In 1889 the three central fire brigades of Bendigo were amalgamated and a new fire station was erected in View Street (the third to be built on this site). This two storied brick building designed by Wm. Beebe forms an integral past of the View Street landscape. The red brick, white plaster relief trimmings and window frames with greenish lead-light decoration, all reflect the late Victorian style of the building. The ground floor contained an engine station and call room with stalls to accomodate three horses immediately behind. Upstairs in the main building is a handsome drill hall.Series of letters between Miss Starke and Miss Mathison re classification of the building by the National Trust; Letter to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) re classification; Media Release; National Trust data survey form; two photos of the fire stationhistory, national trust bendigo collection, bendigo, bendigo fire station

8th Hussars formed part of the Light Brigade which took part in the famous charge.Busby which belonged to C R Burn Esq 8th Hussars with metal box for hat and metal tube for plume. Busby was worn at Balaclava during the Crimean War 1854. Leather inner with brown fur outer covering; red cloth flap on right side; gold braid, white horsehair plume and red feathers at base or plume, gilt link chinstrap. The busby was presented as a gift to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles by its affiliated British regiment, 8th Queen's Royal Irish Hussars in 1954.On lid of hat box: " C R Burn Esq 8th Hussars" and "Hawkes and Co Piccadilly London"busby, hat, military, cavalry, hussars

Private Harry Nutman Derrick, a native of Tallangatta Valley in NE Victoria served with the 37th Australian Infantry Battalion 10th Brigade, 3rd Division AIF. He was wounded on three occasions. On the third occasion he was captured near the village of Clery on 30 August 1918. He died in a German military hospital on 12 November 1918 the day following the Armistice. A transcribed copy of the diary is held in the Local History Section of the Albury LibraryMuseum.This diary documents the day-to-day activities of a private soldier of the AIF during almost two years at war including two occasions on which he was wounded and evacuated to England. Its significance is enhanced by the presence of his death medallion in the 8/13 VMR Collection.Black cloth soft covered diary kept by 854 Pte Harry Derrick 37th Battalion AIF for the period 16 February 1916, the day he left Tallangatta Valley, to 31 December 1917. To fit two years into a one year diary, Derrick made use of every spare space in the small book.diary, derrick, tallangatta, wwi

This gun sight was brought home from WWI (1914-1918) by members of the 13th Battery 5th Field Artillery Brigade (Albury Battery) as a souvenir of its action in the first battle of Bullecourt April 1917. On one occasion during the battle the Battery was surrounded by a German counter attack. They dragged their guns out of the gun pits and continued firing to the flanks and rear and supported the Australian counter penetration attack which restored the situation. After the war a recreational reserve in Albury NSW was named Noreuil Park after the French village near where the action occurred.A rare object with significant connection to Albury NSW and its citizen soldiers who served with the AIF in WWI (1914-1918). The engraving gives it close association with the recreational park in Albury named after the French village of Noreuil and honouring the soldiers who fought there with great courage. Range drum portion of the sighting mechanism from an 18 Pounder field gun made of brass and other metals. The object is engraved with the word NOREUIL and the date 2.4.17.Serial No 5459; and NOREUIL 2.4.17gun sight, noreuil, albury, 13th battery

Donated to the 8th/13th VMR Collection as part of a collection of regimental silver from the 20th Light Horse Regiment circa 1950. 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised following WWI as part of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade AMF. It had its HQ at Seymour and sub-units along the Goulburn Valley extending to Tocumwal in NSW. During WWII the regiment was motorised then served as infantry in Dutch New Guinea. It was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.Is a representative example of a trophy from between the wars. The size, material and decoration show the relative affluence of the officers of a regiment from regional Victoria. The fact it carries no record of being awarded might indicate it dates from immediately prior to WWII when the regiment was mobilised and moved from its base area.Ornate silver cup with two handles intended for shooting competition in 20th Light Horse Regiment. There is no record of it being awarded."Field Firing Trophy / presented / by the Officers of the / 20th Australian Light Horse Regiment / Won by". Hallmarks on base and "8725 6PT"trophy, 20th light horse, cup

