This bottle may have belonged to John (Jack) Henry Teale (NX 53563). Teale was born in Riverstone, New South Wales and enlisted on 20 March 1918 at the age of 18 years and 8 months, joining the 33rd Battalion/1st Infantry Depot Battalion A Company in Liverpool; though interestingly, the stamps on his enlistment certificates predate the date of enlistment. Teale's next of kin is listed as his mother, Rebecca; on both enlistment forms, John's father, George's name is crossed out and replaced by his mother. Both parents are confirmed as being alive in a separate attestation document from 22 February, documenting parental permission for enlisted soldiers under 21 years. John Henry Teale sailed from Sydney to Liverpool via HMAS Osterley (also known as RMS or SS Osterley).This bottle was owned by John Henry Teale, a young enlistee from New South Wales. The service number inscriptions provide great research significance, allowing for research into the service history of the owner. The bottle is representative of the uniform and equipment issued to servicemen of the period, the First World War and when compared with other examples, is in comparatively good condition with the casing mostly intact. Dark blue enamelled metal eliptical-cylindrical shaped bottle with flat top and base, fastened at the top with a cork. Cork has metal handle at top with string attached (now broken where attaches to bottle). Bottle is cased in khaki woollen material, hand sewn in places and detached in others. Bottle is carried via a series of leather straps, one of which passes beneath the bottle and runs up the left and right side, ending in a loop attached to a brass metal circle and held in place with a stud/rivet; this strap carries stamped service number. Two leather straps encircle the bottom horizontally and are fastened with studs. Upper strap has service number stamped. Long leather strap passes through metal circles and each end attaches to canvas strap which sits on the shoulder. Canvas strap carries service number also. Strap is adjustable and has several punched holes through which a buckle can pass.Inscribed on canvas strap in ink: "NX53563". On middle of leather strap: "53563". On leather strap under bottle: "53563". On horizontal leather strap: "53563". john henry teale, jack teale, 1st infantry depot battalion, 33rd battalion, world war i, world war one, first world war, the great war, equipment, uniform

Ammunition shell was used in a 40 lb Armstrong Rifled Breach Loading (RBL) Gun. It does not contain explosives because the projectile and explosive were separate items. The Armstrong 40 lb BL Gun There were 4 x 40lb Armstrong (RBL) Guns issued to the Ham and Beef Battery at Hastings Victoria. After the Hastings Battery field artillery disbanded, the 4 Guns were transferred from the Hastings Battery to the Warrnambool Battery field artillery in 1904. (There is a photograph of one of these guns on its carriage, pictured in front of the Orderly room (Drill Hall) at Warrnambool, which is now the Library of South West TAFE). The 40lb Armstrong Guns were recalled back to Melbourne when the government issued the updated 4.7inch QF (Quick Firing) Naval Guns, mounted on carriages, to the Warrnambool Garrison Artillery 1907. The Hastings Museum today holds one of the original 40lb Armstrong RBL guns that were at first at Hastings and then Warrnambool, evidenced by tracing the numbers on that gun. This gun has now been restored. Surviving 40 lb Armstrong BL Guns in Australia The Hastings Museum has restored one of the Guns that was at Hastings and then from 1904-1907 in Warrnambool. This Gun is now on display at the Hastings Museum.This ammunition shell from a 40lb Armstrong RBL gun is very significant because of its association with the Warrnambool Battery Field Artillery in the early 1904-1907. It is known that the original 40lb Armstrong RBL gun used in Warrnambool is now restored and on display at the Hastings Museum.Ammunition shell from a 40Ib Armstrong Rifled Breach loading (RBL) Gun. Metal bullet-shaped object, flat base, tapering to cone-shaped tip. Parallel equidistant ridges run from outer edge of base to position where cone shape begins. Tip has a square-shaped hole in the centre and has a very uneven surface. Base has corrosion and metal is flaking away. Does not contain explosives. Remnants of white paint-like substance in several places. From the Hastings, Victoria, area. Late 19th - early 20th century.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ammunition shell, 40 lb, war equipment, hasting battery field, defence of warrnambool

Ammunition shell was used in a 40 lb Armstrong Rifled Breach Loading (RBL) Gun. The shell was fired into Westernport Bay by the Hastings Battery Field Artillery in late 1800’s or early 1900’s. It was recovered by divers in recent times. It does not contain explosives because the projectile and explosive were separate items. The Armstrong 40 lb BL Gun There were 4 x 40lb Armstrong (RBL) Guns issued to the Ham and Beef Battery at Hastings Victoria. After the Hastings Battery field artillery disbanded, the 4 Guns were transferred from the Hastings Battery to the Warrnambool Battery field artillery in 1904. (There is a photograph of one of these guns on its carriage, pictured in front of the Orderly room (Drill Hall) at Warrnambool, which is now the Library of South West TAFE). The 40lb Armstrong Guns were recalled back to Melbourne when the government issued the updated 4.7inch QF (Quick Firing) Naval Guns, mounted on carriages, to the Warrnambool Garrison Artillery 1907. The Hastings Museum today holds one of the original 40lb Armstrong RBL guns that were at first at Hastings and then Warrnambool, evidenced by tracing the numbers on that gun. This gun has now been restored. Surviving 40 lb Armstrong BL Guns in Australia The Hastings Museum has restored one of the Guns that was at Hastings and then from 1904-1907 in Warrnambool. This Gun is now on display at the Hastings Museum. This ammunition shell from a 40lb Armstrong RBL gun is very significant because of its association with the Warrnambool Battery Field Artillery in the early 1904-1907. It is known that the original 40lb Armstrong RBL gun used in Warrnambool is now restored and on display at the Hastings Museum. Ammunition shell from a 40Ib Armstrong Rifled Breach loading (RBL) Gun. Metal bullet-shaped object, flat base, tapering to cone-shaped tip. Parallel equidistant ridges run from outer edge of base to position where cone shape begins. Tip has a square-shaped hole in the centre and has a very uneven surface. Base has corrosion and metal is flaking away. Does not contain explosives. Remnants of white paint-like substance in several places. From the Hastings, Victoria, area. Late 19th - early 20th century.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ammunition shell, 40 lb armstrong rbl gun, volunteer corps, war equipment, defence forces, warrnambool bettery field artillery, hastings battery field artillery, defence of warrnambool

