The Dibb Report into mainland defence of Australia,1986, among other things identified the requirement for protection of key assets in Northern Australia and the possibility of involving Army Reserve (Ares) units in this thus releasing regular forces for offensive operations. Dibb also pointed out that this defined role would result in a huge lift in Ares morale. In June 1988, the 3rd Division (3Div) conducted a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT), Exercise ‘Distant Trumpet’ in the Katherine- Darwin area to study problems associated with defence against low level incursions against Tindal RAAF Base. Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ followed in October of that year when units of the 3Div including A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles sent patrol groups to get a first taste of environment and conditions. Post-Exercise reports had to include recommendations re: health, equipment and adaptation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the new role deploying to Northern Australia. The first deployment by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles was in 1988. Deployments continued in following years. In September 1993, 3 Troop (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4/19 PWLH commanded by Captain Kelvin Robertson deployed to NT. The training began with airfield defence at Tindal followed by a 1000km recon into Arnhem Land in four Landrovers. The troop reported on the conditions of the roads, airfields, bridges (mainly causeways) resources such as fuel supplies in the towns and infrastructure. Each troop taking different route. 3 Troop had the Northern route through Kakadu National park across the East Alligator River to Oenpelli then to Maningrida and Ramangining and south to the Central Arnhem Road and back to Tindal Air force Base. Two colour photographs of vehicle mishap during VMR Squadron 4/19Prince of Wales's Light Horse annual exercise in Northern Territory 1994.Second photo shows driver receiving medical attention.

The Dibb Report into mainland defence of Australia,1986, among other things identified the requirement for protection of key assets in Northern Australia and the possibility of involving Army Reserve (Ares) units in this thus releasing regular forces for offensive operations. Dibb also pointed out that this defined role would result in a huge lift in Ares morale. In June 1988, the 3rd Division (3Div) conducted a Tactical Exercise without Troops (TEWT), Exercise ‘Distant Trumpet’ in the Katherine- Darwin area to study problems associated with defence against low level incursions against Tindal RAAF Base. Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ followed in October of that year when units of the 3Div including A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles sent patrol groups to get a first taste of environment and conditions. Post-Exercise reports had to include recommendations re: health, equipment and adaptation of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the new role deploying to Northern Australia. The first deployment by 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles was in 1988. Deployments continued in following years. In September 1993, 3 Troop (Wangaratta) VMR Squadron 4/19 PWLH commanded by Captain Kelvin Robertson deployed to NT. The training began with airfield defence at Tindal followed by a 1000km recon into Arnhem Land in four Landrovers. The troop reported on the conditions of the roads, airfields, bridges (mainly causeways) resources such as fuel supplies in the towns and infrastructure. Each troop taking different route. 3 Troop had the Northern route through Kakadu National park across the East Alligator River to Oenpelli then to Maningrida and Ramangining and south to the Central Arnhem Road and back to Tindal Air force Base. Two colour photographs of creek crossings, one more challenging than the other,during the annual exercise in Northern Territory, conducted by VMR Squadron 4/19 Prince of Wales's Light horse, 1994.

Colour photograph of section of Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Light Horse Troop waiting to join Australia Day Parade, Albury 1995. " Front L to R; G. Townsend President Albury RSL, Major R. Morrison. Rear; Cpl Morris, Tpr Whitehead, Tpr Walsh, Tpr Ellison