Officer's dress boot worn by Brigadier Geoffrey Austin Street MC who served in WWI at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Following the war he was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He returned to military service in 1931 as Squadron Commander in the 4th Light Horse. He was promoted to the command of the regiment after l8 months' service, and finally to the command of the Third Cavalry Brigade which included the 8th Light Horse Regiment. Brigadier Street had entered Federal Parliament in 1934 and in November 1938 was seconded from military duties to serve as Minister for Defence in the Lyons Government . He was serving in this capacity in the Menzies government when he was killed in an air crash near Canberra on 13 August 1940.Representarive example of officer's dress boots from the 'between the wars' period. Well preserved example of the boot makers art, complete and in good condition. Owned by well known Australian soldier and politician tragically killed at commencement of Second World War.Brown leather officer's dress boots with strap-on spurs and leather instep patch and under sole chain. Matching left and right wooden stretchers with metal handle on spreader wedge. boot, street, spur, stetchers

Officer's stable boot worn by Brigadier Geoffrey Austin Street MC who served in WWI at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Following the war he was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He returned to military service in 1931 as Squadron Commander in the 4th Light Horse. He was promoted to the command of the regiment after l8 months' service, and finally to the command of the Third Cavalry Brigade which included the 8th Light Horse Regiment. Brigadier Street had entered Federal Parliament in 1934 and in November 1938 was seconded from military duties to serve as Minister for Defence in the Lyons Government . He was serving in this capacity in the Menzies government when he was killed in an air crash near Canberra on 13 August 1940.Representative example of officer's stable boots from the 'between the wars' period. Well preserved example of the boot makers art, complete and in good condition. Owned by well known Australian soldier and politician tragically killed at commencement of Second World War.Leather and canvas boots with leather boot and canvas upper calf legging. Leather strap at instep and leather stiffened back seam to canvas section; Leather edging at top of canvas upper legging together with adjustable strap. Foot of boot is stabilised by a metal 'Dasco' insert. On metal heal protector "704603"boot, street geoffrey a brigadier

Officer's campaign boots worn by Brigadier Geoffrey Austin Street MC who served in WWI at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Following the war he was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He returned to military service in 1931 as Squadron Commander in the 4th Light Horse. He was promoted to the command of the regiment after l8 months' service, and finally to the command of the Third Cavalry Brigade which included the 8th Light Horse Regiment. Brigadier Street had entered Federal Parliament in 1934 and in November 1938 was seconded from military duties to serve as Minister for Defence in the Lyons Government . He was serving in this capacity in the Menzies government when he was killed in an air crash near Canberra on 13 August 1940.Representative example of officer's leather campaign boots from the 'between the wars' period. Well preserved example of the boot makers art, complete and in fair condition. Owned by well known Australian soldier and politician tragically killed at commencement of Second World War.Brown leather officer's campaign boots with hook and eye fasteners and fabric laces.Stamped on inner side of legging section "W Abbott & Son London & Paris"boots, street geoffrey austin brigadier, minister for defence, 3rd cavalry brigade

This and another photograph (Catalogue 3393) was taken at a gathering of Officers and NCOs of the 2nd Armoured Brigade (RAAC) to meet Prince Philip at Government House, Melbourne during the Royal Visit 1954. The two photographs were framed and hung on the wall of the Headquarter Building at Buna Barracks Albury till 1991 when they were relocated to the Regimental Collection.Rare record of an historic gathering during the Royal Visit to Victoria in1954.Framed black and white photograph of large gathering of soldiers in uniform standing on steps of Government House, Melbourne. The group is the officers of the 2nd Armoured Brigade, Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC). Lieutenant Colonel Tom Fogarty, Commanding Officer 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, is standing on HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh's right. Signed at lower centre of photograph "Philip 1954"2nd armoured brigade, prince philip duke of edinburgh, fogarty tom lieutenant colonel, martin arch warrent officer class 1, royal visit 1954

