Lieutenant Des Martin took part in many Anzac Day Marches in Melbourne riding with a small group leading the march.Uncommon post-WWII photograph of a mounted officer of the Light Horse. Has added significance because the uniform is held in the 8th/13th VMR Collection.Coloured photograph with green fibreboard mount of Lieutenant Des Martin of Wodonga in Light Horse uniform on horseback.Officer of the Light Horse c. 1939. The tunic and Sam Browne belt was worn by Lieutenant Des Martin ( pictured ) of Wodonga who served in the 8th Light Horse Regiment in the pre-war militia and the 2/2 Pioneer BattalionAIF during WW11martin des lieutenant, 8th light horse regiment

Lieutenant Des Martin was a member of the Wodonga Troop of the pre-WWII 8th Light Horse (Indi) regiment. He volunteered for the AIF, 12/6/1940 (VX31564) and served with the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion in Syria and New Guinea. He was discharged 11/2/1944 with the rank of lieutenant. He was a horseman of considerable repute and was the author of the book “Australia Astride”. He provided valuable assistance to the 8/13 VMR Heritage Troop when it was raised. Wearing this uniform, he rode with a group of former light horsemen leading ANZAC Day marches in Melbourne for many years.Half mannequin dress in service dress tunic with 8th Light Horse lapel badges, silver buttons, badges of rank and colour patches. Complemented with slouch hat with 8th Light Horse hat badge and emu plumes, and Sam Browne belt.military, anzac day, melbourne, martin, pioneer, vmr, light horse, world war two, wwii