The Hutton Trophy or Shield was awarded annually to the best Light Horse Troop in Australia. The trophy is now held at the Armoured Centre Puckapunyal. Inter-regimental competition was strong in the years between WWI and WWII. Annually, the best troop in the regiments of the 3rd (Vic), 4th (SA), 5th (WA) and 6th (Tas) Military Districts competed for the Hutton Trophy and the Lord Forster Cup. The Tocumwal Troop 20th LH commanded by Sgt HG (Bob) Fyffe were the winners in 1937/38 and the Tallangatta Troop 8th LH led by Lt L Wildsmith, in 1938/39. Other competitors in 1938/39 were the York Troop, 10th Light Horse (WA), Burnie Troop 22nd LH (Tas) and Orroroo Troop 9th/23rd LH (SA). Troops were marked on Personnel, Horses (type & turnout), Saddlery, Hotchkiss Gun (turnout), Horsemanship, Fire control, Shooting (rifle & H gun), Sword action and Time. VX 42774 Captain Robert (Bob) Fyffe, a grazier from Tocumwal, NSW, served with the Tocumwal troop of the 20th Light Horse prior to WWII (1939-46). He enlisted at the outbreak of war and served with the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment in North Africa. During the attack on Trig 22 on 17 July 1942 Captain Fyffe commanding a composite squadron manoeuvred his tanks to knock out machine guns and anti-tank guns enabling 2/32 Battalion to capture the objective. Captain Fyffe was awarded the Military Cross for his leadership and courage in the action. This was 9th Division Cavalry's first tank action of the war. Complement other images in collectionBlack and white photograph glued to corrugated plastic backing card showing two officers with large silver shield. Occasion is the presentation of the Hutton Trophy to the troop leader of the Tocumwal Troop 20th Light Horse Regiment, Lieutenant H G (Bob) Fyffe, 1938.hutton trophy, tocumwal, fyffe, light horse, competition, victoria

This photograph was probably taken at the opening of the Federal Parliament in Melbourne.Not an original photograph but of interest because it shows together two 'towering' figures in Australian Light Horse history.Black and white photograph of two officers seated being Lieutenant Colonel Harry Chauvel (left) and Colonel Tom Price, May 1901. Chauvel is in light Horse uniform and Price in Victorian Mounted Rifles uniform. Both are wearing mourning bands on their sleeve, possibly mourning the recent death of Queen Victoria (22 January 1901). The photograph is laminated and is possibly an image cut from a publication. chauvel, price, light horse, vmr, melbourne, federation, uniform

Following the South African campaign 1899-1902, King Edward VII presented Banners to Australian regiments and corps which were represented in South Africa. The Banner presented to the 8th Light Horse is now on display at the history Room of the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Simpson Barracks Melbourne.Provides linking information between other significant objects in the collection.Photocopy of letter to Sergeant Walter Edward Payne 8th Australian Light Horse (VMR) from the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Benjamin Pleasents inviting him to be one of the representatives to the review of the King's Banners on 14 November 1904.letter, payne w e, pleasents w b, king's banner

Colonel Tom Price, following a distinguished military career in India, was tasked with raising Victoria's military forces in 1885. The mounted arm was the Victorian Mounted Rifles. Contingents of the VMR served in the South African War 1899-1902. Following Federation, the companies of the VMR became Australian Light Horse regiments. For a number of years the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles visited the site of the grave to clean it.Example of service to the memory of the founder of the regiment.Black and white photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles soldier removing leaves and debris from the surrounds of the gravestone of Colonel Tom Price founder of the Victorian Mounted Rifles in Melbourne General Cemetery. price colonel tom, victorian mounted rifles, vmr, cemetery, melbourne

Sergeant Payne was selected as one of three representatives from the 8th Light Horse to a review of the King's Banners presented to Australian regiments following the South African campaign. The review was held 14 November 1904. The Banner is now on display in the History Room of the 8/13th Victorian Mounted rifles, Simpson Barracks , Melbourne.Strong connections to other objects in the 8/13 VMR collection.Black and white photograph of soldier wearing helmet and holding mace. He is wearing both Queens South African medal and King's South African medal. Soldier is thought to be Sergeant Walter Edward Payne who served as Private No 1116 with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles contingent and following Federation with the 8th Light Horse (VMR).payne w e, 8th australian light horse, south africa, king's banner, uniform

Australian Light Horse regiments in Victoria were raised following Federation from companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles.Excellent study showing the camp layout of rows of tents separated by horse lines.Three black and white images of Light Horse in camp at Seymour 1908."Australian Light Horse Camp Seymour 1908; Watering horses"light horse, seymour, camp

John James Barnes , 23 year-old labourer of Marong Victoria enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) 8 September 1914 and was allocated to 8th Light Horse Regiment. He had two years pre-war service with the light horse. He served on Gallipoli, was evacuated ill and subsequently returned to Australia. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. Good studies of soldier in World War One light horse uniformTwo black and white photographs of soldier of the 8th Light Horse Regiment (AIF) being No 487 Trooper John James Barnes, Machine Gun Section. One photo is more formal than other.John James Barnes / 8th Light Horse Reg / Reg No; 487barnes jj trooper, 8th australian light horse (aif), uniform, military