This and another photograph (Catalogue 2591) was taken at a gathering of Officers and NCOs of the 2nd Armoured Brigade (RAAC) to meet Prince Philip in Melbourne during the Royal Visit 1954. The two photographs were framed and hung on the wall of the Headquarter Building at Buna Barracks Albury till 1991 when they were relocated to the Regimental Collection.Rare record of an historic gathering during the Royal Visit to Victoria in1954.Framed black and white photograph of large gathering of soldiers in uniform standing on steps of a Government House Melbourne. Frame is narrow wood painted gloss black. The group is the Non-Commissioned Officers of the 2nd Armoured Brigade, Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC). Standing at front centre dress in dark suit is HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh and to his right is Lieutenant Colonel Tom Fogarty, Commanding Officer of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles..Signed at lower centre "Philip 1954"philip, hrh, edinburgh, fogarty, royal

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

The 1st Australian Armoured Car Squadron was raised at Puckapunyal, Victoria in January 1946 from 4th Armoured Brigade volunteers. Following two months training it deployed to Japan as part of the occupation force joining the Australian 34th Brigade. The squadron was equipped with Canadian Scout Cars and Staghound Armoured Cars. The latter were found to be unsuitable for patrol duties on Japanese roads and replaced with additional scout cars. The 1st Armoured Car Squadron returned to Australia in December 1948 and became the basis for the 1st Armoured Regiment. 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 the immediate post-World War 2 (39-45) period.Khaki heavy cloth beret with 'Rising Sun' badge and colour patch of the 1st Australian Armoured Car Squadron.beret, 1st australian armoured car squadron, japan

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. This trophy was presented to most efficient troop at annual camp.This trophy is representative of community support for a Citizen Military Forces unit drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World Wars. Silver cup with handles & Bakelite baseEfficiency Cup presented by A Squadron 20th Light Horse ( Mrs. A. Ross & Captain T. Reardon ) . Most Efficient Troop Annual Cup20th light horse, ross a mrs, readon t captain

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of pewters presented by officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World Wars.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side."20th Light Horse Regiment / Presented by / Lieut R G Pryor 16-10-39"pryor rg lieutenant, 20th light horse, engravings, presentations, mugs, light horse regiment, wwii, world war two, second world war, pre-war militia

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. This is one of a collection of pewters presented by officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World Wars.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side.20th Australian Light Horse Officer's Mess. Presented by Captain E.R. Dibbs20th, mess, officer, dibbs, light horse

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. The regiment was still horse mounted in 1937 when this trophy was awarded to the Mansfield Troop. Fine example of a trophy awarded to a Citizen Military Forces sub-unit drawn from a country town in northeast Victoria prior to WWII. Silver cup with no handles and bakelite base being a trophy for snap shooting in 20th Light Horse Regiment.20th Light Horse Regiment Shoot / Snap Shooting / won by / Mansfield Troop / 1937mansfield, shooting, light horse, 20th

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. This is one of a collection of pewters presented by officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World Wars.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side.20th Australian Light Horse Officer's Mess. Presented by Lieutenant J.T.Drake20th light horse, officers' mess, drake j t lieutenant

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. This is one of a collection of mugs presented by officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World Wars.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side.20th Australian Light Horse Officers' Mess. Presented by Lieutenant J.S. Christiechristie, mess, 20th, light horse

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. This is one of a collection of mugs presented by Officers of a Light Horse Regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World Wars.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side" 20th Australian Light Horse Officers Mess. Presented by Lieutenant S.W. Ross" and on base "Rigert EPNS A1 " 10 "ross, 20th, light horse, mess

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. This is one of a collection of mugs presented bt Officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World Wars.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side" 20th Australian light Horse Officer's Mess. Presented by Lieut A.W. Tanner 1936" and on base " Rigert EPNSAI 10 "20th, light horse, tanner, mess

