This hat and hat box was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. McDade is the surname of Dr Angus’ daughter Berry (Berenice) McDade nee Angus. This had belonged to her father Dr William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist (1901 –1970), who wore it on the ship T.S.S. LARGS BAY when travelling from Australia to Scotland for extended studies to be a “Fellow” of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in the 1929. This bicorn cocked hat was worn with the narrow points towards front and back. It is decorated with flat gold braid or ‘lace’ with a geometrical design. Regimental lace was worn on the uniform and headdress of regimental officers in the 19th century. Gold lace chevrons were worn on coats to signify rank. Drummers and Foot Guards also wore regimental lace on their garments to distinguish them from other military personnel. In the late 19th century the English and Welsh infantry officers’ uniforms displayed a rose-pattern lace. The gold bullion and underlying crimson ‘eyes’ have been used to signify the rank of the owner. The crimson eyes were used for military, blue eyes for naval personnel. Different numbers and colours of the bullion and eyes may have been used to represent different military ranks. The Regulations specify nine tassels and eleven underlying eyes but there could have been variations. We have not yet been able to identify the rank for this particular hat. The gold button’s emblem has a cross with five stars, a crown, and the motto “AUT PACE AUT BELLO”, translated “either in peace or in war”. Museum Victoria has a similar button and writes that buttons with this design were used in the nineteenth century by the Victorian Volunteers. The Australian War Memorial Curator of Military Heraldry advised Museum Victoria that these buttons dated from 1880-1892 and were worn by regular, unranked soldiers. The Australian War Memorial has a hat that is very similar in design, described as an “Artillery Staff Officer’s cocked had with plume, worn by Volunteer Artillery Staff in the Victorian Colonial Military Forces”. That hat is different in that it has a plume and the braid and button are silver. Berry MdDade, the donor, has used the hat many times as a dress-up hat but doesn’t know the origin of it. The hat seems to fit the design of the Staff Officers in Victorian Volunteers in Colonial times, but the button on this hat was used for unranked volunteers. Also, military uniforms usually have very clear manufacturer’s labels, as they are made by reputable companies under contract to the Defence Department. The manufacturer’s mark is not discernible on this hat. The origin, original wearer and use of this particular hat is unclear. The military bicorn cockade hat belonged to Dr William Roy Angus and is part of the W.R. Angus Collection. It is significant for still being located at the site where it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Black bicorn cocked hat and case. It appears to be part of a 19th century Colonial full dress military uniform. The long, narrow crescent-shaped hat is made of beaver fabric and the crown is lined with crimson silk and finished with a hand stitched leather sweatband. On one flat side there is a pleated black silk, lace cockade woven in the pattern of oak leaves and acorns. The cockade is overlaid with a double row of gold lace braiding secure with a Victorian Volunteer’s gold button. Wide diagonal bands of black lace braid trim are on each side of the gold braiding. The other side of the hat is plain. The front and back points of the hat each have seven gold bullion tassels with nine underlying twists of crimson ‘eyes’. The fitted metal carry case has a catch and a metal plaque on one side. The button bears a crown and cross with five stars and a motto. Inside the hat is a white name tag with clear adhesive over it, with black printed text with the name “Mc Dade”. The hat is part of the W.R. Angus Collection. The hat has no maker’s marks although there is a darker colour in the centre where there could have been a label. Inside the hat is taped a printed label; “Mc DADE 801 1032” Button’s emblem- a cross with five stars, under a crown, all within a buckled belt with the motto “AUT PACE AUT BELLO”. The plaque on the case has no legible marks. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, dr w r angus, t.s.s. largs bay, berry mcdade, 19th century colonial military uniform, artillery staff officer’s cocked had, victorian volunteers, victorian colonial military forces, colonial militia, aut pace aut bello, cocked hat, cockade hat, bicorn hat, military bullion, oak leaves and acorns pattern, gold bullion tassels, military heraldry, w.r. angus collection.

