training program conducted by 8/13 VMR using Centurion tanks.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 four 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers outside a tent in bushland. Taken at Puckapunyal during Exercise Run a Muck. 1968." Tpr R Taylor; Sgt J Crane, Lt J Clay; Tpr D. Anderson.'

Sanitary provisions were an important training facet at annual camp.Black and white photograph of bush latrine at temporary camp site during Exercise Run a Muck, Puckapunyal 1968, conducted by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

The M113 LRV was introduced to 8/13 VMR in 1971 when the regiment transitioned from tank to recon role.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 M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle { LRV} crossing a ditch obstacle during training a 8/13 VMR Annual Camp, Puckapunyal, 1971.

Black and white group photograph being 4th Platoon, No. 4 Recruit Course conducted at Puckapunyal August 1975. Includes soldiers from 8/13 VMR.On board at front centre : " 4 - Rec - Crs, 27 - 8 - 75, 4 - Pl ".

Captain Neale later became Lieutenant Colonel and Corporal Docking later became Major. 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 White Scout Car. Soldier to the left is Captain JA Neale, Crew Commander of vehicle is Corporal IR Docking. Photo taken 1964 at Puckapunyal.

Jim Farrelly served with 8/13 VMR at Albury. He served as a Troop Leader and then as Officer commanding 8/13 VMR Light Aid Detachment ( LAD ).Black and white paragraph of Ferret Scout Car Mark 2 at Puckapunyal,c. 1964. Crew Commander is Lieutenant Jim Farrelly 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles

Exercise Run a Muck was a two week training program conducted by 8/13 VMR using Centurion tanks.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 regimentBlack and white photograph of four 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldier outside a tent in bushland. Taken at Puckapunyal during Exercise Run a Muck. c. 1968" Tpr R. Taylor; Sgt J Crane, Lt J Clay; Tpr D. Anderson. :

Light Aid Detachment was a permanent attachment of RAEME tradesmen to an armoured regiment to provide first line repair of vehicles.Black and white photograph of workshop vehicle and trailer in copse of trees at Puckapunyal with Centurion tank being repaired. Annual 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Camp 1971." WO !! Royce Haydon LAD ( Light Aid Detachment ) in the field A Sqn."

Courses Camps were held separate to annual exercise in order to train soldiers in driving and radio operator skillsBlack and white photograph of group in bush setting at Puckapunyal 1983. Standing at centre of group is Sir David Fairbairn, Honorary Colonel 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles." Courses Camp 1983. L to R Capt. Cameron, WO11 Gaughan, Hon Col Sir David Fairbairn, Pte Capelhorn, Tpr Marshall."

Military training was never without danger especially when weapons were handled. Risks were assessed during planning and measures taken to minimise hazards. On one occasion the Conducting Officer was injured by a grenade fragment during throwing practice. He was promptly treated by Squadron medics and transferred to hospital.Three colour photographs of Captain P. Williams, Adjutant ' A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles receiving treatment after he was injured by a grenade fragment at Puckapunyal.

Letters of Sympathy to parents of Dental Surgeon "M.C. Townsend", KIA on HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2323P for Townsends service.1. Handwritten letter from Dental Officer's Mess, Puckapunyal, Victoria on blank white paper. 2. Typed letter from Chaplain, Flinders Naval Depot to Mr. Townsend. 1. Signed “Eric Wollff” and dated 2/12/41. 2. Signed “Norman Symes”, Chaplain, RAN and dated 6/12/41.hmas sydney, kia, mervyn clive townsend, ww2

8/13 VMR, equipped with Centurion tanks began training for operations similar to those being experienced by 1st Armoured Regiment in Vietnam.Black and white photograph of four Centurion Mark 5 tanks of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at Puckapunyal during annual exercise codenamed Camp Run a Muck., 1968.

The M113 LRV was introduced to 8/13 VMR in 1971 when the Regiment transitioned from tank to recon role. 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 11 soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles posed beside M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ) at annual training camp, Puckapunyal 1971." LtoR, Back: Lt Clay, Tpr Marki, Lt Curtis, L/Cpl Grundy, WO2 Madjeric, L/Cpl Roberts. Front: Cpl Smith, Cpl Young, Tpr Johnson, Tpr Reguski. "

" A " Squadron 8/13 VMR won the 3rd Division Small Arms Competition in 1977.Black and white photograph of 3 soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles with Commander of 3rd Division, Major General Jim Barrie at Divisional Shooting Competition Puckapunyal 1977." 3 Div Small Arms Competition 1977. Cpl. S. Loughton, Cpl. B. McDonald, Tpr. J. Ranftel being congrarulated by Major General Barry. "

This was probably a training course conducted at the Armoured Centre, Puckapunyal.Black and white photograph of eight soldiers from Armoured Corps regiments with M113 Medium Reconnaissance Vehicle. 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers are Trooper Pye, left front; Sergeant Laughton, right front; and Trooper Kevin Collihole, right rear.