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. This is one of a collection of mugs presented by officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regionalVictoria in the period between the World Wars.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side."20th Australian Light Horse Officer's Mess. Presented by Lieut N. I. Morrison" and on base "Rigert EPNSAI 10" 20th light horse, officers' mess, morrison n i lieutenant

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. Lieutenant Fyffe enlisted at the outbreak of war and served as VX 42774 with the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment in North Africa and was promoted to captain. 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. This is one of a collection of mugs presented by Officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World WarsSilver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side"20th Australian Light Horse Officer's Mess. Presented by Lieutenant H.G. Fyffe" and on base "Rigert EPNSAI 10 "officers' mess, 20th light horse, fyffe h g

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. This is one of a collection of mugs presented by Officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World WarsSilver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side"20th Australian Light HorseOfficer's Mess. Presented by Lieutenant G.A. Bryant", and on base "Rigert EPNSAI 10"bryant, mess, 20th, light horse

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. .This is one of a collection of mugs presented by officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World Wars.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side."20th Australian Light Horse Officer's Mess. Presented by Lieutenant G. McC. Fairley"; and on base "Rigert EPNSAI 10"20th light horse, fairley g mcc lieutenant, officers' mess

The 20th Light Horse ( Victorian Mounted Rifles ) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizens Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSWThis is one of a collection of tankards presented by officers of a Light Horse Regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World Wars.Silver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side" 20th Australian Light Horse Officer's Mess. Presented by Lieutenant Crawford A. 1936. On base EPNSAI 10"military, mug, pewter, mess, light horse, victoria, militia

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. Rare relic with both date and unit significance.Union Jack flag flown by 20th Pioneer Battalion ( Victorian Mounted Rifles ) at Merauke on cessation of hostilities 15th AUGUST 1945flag, 20th light horse, 20th motor regiment, merauke dutch new guinea

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 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. Object with rare historical significance to both date and unit serving overseas.Australian blue ensign flown by 20th Motor Regiment ( Victorian Mounted Rifles ) at Merauke on cessation of hostilities 15th August 1945flag, 20th light horse, 20th motor regiment, merauke dutch new guinea

Embroidered shoulder titles were worn on the upper sleeves of uniform prior to the introduction of colour patches c.1990. Regular regiments used the numerical designations First, Second, Third and Fourth. CMF regiments used their territorial designation: Victorian, Queensland, New South Wales, Hunter River, South Australian, Prince of Wales's and 10th Light Horse. Australia’s defence plans and priorities changed after the Second World War. Decolonisation coupled with competing ideologies created an unstable situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia recognised it needed both regular and citizen forces. Six Armoured Corps regiments were formed in 1948, all with territorial titles reflecting their Light Horse heritage. In Victoria they were 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse and 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. The 1st Armoured Regiment, formed July 1949, was the first regular RAAC regiment, followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th Cavalry Regiments decades later. Unique collection of regimental titles worthy of preservation and display.Display board containing the badge and shoulder title of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles flanked by the formation signs of 2nd Armoured Brigade. These are followed by the shoulder titles of Royal Australian Armoured Corps and eight other RAAC regiments.military, titles, uniform, ara, cmf

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.A4 sized booklet with stiff slip-on plastic spine, 16 pages, clear plastic front cover and card back cover. Covers the history of the regiment from Victorian Colonial period, Federation militia as 7th, 15th and finally 20th Light Horse, then conversion to 20 Motor Regiment and deployment to Merauke in Dutch New Guinea and lastly in the closing stages of the Second World War to 20th Pioneer Battalion.military, wwii, world war two, light horse, motor regiment, pioneer battalion, aif, merauke, new guinea

Black and white photograph of officer of 2nd Armoured Brigade meeting HRH Prince Philip 1954. 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles officers are, from right : Lieutenant Dinsmore, Lieutenant Barnwell, Padre Johnson, Captain Cogger, Captain Laycock (shaking hands with the Duke), Captain Gardner and Captain Jackson.prince philip, armoured brigade, government house, vmr, melbourne