Formed in 1885, Victorian Mounted Rifles companies were recruited in rural centres, including Wangaratta. Members of country rifle clubs formed a significant component. They were semi-professional: only a small allowance was paid to members. Mounted Riflemen were required to provide their own mount. Not to be confused with similarly named contingents to the Boer War. Part of the Victorian Colonial Military Forces - the umbrella term for organized Victorian (non-British) pre-colonial military activity. Red stained and lacquered wood shield with a silver metal Victoria mounted rifles symbol in the centre.VICTORIA MOUNTED RIFLES

A military unit of the Victorian Volunteer Colonial military forces was formed in Bacchus Marsh in 1860. The unit was commonly called the Bacchus Marsh Troop but was more formally known as the Bacchus Marsh Prince of Wales Light Horse.Foolscap size ledger book. Bound. Gold colored covers with rectangular red section on spine which has gold lettering inside it. The book is mainly a record of stores received by the Bacchus Marsh Light Horse Troop. Stores or supplies noted include shot and shell, saddle cloths, shoulder belts, bugles, leather, ammunition, uniforms and clothing details such as great coats and tunics and firearms such as rifles. Some pages contain details of specific firearms received such as Lancaster and Martini Henry rifles. Most entries relate to supplies received. Some pages contain specific supplies provided to each member of the troop who are individually listed by name and rank alongside their allotted supplies.'Stores Received' on spinearmed forces, bacchus marsh volunteer military troop, colonial military forces

A military unit of the Victorian Volunteer Colonial military forces was formed in Bacchus Marsh in 1860. The unit was commonly called the Bacchus Marsh Troop but was more formally known as the Bacchus Marsh Prince of Wales Light Horse.Foolscap size ledger book. Bound. Gold colored covers with rectangular red section on spine which has gold lettering inside it. The book is mainly a record of stores received by the Bacchus Marsh Light Horse Troop. Stores or supplies noted include shot and shell, saddle cloths, shoulder belts, bugles, leather, ammunition, uniforms and clothing details such as great coats and tunics and firearms such as rifles. Some pages contain details of specific firearms received such as Lancaster and Martini Henry rifles. Most entries relate to supplies received. Some pages contain specific supplies provided to each member of the troop who are individually listed by name and rank alongside their allotted supplies.'Stores Received' on spinearmed forces, bacchus marsh volunteer military troop, colonial military forces

A military unit of the Victorian Volunteer Colonial military forces was formed in Bacchus Marsh in 1860. The unit was commonly called the Bacchus Marsh Troop but was more formally known as the Bacchus Marsh Prince of Wales Light Horse.Foolscap size ledger book. Bound.armed forces, bacchus marsh volunteer military troop, colonial military forces

