Showing 1248 items matching "aif service"
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Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS, SOLDIER SETTLEMENT, Shire of Gordon, C. 1919 - 1920
Letters cover recommendations to support the application of Alfred G Ferris for a Soldier Settlement block dated 1919 - 1920, signed by local dignitaries. Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF, Refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details.Letters, 5 pages on ruled paper, hand written in ink, stapled together with metal staple.soldier settlement, post ww1, qualification certificate -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, History of the 5th Battalion AIF WWI, Albert William Keown, "Forward with the Fifth"
"Narrative of the service history of the Fifth (Victorian) Infantry Battalion 1st AIF". "A remarkable testimony of their sacrifice in the First World War".Hard cover with dust cover. Hard cover, cardboard with black coloured buckraw, red print on front and spine. Front - illustrated - silhouette drawing of soldier in uniform Back - black and white photograph of 2 soldiers on camel back. Small black over red rectangular colour patch front and back 342 pages, cut, plain, white. Illustrated black and white photographs, portraits, maps and documents.Opposite Title Page - printed donation label - "Donated by 39th Australian Infantry Battalion (1941-1943) Association Inc. www.39battalion.com"books, military, history, wwi -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE WW1, c, 1916
Letters written by Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF from a training camp near Codford England to his family in Australia. refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details. .1) Envelope, rectangular shape, off white colour, stamped "Field Post Office", stamped "Passed by Censor", hand written address in black ink." .2) Letter, Ünited Navy and Army Board Soldiers Church and Institute" letterhead, all print in black, hand writing in black ink, dated. .3) letter, "YMCA" letterhead, print in black and red, hand written in ink and pencil, dated..1)"Mrs W Ferris Terrick Terrick Via Pyramid Victoria Australia" .2) Main items, "4.10.16", "Dear Marian and all at home" .3) "4.11.1916"letters, envelopes, codford, ww1 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE WW1, 13.8.1916
Letter written by Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF while on his way to England. Refer cat No 4138.3P for his service details..1) Letter with YMCA logo, yellow colour paper, print in red and black, hand written in black pen mostly in pencil. .2) Envelope, YMCA logo, stamped in black RH corner, red oval stamp on left, hand written address to in black pen, a pencil entry unclear.Letter main points, “On Water, Aug 13th 1916”, “Dear Marian & all”. Envelope stamp, “Army Post Office A 14 de 16 S.W.4”. Addressed to, “Mrs W Ferris Terrick Terrick Via Pyramid Victoria Australia” Oval red stamp, “1984” readable.letters, envelopes, ymca -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - SOUVENIR OF PERTH WW1, C.1916
Letter sent by Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF when he was docked in Fremantle on the way to England. Refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details.Booklet, folding, cover brown colour, “Souvenir of Perth WA” all print in black, hand written in black pen, inside has a letter in black pen dated followed by coloured photos of PerthOn front to, “Miss A Crossman 66 Wills St Bendigo Victoria”, from, “A.G.F”. Letter main points, “Perth 7th Aug 1916”, “Dear Amy”, “Kind regards and best wishes from Alf Ferris”souvenir, photos, perth -
Bendigo Military Museum
Album - SCRAPBOOK WW1, C.1914 - 1919
The album contains letters to and from Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF of Terrick Terrick near Pyramid Hill. The contents are from 1914 - 1919. Refer Cat No 4183.3P for his service details.Album, rectangular shape, black cover with black pages, contains post cards, letters, cuttings, souvenirs of Brussels.postcards, letters -
Bendigo Military Museum
Mixed media - ARCHIVE BOX - GRINTON COLLECTION, Miss Jean Grinton, Photographs and Postcards - 1916 to 1919 and Folder c.2009