8th Australian Light Horse Regiment was raised following Federation from companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles in North East Victoria. It was an all volunteer force of citizen soldiers. The annual encampment, usually conducted over the Easter break, was the culmination of training conducted in local areas throughout the year. Study of citizen soldiers in first decade following FederationDamaged black and white photograph of group of soldiers of the 8th Light horse Regiment at Seymour 1908.Seymour 1908. / Sgt W Luscombe 2nd right centre row. / Holder of the Local Forces Victoria Long Service and / Good Conduct Medal, also holder of the Colonial Forces / Long Service Medal. / Donated by I Errey Baddaginnie.seymour, light horse, luscombe

Warrant Officer Class Two Bill Woolford served with the Royal Marines during World War Two. Following the war he served in Hong Kong before migrating to Australia in the 1950s. He joined the Victorian Police and was posted to Wodonga. There he joined 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles serving as Squadron Sergeant Major until his retirement in 1967. This tankard was presented to him on his retirement. Often a gift of this type would be hung in the mess signifying the recipient would maintain close contact with mess and the regiment.Representative of a parting gift from the sergeants mess to a retiring NCO.Silver plate tankard with 8/13 Victoriann Mounted Rifles collar badge soldered to side and engraved with presentation details.Presented to / WOII Bill Woolford / by / Sgts Mess 8/13 VMR / June 1967military, drinking, silverware, woolford bill wo2, vmr, sergeants mess

Each light horseman carried two spare horse shoes and nails in a wallet or case attached to his saddle. The wallet was attached to the near (left ) side of the saddle and a sabre could be secured in the loops on the side of the wallet. Stamps on the underside of this wallet indicate it was used by a trooper of the 13th Light Horse Regiment during WWI (1914-1918). It is possible the wallet was issued to Regimental Number 280 Trooper H B Johnson. The 13th Light Horse Regiment (AIF) was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in March 1915. Following service at Gallipoli the regiment was broken up with squadrons going to France as Divisional Cavalry Squadrons of 2nd, 4th and 5th Divisions. The regiment was reformed as firstly 1st Anzac Corps Mounted Troops and later Australian Corps Mounted Troops. The regiment was raised as 13th Light Horse (Gippsland), a Citizen Forces unit. following WWI, and trained as a cavalry regiment till August 1940, when it converted from horse to mechanised initially as 13th Motor Regiment then 13th Armoured Regiment. It trained in Victoria and, as the Japanese threat to the mainland declined, was disbanded in October 1943 with men going to other units. unique relic of the Australian Light Horse in WWI.Leather wallet containing two spare horse shoes to be attached to saddle by light horseman. loop on side and securing strap held cavalry sword if trooper was issued with one.CGHF / B / 13 LH / 280military, horse, shoe, wallet, case

This water bottle was carried by stretcher bearers in the Light Horse Field Ambulance. The cup/cap was used to give a drink to a wounded soldier who could not hold a water bottle to his lips. A light horse field ambulance was an Australian World War I military unit whose purpose was to provide medical transport and aid to the wounded and sick soldiers of an Australian Light Horse brigade. Typically a Lieutenant Colonel commanded each ambulance. All officers of the ambulance were medical doctors or surgeons. Dental units were often attached to the ambulance as well. A Field Ambulance consisted of two sections, the Mobile and the Immobile. The Mobile Section travel with its brigade into combat, where it would establish a Dressing Station. It use stretchers or carts to retrieve the wounded and transport them to the Dressing Station. The Immobile Section established and operated a Receiving Station, which received the wounded the Dressing Station sent on. The ambulance's surgeons would operate on the wounded at the Receiving Station. From the Receiving Station, the sick and wounded would go first to the Casualty Clearing Station and ultimately to a Base Hospital. Representative of a water bottle which differed from the regular water bottle and was used for a specific purpose.Water bottle, felt coated, with small metal cup over spout, all held in leather carrier. Strapped to a wooden stand.military, water, medical, light horse, ambulance, stretcher bearer