Standard Australian Army webbing map case with shoulder strap. This map case is complete with a folded Australian Survey map of Puckapunyal, Victoria produced in 1988. Inscription BHG Ltd 1945

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.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of Lynx Scout Car (commonly called a Doodlebug by the soldiers), at Puckapunyal. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951." Doodlebug Scout Car "doodlebug, lynx, scout car

During exercise crew cooking was the normal procedure .All members of crew contributed regardless of rank.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 Centurion tank of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles with two crewmen preparing meal. Another crewman remains in turret as sentry. Annual camp, Puckapunyal 1971." Lt J Clay brewing up "

The M113 LRV was introduced to 8/13 VMR in 1971 when the regiment transitioned from tank to recon role.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 M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ) topping a saw tooth obstacle during training at 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp, Puckapunyal 1971.

Colonel Leslie Coleman was the Honorary Colonel of 8/13 VMR. Colonel Coleman graduated to the RAAC from the Royal Military College in 1939 and transferred to the 2nd AIF in 1941. He was adjutant of the 2/10 Armoured Regiment when the unit was raised in 1941. Later in the war he was attached to British 7 Armoured Division in Western Europe during and shortly after the invasion of Normandy. Lieutenant Colonel John Neale served in the Royal Australian Navy in World War Two. Following the war he returned to Albury and joined the 8/13 VMR in 1948. He rose through the ranks and became the Commanding Officer in 1974. He too was the Honorary Colonel 1990-92. Major Norman Whitehead MC served with the 21 Light Horse prior to World War Two. He joined the AIF and served with 2/6th Armoured Regiment. He was wounded during the capture of Buna New Guinea 1942 and awarded the Military Cross. Following the war he was one of the original officers of the 8/13 VMR when it was raised in 1948. He was squadron Commander of 'A' Squadron. He maintained close contact with the regiment after his retirement and frequently visited annual camp.Black and white photograph of Colonel Coleman, Lieutenant Colonel John Neale and Major Norman Whitehead taken during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp at Puckapunyal 1974.Ink stamp on reverse "Mikainis Photo Studio / 23 Jun 1974 / 61 Goulburn St., Seymour / Telephone 92-2141 Vic"military, world war two, vmr, camp, coleman, neal, whitehead

Regiments conducted Courses Camps to train RAAC crewmen.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.Colour photograph of soldiers assembled on edge of parade ground." Courses Camp 1982 Puckapunyal. Sgt Schmidt waiting to move Tech Sgt and elements of Admin TP on to Parade."

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.Two black and white photographs of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Armoured Personnel Regiment training at Puckapunyal c. 1964. White Scout Cars and Humber 1 ton trucks are used.

Prepared for and worn at the parading of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps guidons at Puckapunyal 1985.Set of 4 chrome -plated SLR bayonets, scabbards and black webbing frogs specially prepared for use on ceremonial occasions.bayonet, ceremonial, slr

Courses Camps were undertaken to teach and develop the technical skills of crewmen. 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.Two colour photographs of M113 Light Reconnaisance Vehicle ( LRV ) with crew working on the track and front sprocket. Taken during a Courses Camp of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at Puckapunyal , 1986.

Black and white photograph mounted on coloured cardboard mount. Timber frame, beige painted. Two men training exercise. Corporal F. Dibing and Major A. V. Palmer. Hard painted label in black ink in frame "Cpl. F. DYBING, Maj. A.V. PALMER, training Exercise Puckapunyal 1940"photography-photographs/frame accessories, military history, passchendaele barracks trust

Between 1951 and 1959 National Servicemen from Albury and NE Victoria trained as Centurion crewmen for 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.Reproduction photograph of four National Servicemen at Puckapunyal training as Centurion drivers prior to being posted to 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles,1956. They are ;Ttroopers Noel Strauss, Kerry McLure, colin hore and Jim Black.

Randall Collection: Photograph of Private Roger Graham Randall, 15th National Service Battalion, Puckapunyal Army Camp, August to November 1954. B&W photo of Private Randall standing outside two army huts at the camp.

During Exercise “Fiery Cauldron” the Squadron experienced an explosive ordnance detonation incident on 12 March 1988 when a long buried 20 pounder shell exploded as the result of a fire. Twelve members were injured, six requiring hospitalisation. The area of the explosion was cordoned off and the matter investigated by an Ordnance Technical Officer.Four colour photographs of the area on Puckapunyal training range where a shell exploded during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5 -20 March 1988. The explosion occurred near vehicles of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.