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

The pewter tankard is part of a set of two that were presented to Lt. Col. L.G. Stevens of the 4th Light-horse Regiment. The Regiment was part of the Australian Military force in the First World War (WW1). At the end of WW1 the regiment was disbanded and it was re-raised in the 1920's as a part-time unit in the Shire of Corangamite, South Western Victoria. In World War 2 the 4th Light-horse Regiment was mechanised and became the 4th Motor Regiment. Lt.Col. Stevens served in both wars and was discharged in July 1942.. The tankards were probably presented to Lt. Col. Stevens at his retirement from the service. The set of two pewter mugs is of historic significance because of its connection to WW2 and the AIF. It indicates the relationship between Officers and Men of the regiment. It is of local significance as Lt. Col. Stevens was born and lived in Warrnambool, South Western Victoria. Pewter tankard (one of two) height 13mm circumference 3mm, ornate broken C handle height 9 mm, inscription on front, hall mark on base, mild tarnish, Inscription on front "PRESENTED TO LIEUT COL L.G. STEVENS ED. By the Officers of the 4th MOTOR REGIMENT 1.5.42 Hallmark on base "Crown & Rose" CAST PEWTER, CREST CROWN & ROSE3 surrounded by FIDE IN LONDONpewter tankards, world war 1, first world war, ww1, light horse regiment, 4th motor regiment, australian military force, aif, corangamite, 1942, world war 2, ww2

The pewter tankard is part of a set of two that were presented to Lt. Col. L.G. Stevens of the 4th Light-horse Regiment. The Regiment was part of the Australian Military force in the First World War (WW1). At the end of WW1 the regiment was disbanded and it was re-raised in the 1920's as a part-time unit in the Shire of Corangamite, South Western Victoria. In World War 2 the 4th Light-horse Regiment was mechanised and became the 4th Motor Regiment. Lt.Col. Stevens served in both wars and was discharged in July 1942.. The tankards were probably presented to Lt. Col. Stevens at his retirement from the service. The set of two pewter mugs is of historic significance because of its connection to WW2 and the AIF. It indicates the relationship between Officers and Men of the regiment. It is of local significance as Lt. Col. Stevens was born and lived in Warrnambool, South Western Victoria. Pewter tankard (one of two) height 13mm circumference 3mm, ornate broken C handle height 9 mm, inscription on front, hall mark on base, mild tarnish, Inscription on front "PRESENTED TO LIEUT COL L.G. STEVENS ED. By the Officers of the 4th MOTOR REGIMENT 1.5.42 Hallmark on base "Crown & Rose" CAST PEWTER, CREST CROWN & ROSE3 surrounded by FIDE IN LONDONpewter tankards, world war 1, first world war, ww1, light horse regiment, 4th motor regiment, australian military force, aif, corangamite, 1942, world war 2, ww2

The 13th Light Horse Regiment considered themselves to be the 'Devil's Own' owing to their number 13 designation, consequently when in Egypt in 1915 they commissioned local metal workers to produce unofficial hat and lapel badges. 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 Queensland but as the Japanese threat to the mainland declined, it was disbanded in October 1943 with men going to other units. The 10th Light Horse was raised in 1903 from Victorian Mounted Rifles companies in Gippsland. In 1912 the regiment was renumbered 13th Light Horse. In 1920 the regiment had the territorial title Gippsland Light Horse added. The regiment was raised as 13th Light Horse (Gippsland), a Citizen Forces unit. In 1940 the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 13th Motor Regiment then 13th Armoured Regiment. It trained in Victoria and Queensland but as the Japanese threat to the mainland declined, was disbanded in October 1943 with men going to other units. Fabric covered board with Dancing Devil hat badge and two lapel badges attached, also a paper label. The attached label relates to a previous display when the badges were displayed alongside a uniform.world war one, wwi, 13th, light horse, badge, devil

The British War Medal was instituted on 26 July 1919 for award to those who had rendered service between 5 August 1914, the day following the British declaration of war against the German Empire, and the armistice of 11 November 1918, both dates inclusive. 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.. Two world War medals awarded to Regimental No 1336 Trooper H P C Cawsey 13th Australian Light Horse. Medals are British War Medal 1914-1918 and Victory Medal.cawsey, 13th, light horse, world war one, wwi

This brief case was used by the secretary of the Association till its closure in 1980s, when it was passed to the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Collection with other regimental memorabilia. The 13th Australian 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. Black leather brief case with two locks and with title embossed on side of flap13th Aust light Horse Regt Association13th, light horse, wwi, wwii, world war one, world war two

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 bowl is part of a dinner set made for the Officers' Mess of the 13th (Gippsland) Light Horse Regiment. 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. White porcelain bowl with lid both with red monogram.13th (Gippsland) LH Regiment / [regimental badge] / Officers' Messmess, officer, 13th, light horse, gippsland

The 10th Light Horse was raised in 1903 from Victorian Mounted Rifles companies in Gippsland. In 1912 the regiment was renumbered 13th Light Horse. In 1920 the regiment had the territorial title Gippsland Light Horse added. The regiment was raised as 13th Light Horse (Gippsland), a Citizen Forces unit. In 1940 the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 13th Motor Regiment then 13th Armoured Regiment. It trained in Victoria and Queensland but as the Japanese threat to the mainland declined, was disbanded in October 1943 with men going to other units. 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.History of 13th Armoured Regiment and its preceding regiments 10th Light Horse (VMR), 13th Light Horse (VMR), 13th Light Horse (AIF) and 13th Light Horse (Gippsland Light Horse) compiled by the President of the regimental association, Claude H Wilson c.1970. The text is handwritten and includes the World War diary of lieutenant Vernon C Walker, who was a member of the AIF regiment. A4 format, thermal bound 27 pages with 6 page addendum.history, light horse, armour, 13th, gippsland, wilson, walker

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. Good study of pre-WWII light horseman in regional Victoria.Black and white photograph of mounted light horseman with second light horseman standing behind horse. Second horse to side.Pte Valentine Reginald Allison / 13th Gippsland Light Horse / Leongatha Showgrounds / c.1938 / (Grandfather of Cpl S Mather / Tng Sgt, 2001)military, militia, cmf, gippsland, leongatha, allison

At Federation, the Victorian Mounted Rifles companies in the Gippsland area of Victoria were reorganised into the 10th Light Horse Regiment. In 1912 the regiment was renumbered 13th Light Horse. 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 re-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. In 1948, the 13th Light Horse was linked with 8th and 20th Regiments to form the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles in the Citizen Military Forces. Black and white photograph of 13th Light Horse Regiment trophies arranged around the Hutton Trophy shield. light horse, 13th, trophies, hutton, vmr

8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles was equipped with M113 Vehicles 1970 - 1990 in both reconnaissance and armoured personnel carrier roles.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 soldiers nof 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles working on motor of M113 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle ( LRV ). circa 1975.