Thought to be a photograph of the 2nd/4th Armoured Regiment AIF take somewhere in southern Australia circa 1942.Large black and white photograph of several hundred soldiers of an armoured regiment drawn up in tiers for formal photograph. Photo is glued to a mounting board.armour, uniform, beret, 2/4th

The Hutton Trophy or Shield was awarded annually to the best Light Horse Troop in Australia. The trophy is now held at the Armoured Centre Puckapunyal. Inter-regimental competition was strong in the years between WWI and WWII. Annually, the best troop in the regiments of the 3rd (Vic), 4th (SA), 5th (WA) and 6th (Tas) Military Districts competed for the Hutton Trophy and the Lord Forster Cup. The Tocumwal Troop were winners of the Hutton Shield in 1937 and 1938. 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.Framed black and white photograph of Tocumwal Troop 20th Light horse with the Hutton Shield and other trophies.No 1 Troop C Squadron 20th Light Horse Regt (Tocumwal Troop). Soldiers named.tocumwal, 20th, light horse, competition, hutton

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

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 formal photograph of officers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, 1974.vmr armour officer, vmr, officers, armour

The South African (Boer)War 1899-1902 involved troops from the British Empire including Australia. This magazine filled a growing demand for news back home.Tho magazines published in 13 and 27 January 1900, thirty two pages of illustrations and summary of recent events in the South African (Boer) War.boer war, south artica

Part of the saddle equipment of a Light Horse Trooper. Manufactured by the Commonwealth Government Harness Factory (CGHF) Groom Street Clifton Hill Victoria.Leather wallet holding two horse shoes.CGHF / Australiahorseshoe, wallet, light horse

Seymour was selected as the site for a military training camp by General Kitchener during his 1909 visit to Australia to advise the government of defence needs. Space for light horse training and areas for artillery training were factors in the choice of location. Black and white photograph of nine soldiers and two civilians at training camp Seymour Victoria 1910. Photograph is professionally mounted on card. Civilians were probably recruits who had not received uniforms prior to entering camp.manuscript: "Kitchener Camp Seymour 1910"; faint ink stamp: James Colquhoun / Photographer / Donald Street / Prahran"seymour, kitchener, camp, training, light horse, uniform

Seymour was selected as the site for a military training camp by General Kitchener during his 1909 visit to Australia to advise the government of defence needs. Space for light horse training and areas for artillery training were factors in the choice of location. Black and white photograph of light horse sergeant on horseback. Tents under trees in background. Probably Kitchener Camp Seymour 1910. Photo is professionally mounted on card.Faint ink stamp: "James Colquhoun / Photographer / Donald Street / Prahran"seymour, kitchener, camp, training, light horse, uniform, horse

Seymour was selected as the site for a military training camp by General Kitchener during his 1909 visit to Australia to advise the government of defence needs. Space for light horse training and areas for artillery training were factors in the choice of location. Soldiers thought to be Beechworth Troop, 8th Light Horse (VMR). 8th Light Horse (VMR) was raised following Federation from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles throughout North-east Victoria. 8th regiment was renumbered 16th Light Horse (Indi) in 1912 and reverted to 8th Light Horse (Indi) in 1920.Black and white photograph of thirteen members of a light horse troop at Kitchener Camp Seymour 1910 posed for photograph. Photograph is professionally mounted on card.In manuscript: "Kitchener Camp Seymour 1910"; faint ink stamp: " James Colquhoun / Photographer / Donald Street / Prahran"light horse, seymour, 8th, vmr, indi, beechworth, kitchener, uniform

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 doing rifle drill. Photo is glued to fluted plastic board.vmr, rifle, uniform

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

Black and white photograph of a soldier of the 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment at the outbreak of World War One, identified as Trooper Mack Regt No 62.8th, light horse, mack, wwi, world war one, uniform

Black and white photograph of Lieutenant Colonel White, Commanding Officer 8th Australian Light Horse sitting in a niche in a tranch wall writing in his notebook."In my bedroom in the main communication. Colonel White"world war one, wwi, gallipoli, white