Items relate to Jack Grinton No 1043, 38th Batt AIF. The photographs were taken during and after WW1. The series of postcards, some of which are labelled, were collected by Grinton. Pictures of 38th Battalion soldiers are depicted on a number of postcards. Other photographs and postcards feature scenes from France and the UK. Part of the Grinton Collection which included hundreds of negatives and developed photos taken by Jack Grinton during WW1. See also 1290.2P and 1291.2P. Refer Cat No 1280 for Jacks service recordBlack three ringed plastic folder in a black plastic box. Folder is divided into labelled sections each of which contains a number of photographs or postcards. Photographs and post cards are housed in clear plastic pockets. A handwritten white label is taped to the spine of the box..1) Each section divider is labelled in blue ink: 'ADDITIONAL PHOTOS', 'PHOTOS WITH WRITING', POSTCARDS', SCHRAPNEL POSTCARDS', HEATHER'S CARDS'. .2) On spine label handwritten in blue ink: ' ADDITIONAL PHOTOS', PHOTOS WITH WRITING', POSTCARDS', SCHRAPNEL POSTCARDS', HEATHER'S CARDS', JEAN GRINTON'.38th battalion, postcards, photography - photographs, books - albums, grinton collection, western front -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE, C.1914 - 18
.1) .2) letter sent from Pte Alfred Ferris No 2156 AIF. .3) Was found in the envelope which relates to the death of William Ferris who died on 24.7.1918. Refer Cat No 4183.3P for Alf’s service details..1) Envelope, "On Active service" combined with Salvation Army, has crossed flags on, flags in colour, print in Black, address in black pen, postage stamp and Passed by censor stamp in red. .2) Letter, hand written in pencil, incomplete. .3) Newspaper cutting, yellow colour, print in black..1) "Mrs W Ferris Terrick Terrick Via Pyramid Victoria Australia", In bottom corner, "A Ferris"stationary, letters, envelopes -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE WW1, 10.12.1916
Letter sent from France by Alfred Ferris No 2156 AIF to his Mother. Refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details..1) Letter, “YMCA” letterhead, “On Active Service”, ruled lines, print in black and red, hand written in pencil. .2) Envelope, “YMCA” light fawn colour, logo in black and red, stamped plus stamped “Passed by Censor”, hand written details in purple...1) Main points, “Some where in France, Sunday 10th Dec 1916”, “Dear ones at home” .2) Addressed to “Mrs W Ferris Terrick Terrick Pyramid Victoria Australia”, at bottom, “A Ferris”letters, envelopes, ymca, france -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER 1916, C.1916
The letter gives a graphic description of the front line and is signed of with just “Will”, a number with 4 digits is under this, possibly a Regt No but it does not match up with anyone re the date on the letter. Letter in the collection relating to A.G Ferris No 2156 AIF, refer Cat No 4183.3P for his service details.Letter, “Australian Branch of the Red Cross”, letter head in red, hand written in black pencil, dated, double sided.main point. “France, 51st Gen Hospital 10/12/1916”, “Dear Friend”letters, red cross -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER 1916, 16.12.1916
The letter is from Joseph Stanley Ferris No 3142 AIF to his family in Terrick Terrick via Pyramid. The “Medic” was a Troopship during WW1. Refer cat No 4196.3 for his service details.Letter on ruled paper, rectangular, hand written in black pencil.Main points, “Cheer up”, “On Port Melb Pier”, “Medic”, “9.50am 16.12.16”letters, medic, troopships -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE 1916, C. 1916
Letters written by Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF from Training camps in England. refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details..1) letter, “ “YMCA, H.M.Forces On Active Service” letterhead, print in red and black, ruled lines, hand written in black pen, dated. .2) Envelope, yellowish colour, green postage stamp, hand writing in black pen. .3) .4) letter, same as .1) different date and Camp..1) Main points, “Lark Hill Salisbury Plain England, 24th sept 1916”, “Dear Mother”. .2) addressed, “Mrs A.E.Ferris Terrick Terrick Via Pyramid” .3) Main points, “Hurdcott camp 23 Nov 1916”, “Dear Mother & ones at home”.letters, ymca, envelopes, ww1 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS AND ENVELOPES 1916, C.1916
The letters are from Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF to his Mother and Sister in Australia. .1) Being a military envelope it has instructions for its use. refer 4183.3P for Alf’s service details..1) Envelope, khaki colour, military issue, all print in black, hand addressed in purple pencil. .2).3).5) Letters, “YMCA On Active Service” letterhead, ruled lines, hand written in black pencil, dated. .4) Envelope, yellowish odour, military PO stamp, stamped in red by the censor, addressed in black pen, hand signed by censor..1) Addressed to, “Mrs W Ferris Terrick Terrick Via Pyramid Victoria Australia” .2) main Point, “ In France 26th Dec 1916”, Dear Mother” .4) main point, “On Active service” Mrs W Ferris” as in .1) .5) main point, “In France 28th Dec 1916”, “Dear Marian”letters, ymca, envelopes -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER WW1, C.1916?
