Viv Schmidt was a Tech Sergeant in the Workshop Squadron. Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Sergeant Viv Schmidt taken at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November, 1986.

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Two colour photographs of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles marching to Holy Trinity Church Benalla 4 August 1985 prior to the Centenary Church Service.benalla, vmr, centenary, church

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 5 soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles standing in front of M113 Light Reconnaisance Vehicles ( LRV ). Corporal Bob Gillespie at left.

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. "

The M113 LRV had ' swimming' capability, but required preparation before entering deep water.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 two 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers preparing an M113 Light reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ) for flotation training during Annual Camp 1972." Water entry preparation, Camp 1972, "

The Technical Support Troop which was equipped with a M113 Armoured Recovery Vehicle ( ARV ) provided first line recovery and repair to a Reconnaince SquadronColour photograph of M113 Armoured Recovery Vehicle towing a disabled M113 Light Reconnance Vehicle during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles annual exercise at Balranald NSW.

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 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles troopers firing Browning machine gun from ground mount at range. Photo is glued to fluted plastic board.vmr, uniform, browning, machine gun

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 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles troopers firing Browning machine gun from ground mount at range. Photo is glued to fluted plastic board.vmr, uniform, browning, machine gun

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 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles troopers firing Browning machine guns from ground mounts at range. Photo is glued to fluted plastic board.vmr, uniform, browning, machine gun

" 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. "

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 Brigadier H.H. Hammer, Commander 2nd Armoured Brigade and Staff - Sargeant R.J. Roberts, Orderly Room Sergeant of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.Comd 2 Armd Bde, Brig H.H. Hammer, pinning British Empire medal on S/Sgt R. J. Roberts, Earlsfield Road, Hampton, O/Room Sgt of 8/13thVictorian Mounted Rifles at Puckapunyal Camp during 14 day camp of Regiment in January. S/Sgt Roberts saw service in M.E., England, and South Africa with Australia Mil Liaison Staff. S/Sgt Roberts was a member of champion Victorian debating team, and trained Regt team to highest standard yet attained in services.Gave up great deal of own time in this work, and also re-organizing orderly rooms of units in country areas. Is a member of ARA.

The 8/13 VMR provided soldiers to Anzac Day marches and services in NE Victoria and Southern NSW..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 Major Ian Docking, 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, leading the Anzac Day march in Albury 1989. He is mounted in a heritage Ferret Scout Car.

The 8/13 VMR Museum opened in 1988 in a vacant married quarter at Buna Barracks, Victoria Street, Albury. It closed and relocated to North Bandiana in 2000.Collection of colour photographs taken at a visit to 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Museum at Buna Barracks, Albury by former members of 8th Cavalry Regiment on 10 December 1989.

A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Colour photograph of 2 soldiers standing beside M 113 Armoured Personnel Carrier. Soldiers are Sergeant R. Hodge and Trooper Melton of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Colour photograph of 2 soldiers standing beside M113 Armoured personnel carrier. Soldiers are Corporal I. Marshal and Corporal Anton Florent of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

In the period 5-20 March 1988, ‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles participated in an exercise conducted at Puckapunyal by 4th Infantry Brigade (Reserve) codenamed ‘Fiery Cauldron’. Other units participating included 5th/6th Battalion and 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment. The training focussed on armoured/infantry cooperation, in particular the use of armoured personnel carriers. Collection of five colour photographs of soldiers and vehicles of ' A 'Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles training at Puckapunyal during Exercise " Fiery Cauldron " 5-20 March 1988.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Rare example of a patrol report conducted by soldiers of a Victorian Army Reserve regiment while exercising in Northern Territory.Report of reconnaissance patrol conducted by soldiers of 'A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles during Exercise 'Northern Explorer, Northern Territory. 13 pages plus sketch map.

Brian Lewis was a Squadron cook. Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever.The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association.Colour photograph of Corporal Brian Lewis taken at Buna Barracks Albury at a Cambrai Day gathering of former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 30 November 1986.

Annual exercise 1970 was the penultimate conducted by 8/13 VMR in its role as a tank regiment. The phased introduction of M113 vehicles began.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 M577A1 Armoured Command Vehicle ( ACV ) of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles controlling a live shoot by Centurion tanks at Puckapunyal during annual camp 1970.military, tank, centurion, puckapunyal, vmr

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.

Exercise of this type aimed to practice driver skills, map reading, camouflage and concealment. 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 truck in scrub-land covered with camouflage net,during " B " vehicle exercise in south west Victoria conducted by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, c. 1986.

The Combat Vehicle Crewman's ( CVC ) helmet incorporated headphones and microphone. The helmet was plugged into the vehicle radio harness allowing Crew Commander to talk to his crew.Black and white photograph of crewman wearing helmet in drivers seat of M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ), being Lance Corpora lMichael Roberts 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles" L/Cpl Roberts "

Vehicles in the Heritage Vehicle Section were maintained as an extracurricular activity of serving soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.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 two Ferret Mark11 Scout Cars of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Vehicle Section at Australia Day Parade, Corowa NSW on 23 January 1994." Ferret Scout Cars. Crew Commanders L to R: Sgt Gary Wynn, Cpl Neil Ray."

Heritage Troop was an extracurricular activity of serving soldiers of the regimentColour photograph of section of 4 horsemen with drawn sabres at Australia Day Parade, Corowa NSW on 23 January 1994.They are members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop.

37 Regional Cadet Unit based in Albury and North East Victoria received official permission to wear 8/13 VMR badge.Colour photograph of group of Army Cadets on Anzac Day 1994 at Albury. Some are wearing 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles beret badges. Unit is 37 Regional Cadet Unit.cadet, vmr, military, anzac day, albury

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 a M113 Light Reconnainance Vehicles (LAV) of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles recovering a bogged vehicle from a creek during training at Puckapunyal, c.1987.lrv, puckapunyal, training, vmr

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