This original tunic or jacket is part of the full dress uniform of the pre-Federation Victorian Permanent Artillery regiment. Its owner had the rank of Sergeant, as indicated by the three inverted chevrons. The Artillery design of the badges and buttons indicate the date of the tunic to be from 1893 to 1903. However the maker of the tunic, W. Moncton, began manufacture in Melbourne in 1899, so this the tunic can be dated between 1899 and 1903. The donor's grandfather was given this tunic but not the name of the original owner. It has since been suggested to the family that the tunic was worn by a local Western District Light Horse member. This could very well have been the case because mounted troops were officially referred to as the Light Horse in the late 19th to early 20th century. Several local men were involved in the Light Horse during the First World War. The donor's grandfather wore this tunic in the local district when riding a penny farthing bicycle. The donor's father also wore the tunic when dressed as a 'Captain' hosting a local disco dance. BRIEF MILITARY HISTORY- The Crimean War began In 1854 and many people in colonial Australia were afraid of a Russian attack. Volunteer forces were established to strengthen the British Imperial troops posted here. A battery of artillery was raised in Victoria as well as in other Australian states. In 1870 Australia became responsible for its own naval and military defence. The Volunteer Corps and Victorian Navy shared the responsibility of defending the existing forts, assisted by volunteer coastal and mobile field batteries. The Permanent Victorian Artillery force was established. It was disbanded in 1880 then re-formed in 1882 as the Victorian Garrison Artillery Corps. In 1895 the Geelong, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland Batteries became part of the Western District Garrison Artillery. Many of the volunteers who served in the Artillery were from rural areas. They belonged to rifle clubs and were experience horsemen as well. Australia's defence at this time relied on these mounted troops, or Light Horse men. In 1899 the Victorian Garrison Artillery Corps amalgamated with the New South Wales and Queensland Permanent Artillery to become the Victorian Regiment of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). Then prior to Federation, the RAA and the Permanent Artillery of South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania all combined, becoming the Royal Australian Artillery Regiment with two Batteries of Field Artillery; Battery A from Sydney and Battery B from Melbourne.This original uniform tunic of the pre-Federation Victorian Permanent Artillery is significant for its association with Australia's military defence and the fortifications of our district, state and country. The tunic is also significant, representing part of the history and evolution of uniforms in the Australian military forces. The tunic is also significant in its representation of Australia's independence in forming its own defences. The tunic has local significance in its connection with local social events.Tunic or jacket, part of the full dress uniform of the pre-Federation Victorian Permanent Artillery operating from 1893 to 1903. Original, single-breasted tunic of dark blue wool, red piping trim, black cotton lining in body. Sleeves lined with blue striped, white cotton. Front closure has eight brass buttons. Red band-style collar with hook-and-eye closure has gold bullion braid trim and a brass badge pinned each side at the front. Upper right sleeve has three inverted chevrons on red fabric with gold bullion braid trim (rank of Sergeant). Both sleeves have gold bullion braid 'Austrian knot' emblems stitched onto lower arm, with ends finishing on the inner sleeve. Shoulder epaulettes have red piping and smaller brass buttons. Closed back vent has vertical scalloped design with six brass buttons, in two columns of three, and red piping trim. Brass belt hook is attached to the left back waist, close to the seam (right side has a mark indicating a previous similar clip). Inside left breast is a concealed pocket. Tunic has both machine and hand stitching. All brass shank-style buttons have matching Artillery emblems with inscriptions on the back. The two brass collar badges have additional artillery emblems of exploding grenade and star as well as an inscription. Buttons were made for W. Moncton, of Melbourne and marked with his name. He traded from 1899, dating the tunic to between 1899 and 1903.Button front: Artillery emblem on front (field cannon facing left, in front of a muzzle-loading ram rod). Button back: engraved "W. MONCTON . MELBOURNE ." Collar badges: Artillery emblem (field cannon facing right | stars | exploding grenade | "AUSTRALIA")flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, uniform jacket, uniform tunic, garrison volunteer uniform, fortifications in victoria, victorian permanent artillery, pre-federation military uniform, sergeant's uniform, jacket, militia, victoria, victorian volunteer forces, victorian regiment, royal australian artillery, raa, field gun, sergeant, w. moncton, garrison, dress uniform, tunic, scarlet collar, red collar, scarlet piping, red piping, gold bullion, artillery emblem, light horse, artillery, mounted troops, victorian garrison artillery corps

Used by Victorian Mounted Rifles and other Colonial Volunteer units equipped with Martini Henry rifle.Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.Yataghan sword bayonet, blade 585mm, black Guttapercha handles and leather scabbard.WD ( Crown ) 59" , 5/18 and "7/82"military, colonial, yataghan, sword, bayonet, victorian, vmr

The M7 bayonet was introduced in 1964 for use with the M16 rifle. It was issued to Australian troops during the Vietnam conflict 1962 - 1972.Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian military forcesUS M7 bayonet , blade 170mm length, Plastic handle. Scabbard Green Plastic.On blade " US M7 Cometta " On scabbard " US M8 A1 "bayonet, vietnam war, m16

This pattern bayonet, which affixed to a .303 Lee Enfield rifle was standard issue to Australian forces in World War 1 ( 1914 - 1918 ), World War 2 ( 1939 - 1945 ) and the Korean War ( 1950 - 1953 ).Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.British pattern 1907 bayonet, with wood hand grips blade 430mm long, with leather scabbard with steel fittings and leather bayonet frog.ON handle " A- 93061 " On blade " 1 - 1922 Lithgow "wwi, wwii, korea, world war one, world war two, lee enfield

This type of bayonet was common issue for the French Army in World War 1 (1914-1918). Part of a collection of edged weapons, some relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian military forces, others are souvenirs brought home by returning soldiers.French Model 1892 Berthier bayonet, 527 mm long fluted steel blade, with metal scabbard. On ring - "AE 30556"france, berthier