The letter is from Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF, dated 9.1.1916, it is doubtful if this is correct as he enlisted on 14.3.1916 and embarked for England on 1.8.1916. Refer Cat No 4183.3P for Alf’s his service details.Letter, rectangular shape, off white colour, ruled lines, double sided, dated.Main points, “France 9th Jan 1916”, “Dear Jim, from your affectionate brother Alf”letters, france, ww1 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS WW1, C.1915 - 18
Excerpts from two letters written by Pte Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF to his family at Terrick Terrick. refer Cat No 3183.3P for Alf’s service details..1).2) Letter, “YMCA, In the Field” letter head, rectangular shape, ruled lines, yellowish colour, Print in red & black, hand writing in black pencil, undated. .3) Letter, rectangular shape, ruled lines, yellowish colour, hand written in black pencil.letters, ymca, france -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS AND ENVELOPES, C.1917
Letters written by Alfred Ferris No 2156 AIF to “Mrs W Ferris & Mr J Ferris”, his family in Terrick Terrick. Refer Cat No 4183.3P for Alf’s service details..1).4) Envelopes, “On Active Service” rectangular shape, blue colour, Field PO stamp, all print in black, hand written in purple pencil, dated, .1) 5 May 1917, .4) 4 Apr 1917. .2) Letter, “YMCA” letterhead, ruled lines, print in B & W, handwritten, dated 3.5.1917. .3) Dried leaf. .5).6).7) Letters, hand written.letters, on active service, envelopes -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS WW1, C.1917
Letters from Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF to his family at Terrick Terrick. Refer cat No 4183.3P for Alf’s service details..1) Letter, “YMCA, With the Australian Imperial Force” letterhead, yellowed, all printing in red & black, ruled lines, hand written in black pencil, dated. .2) letter, rectangular shape, off white colour, hand written in black pencil & ink. .3) Letter, rectangular shape, off white colour, unlined, hand written in black pencil, dated..1) Main points, “France Sun 11th Feb 1917”, “Dear Mother”, “Always your loving son Alf” .2) Main points, “I remain your loving brother & son xxxx Alf (Love to all)” .3 Main points, “France Sun 18th Feb 1917”, “Dear Mother & all”letters, ymca, france -
Bendigo Military Museum
Pamphlet - PAMPHLET, 38th BATT COLOURS, Bolton Bros, June 1916
The 38th Bn began recruiting on March 1st 1916 as part of the recruitment to raise a 3rd Division in Australia for overseas service, on the first day 201 men had enlisted.Pamphlet re the presentation of the 38th Battalion Colours on Sunday 11th June 1916, cover with 4 pages of internal, front cover has Rising Sun at top, the two Colours under then description of the timing by Sir Roland Munro Ferguson P.C, G.C.M.G on behalf of the Citizens of Bendigo, inside 4 pages re the presentation, all print in blue type.colours, 38th battalion aif, pamphlets -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE, 25.12.1917
Letter written by Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF to his Mother on Xmas day 1917. refer cat No 4183.3P for Alf’s service details..1) Envelope, “YMCA” letter head, rectangular shape, brown colour, Field PO stamp, stamped by the Censor, addressed in black ink. .2).3).4) Letters, rectangular shape, off white colour, hand written in black ink, dated..2).3).4) Main point, “Somewhere in France 25th Dec 1917”.letters, ymca, xmas -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - IDENTITY DISC WW1, C.1916
John Michal Martin No 2396 49th Bn AIF. Refer cat No 4567.3 for his service details and true identity.Identity disc, aluminium, round with section with hole for thong or chain, stamped details on one side.“2396, J.M.Martin 49 BN A.I.F, R.C”identity disc’s, accessories -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE, C.1918
