In 1862, the units of the Mounted Volunteer Corps in Victoria were formed into a single regiment known as the Victorian Volunteer Light Horse. This title changed again in 1863, to the Prince of Wales Victorian Volunteer Light Horse ( Hussars ). In 1870 a uniform was adopted that was based on the British 19th Hussars. Troops were based at various times at Geelong, Ballarat, Kyneton, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Dandenong, as well as metropolitan Melbourne. In 1885, most of the Cavalry were incorporated into a newly formed Victorian Mounted Rifles. (http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL/18070.001) "It is notified in the Gazette that Lieutenant Laurence Whyte, Ballarat troop Prince of Wales Light Horse, has been appointed captain, seniority to date from January 31. " (The Argus, 17 February 1883) "An official inspection of the P.W.L.H. took place in the Royal Park last evening by the colonel-commandant, assisted by Colonel Rede; Captain Medealf in command of the, troop. After bring exercised in field movements, a sword competition took place, toe first prize bring awarded to Trooper L. Whyte ; the "second to Sergeant Blight; the third, to Trooper Jenkins; and the fourth, to Trooper Orr, of Creswick. Major Sleep officiated as timekeeper. The colonel commandant complimented Captain Med-calf upon the efficiency of the troop, and officers and men afterwards dined together at Craig's hotel. (Ballarat Courier, 09 March 1877.)Silver coloured sword and scabbard with leather hand grip within the hilt. The sword was awarded to Trooper Whyte of the Prince of Wales Victorian Volunteer Light Horse (Ballarat) in 1877.. Engraved into handle "Ballarat Troop P.W.V.V.L.H Officers Trophy FIRST PRIZE WON BY Trooper Whyte AT SWORD Competition 8th March 1877" volunteer forces, sword, trooper whyte, prince of wales victorian volunteer light horse (ballarat), l. whyte, laurence whyte

The medal was awarded to Trooper John Garbutt of the Prince of Wales Victorian Volunteer Light Horse (Ballarat) in 1880 for attaining fourth prize n the sword competition. In 1862, the units of the Mounted Volunteer Corps in Victoria were formed into a single regiment known as the Victorian Volunteer Light Horse. This title changed again in 1863, to the Prince of Wales Victorian Volunteer Light Horse ( Hussars ). In 1870 a uniform was adopted that was based on the British 19th Hussars. Troops were based at various times at Geelong, Ballarat, Kyneton, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Dandenong, as well as metropolitan Melbourne. In 1885, most of the Cavalry were incorporated into a newly formed Victorian Mounted Rifles. (http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL/18070.001) John Garbutt was Principal of Ballarat College 1877 - 1909. He was educated at Geelong National Grammar School and in 1860 was the first dux of the college. He was educated at Geelong National Grammar School and in 1860 was the first dux of the college. Fist class Honourman Arts and Laws at Melbourne University 1866; Two years a master at Geelong College; seven years master and three years senior master at Scotch College, Melbourne. Mein's 1964 History of Ballarat College states: 'To summarise, it may be fairly claimed that the College's War Record in 1914-1918 would have reflected great credit on a school with ten times its numbers...Some of the credit of the college war record must be attributed to the influence of Major John Garbutt, M.A. who was Principal of the College for 33 years...Nearly all the old Collegians who distinguished themselves in the war had been trained by him. Silver coloured maltese cross medal with decorative link attached to top and engraved on both sides. The medal was awarded to Trooper Whyte of the Prince of Wales Victorian Volunteer Light Horse (Ballarat) in 1877. Face: P.W.V.V.L.H. / BALLARAT TROOP / SWORD COMPETITION / 1880 Verso: 4th PRIZE / Trooper garbutt ballarat-college, principal-john-garbutt, prince of wales victorian volunteer light horse, medal, 1880, principal

James Alexander Nicholl was born 1878 at Ballarat Victoria. He served four years with the 3rd Regiment Victorian Colonial Forces, receiving his commission as an officer after two years. On 1 May 1900, as a 22 year old lieutenant, he sailed with the 4th Victorian Imperial Regiment to South Africa serving there under Colonel NW Kelly for fifteen months. Upon his return to Australia he resumed service with the now, Australian Light Horse. He was adjutant of the 16th (Indi) Light Horse located in northeast Victoria when WWI began. He volunteered for the AIF and was appointed to ‘C’ Squadron 13th Light Horse with the rank of Captain. Nicholl served at Gallipoli, France and UK, returning to Australia in 1919. Again he resumed his service with the CMF, this time with the 20th Light Horse.Rare group of medals awarded to citizen soldier from Victoria with service in Boer War and WWI (1914-1918) and peacetime service with pre-Federation Colonial Forces and post-Federation Citizen Military Forces both before and the war.Swing mounted medal group awarded to Major JA Nicholl being: Queens South African Medal with four clasps - Transvaal, Rhodesia, Cape Colony and South Africa 1901; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer's Decoration (VD). On rim QSA "Lieut J.A. Nicholl Victorian MR"; on reverse 14-15 Star "Captain J.A. Nicholl 13/LH Rgt AIF"; on rim BWM and Victory "Major J.A. Nicholl AIF"; on reverse VD "Major J.A. Nicholl 20th LH"nichol, medal, boer war, wwi, vd, colonial, light horse, 13th, world war one