This pattern bayonet which affixed to a .303 Lee Enfield rifle was standard issue to Australian forces in World War 1 (1914-1918), World War 2 (1939-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953). Leather bayonet frog might indicate WWI light horse issue.Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.British pattern 1907 bayonet, blade 430 mm long with wood hand grip and leather scabbard and leather frog.Blade " 7. 17 Wilkinson" Frog " Dexxil Don 1917"military, bayonet, world war one, world war two, korea, light horse

Bayonet designed to fit the .577" calibre Enfield "3-band" rifled Infantry muskets.Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.British pattern 1853 Enfield Socket bayonet, 450mm long triangular section bladeT Preston Manchester 1 Mweapon, colonial, victoria, bayonet, enfield

The 8th Light Horse was raised from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles located in North-east Victoria following federation. In 1912 a major reorganisation of the Australian military forces resulted in the regiment being renumbered 16th Light Horse. Following World War One the regiment reverted to 8th Light Horse with the territorial title Indi Light Horse.Metal shoulder title of 8th Australian Light Horse worn on the epaulet during the period 1900-1912.light horse, victoria, federation

The 8th Light Horse was raised from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles located in North-east Victoria following federation. In 1912 a major reorganisation of the Australian military forces resulted in the regiment being renumbered 16th Light Horse. Following World War One the regiment reverted to 8th Light Horse with the territorial title Indi Light Horse.Metal hat badge of 8th Australian Light Horse (VMR) worn during the period 1900-1912., and with motto 'Timeo Nec Sperno'light horse, victoria, federation, vmr, 8th

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised in 1885 as the mounted arm of Victoria’s colonial defence forces. Companies were recruited in rural centres across the State, members of country rifle clubs forming a significant component. They were semi-professional: only a small allowance was paid to members. Members were required to provide their own mount. Mounted riflemen were not cavalry, not being equipped with lance or sword. They were trained to fight with rifle and bayonet after dismounting. Horses enabled rapid and far reaching manoeuvrability. Upon Federation, the VMR companies became Australian Light Horse regiments.Rare photograph of mounted Victorian colonial soldier.Black and white photograph of Victorian Mounted Rifles trooper mounted on his horse. His side arm is a Yataghan sword bayonet indicating he would be armed with a Martini-Henry rifle.victorian mounted rifles, vmr, uniform, bayonet, horse, military, colonial

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Black and white photograph of group of Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers posed with a gentleman and three ladies. Occasion is probably open day at a camp of training. Photograph is professionally mounted o backing card.Ink stamp on reverse: "Hewitt / Photographer / 98 Simpson Street east Melbourne / Weddings and picnics attended / Extra copies may be obtained"vmr, boer war, colonial, training, uniform

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

Good quality framed photograph of founder of Victorian Military Forces, Colonel Tom Price.Framed photograph of Colonel Tom Price in uniform of Victorian Mounted Rifles.victorian mounted rifles, vmr, price, uniform, hat, military, colonial

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Printed card for VMR Centenary Dinner giving Wine List and music.Contains significant dates for VMR; Battle Honours: 100 years of VMR mobility.military, vmr, centenary

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Printed invitation to VMR Centenary Dinner 4 May 1985 and menu for the function."Mr D Campbell & Mrs Campbell"

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Two colour photographs of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles formed for the march to Holy Trinity Church Benalla 4 August 1985 for the Centenary Service.

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Hand written letter from Major Parker, Director of Royal Tournament replying to Robert Morrison's letter ( 3103.906 ) . He points out the difficulty of affiliated regiments 14/20 Hussars and Queens Royal Irish Hussars providing horses because they no longer have horses.

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Marks one event in centenary celebrations.Printed Order of Service for Victorian Mounted Rifles Centenary Church Parade at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Benalla, 4 August 1985.church, vmr, centenary, benalla

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Two colour photographs of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles marching to Holy Trinity Church Benalla 4 August 1985 prior to the Centenary Church Service.benalla, vmr, centenary, church

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. First Day Cover commemorating 100 years of service Victorian Mounted Rifles Postmarked 1 May 1985 at Albury NSW 2640. Badge of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles on left side of envelope.3109908 Tpr Ellison. C. E. A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Buna Barracks Victoria Street Albury NSW 2640military, vmr, postage, centenary, victoria