Letters from ALF Ferris to his Family at Terrick Terrick. Refer Cat No 4183.3P.1) Envelope, rectangular shape, off white colour, Field PO stamped, hand written in purple pencil, dated. .2) Letter, “YMCA with the AIF” letter head, rectangular shape, off white colour, ruled lines, hand written in black pencil, dated. .3).4) Letter, “YMCA with the AIF” letter head, rectangular shape, off white colour, ruled lines, hand written in black pencil, dated..1) At top, “O.A.S”, (On Active Service) .2) “Belgium Sun 3rd March 1918, Dear ones at Home” .3).4) “St Patricks Day Sun 17th March 1918”letters, ymca, envelopes -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS AND ENVELOPES, Both 1918
One letter is to “Jim and all at home”, the other to “Dear Mother” The letters are from Alfred G Ferris No 2156. refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details..1) Addressed envelope, “On Active service” with hand written address and Field post Mark. .2) Hand written letter in pencil dated 6.1.1918. .3) Addressed “On Active Service” Salvation Army envelope. .4) Hand written letter dated 25.5.1918.france, letters, envelopes, aif, ww1 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS & ENVELOPES, C.1918
The letters are written by Alfred G Ferris AIF to his Mother in Terrick Terrick , refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details..1) Envelope, “YMCA”, khaki colour, Field PO stamp dated Aug 27 1918, passed by censor stamp, addressed to in purple. .4) Envelope, plain, rectangular shape, greenish colour, Field PO stamp dated Aug 27 1918, passed by censor stamp, addressed to in purple pencil. .2).3) Letters, “YMCA” letterhead, ruled lines, hand written in pencil, .2) is dated..2) “France 26th Aug 1918”letters, envelopes, ymca -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER, ENVELOPE AND PLANT SPECIMEN, C .1918
Letters both from Alfred G Ferris AIF to his Mother in Terrick Terrick. Refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details..1), Envelope, yellowish colour, rectangular shape, green and red PO stamps, stamped “Glasgow 5 Aug 1918”, hand addressed in black pen. .2) Brown coloured pressed plant .3) Envelope, rectangular shape, greenish colour, Field PO stamp, passed by censor stamp, hand addressed in purple. .4) letter, “YMCA” letterhead, blue colours, ruled lines, dated..4) dated, “FRANCE 10th Sept 1918, Dear Father”.letters, envelopes, pressed plants, -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE, C. 1918
Letter sent home by Alfred G Ferris AIF to his Mother in Terrick Terrick. Refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details..1) Envelope, rectangular shape, off white colour, Field PO stamp dated “Sep 20th 1918”, passed by censor stamp, addressed in purple pencil. .2).3).4) Letter, 3 pages, off white ruled line paper, written in black pencil, dated.On letter, “France 5th Oct 1918, Dear Mother and All”letters, envelopes, france -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE, C.1918
Letters from Alfred G Ferris to his Mother in Terrick Terrick. Refer 4183.3P for his service details..1).2) Letter, 2 pages, off white colour, ruled lines, hand written in black pencil, dated. .3) Envelope, rectangular shape, off white colour, combined “YMCA & Melbourne Herald and Weekly Times (Australia) Hut”, Field PO stamp, passed by censor stamp, hand written in black pencil. .4).5) Letter “YMCA AIF” letter head, blue colours, ruled lines, hand written in black pencil, dated..1).2) letter, “France Sun 3rd Nov 1918, Dear Mother & All”. .4).5) letter, “France 15th Nov 1918, Dear Mother & All”.letters, envelopes, ymca, herald weekly times -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTER AND ENVELOPE, 1919
Letter from Alf Ferris to his Brother Jim and family at Terrick Terrick Victoria., Refer Cat No 4183.3P for Alf’s service details..1) Envelope with Rising Sun AIF Australian Comforts fund logo, Field PO stamp, passed by censor stamp, hand written in purple. .2).3).4).5) Letter with same logo, hand written in black pencil..2) “Soumouses ? Near Maubeuge France 24th Jan 1919, Dear Jim & All”letters, envelopes, comforts funds -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH: Group portrait of AIF Officers 37 Btn AIF, 37 Battalion, includes Symons V.C, c1916-1919
The Battalion C.O. was Lt.Col. F.G. Woods.Black and white portrait of a group of AIF Officers 37 Btn AIF, They are arranged in three rows with a corrugated iron hut behind them. There is long grass in front of them. The officers are in service dress with Sam Brown belts, canes and riding crops. Captain W J Symons V.C. is in the front row. The photo is mounted on a piece of thick cardboard.Names of the officers are printed on the cardboard under the photo. The makers name and address is there as well.ww1, 37 btn, aif, symons v.c. -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photographs, Bob Wilson, Framed Photos and Medals - McIntyre Family, 2016
These photographs and medals are of the McIntyre family. Three members of Lara's McIntyre family served during the First and Second World Wars, and two were members of the Lara RSL. John Lachlan McIntyre was born at Beeac, Victoria in December 1890. He enlisted in the 1st AIF in July 1915. John fought on the Western Front, taking part in the battles of Fromelles and the 2nd Battle of the Somme. He was severely wounded at Fromelles and spent 12 months in hospital in England before returning to the front. John returned home in 1919 and was granted a soldier settlement block in Lara in 1937. He was a founding member of Lara RSL and is its longest serving member. John died in 1990. Thomas Gordon McIntyre was born at Lara in 1901. Thomas, known as Gordon, was too young to enlist in the First World War with his brothers. At the outbreak of the Second World War he joined the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion. He fought in the Syrian Campaign, before being recalled to Australia to fight in the pacific campaign. Gordon was wounded in a battle against the Japanese in Java on the 19/02/1942, and taken prisoner. No record of him after this was ever discovered, and he is presumed to have been killed. Jim McIntyre was born in 1893, and grew up in Lara and Geelong. Jim enlisted in the 1st AIF in 1916, and served with the 14th Battalion through the war. He was wounded twice. Jim died in 1976. The McIntyre family were early pioneers in the Lara district, and the brothers were founding members of the Lara RSL. Their medals and photographs represent a significant link to the history of the town and sub-branch. Three photographs and three sets of medals in a pine wood frame with glass covering. Photographs are black and white portraits of soldiers in uniform mounted on cream card. The medals are mounted on black felt. T.G. McIntyre VX20754 - 35-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and the Australian Service Medal 39-45. J.L. McIntyre 3591 - War Medal and Victory Medal J.W. McIntyre 7049 - War Medal and Victory Medal J.L. McIntyre REG. No. 3591 58th. BATT. 1st A.I.F Foundation Member Lara R.S.L 1890 - 1990 REG. NO. VX20754 T.G. MC INTYRE 2/2nd PIONEERS 2nd A.I.F 7049 J.W. McINTYRE 14th BTN. 1893-1975photograph, mcintyre, medals, wwi, wwii, world war 1, world war 2, aif, pioneers, lara, rsl -
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