Trenching tool was an intrinsic part of the soldiers kit in the field.The tool was of vital assistance to the soldier in the field. Variously employed as a shovel or a pick to dig a trench, a toilet, drainage for rainwater, as a machete on occasions.Wooden handle with metal blade and spike; blade and spike swiveled out to be used but folded for carry. Some indecipherable markings but included a pointed arrow and some model or serial numbers.vietnam, vietnam war, equipment, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

The wallet was issued to some Australian soldiers in Vietnam and its waterproof characteristic was essential in a very wet environment.Significant to the soldier as it protected largely, irreplaceable documents and/or pictures.Made of a flexible plastic material, colour is Olive Drab and has sufficient capacity to carry smaller documents and protect same from moisture.Printed onto the item: V44/Made in Australia/1945/D, arrow upwards symbol D/F, arrow upwards 12.vietnam, vietnam war, equipment, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

See Patterson Cat 5825This is a green nylon rectangular 'bag'. One side is open and can be button shut using metal press studs. Inside around the hems are 30mm loops of a nylon strap.vietnam war, equipment

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of the Australian Army Landing Craft 'Vernon Sturdie' moving into the congested Saigon-Long Binh dock to unload American tanks and other vital war equipment for the South Vietnamese Army. The docks area was constantly cluttered with shipping unloading war materials.photograph, australialanding craft vernon sturdie, saigon, long binh, south vietnam army, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Staghound Armoured Carmilitary vehicles, armoured vehicles, staghound, world war two equipment, armoured car

In the Vietnam conflict, Australian troops used these ropes at night and crossing rivers to assist in keeping soldiers together. They were also used with wooden poles when making stretchers in the field and to secure prisoners.Green fibre rope assembly, single leg, polyester toggle rope. Rope is coiled with a loop at both ends.toggle rope, vietnam war, military equipment, rope, vietnam

Basic webbing was used by Australian Defence forces during the Vietnam War era (1962 - 1975) to carry personal equipment such as ammunition, water, basic rations, shelter usually on short duration operations such as patrols. Basic webbing was a classic and iconic item of equipment universally used by servicemen in Vietnam.Army basic webbing set. Jungle green colour and made of canvas. Consisting of a webbing belt, 2 ammunition pouches, 1 water bottle cover, a shoulder harness and a patrol bag.The name 'A Kelly' on the front and the name 'Ceskus. 6102716 on the back.basic webbing, vietnam war, military equipment, webbing

Green material suspenders issued as individual equipment.Suspenders, individual, equipment belt LC-1. DSA 100-74-C-0325, 8465-00-001-6471. Rebmar Incvietnam war, army equipment, suspenders, uniform, belt, webbing

All seven items would have been used by Australian soldiers on a needs basis to keep their rifle in good working order.Although all seven items may have been used only infrequently in the field, they were crucial to keeping the rifle in good working condition when needed and so were instrumental in maximising the safebeing of the soldier whilst also permitting him to carry out his duties.All seven accessories required on a needs basis by soldiers to repair/maintain their L1A1 rifle. vietnam, vietnam war, weapons, equipment, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

See also 10823, 10824.A green canvas pack normally mounted on the waist belt rear. It has hemmed edges and a clear label pocket on top of the flap. The flap is held shut with 2 cotton webbing straps. On RHS of flap are 5 eyelet holes. On sides of bag are webbing straps 5.5mm wide. There are two cotton webbing straps and buckles under the pack. On the back of the pack are two metal clips for mounting on the belt. There is a top handle 25mm wide. There is some loose cotton strands on the flap. Inside is a green water proof neck at the opening. Commonly called a “Bum Pack”Letters “US” is stenciled on flap. Under the flap is "FIELD PACK, CANVAS" with a couple of lines of numbers.vietnam war, webbing equipment

Collection of photographs showing early evolution of an armoured regiment of the Citizen Forces as it progressed from WWII equipment and uniforms to post-war equipment and uniforms. Silver regimental hat badges are worn in place of Rising Sun badge.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of White Scout Car bogged in bushland: soldiers digging it out." 1956 White Scout Car bogged in Chiltern area. "

Collection of photographs showing early evolution of an armoured regiment of the Citizen Forces as it progressed from WWII equipment and uniforms to post-war equipment and uniforms. Silver regimental hat badges are worn in place of Rising Sun badge.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of Armoured Car bogged on side of road. Tactical sign of 2nd Armoured Brigade on right mudguard." Staghound Armoured car 1956' Exercise in Chiltern/ Rutherglen area."

This hand-held signalling lamp could have had a number of uses. It could have been used by groups such as the Boy Scouts or most likely was used by local air raid wardens and other military personnel in World War Two. Its large face and the reflecting mechanism would have made it useful over a long distance.This lamp is of historical interest and is retained for display and research purposes.This is a cylindrical metal lamp with a clear glass front attached to the lantern by metal screws. The lantern has been painted black. There is an electric bulb behind the glass and a reflector disc behind the bulb. A handle, attached to the metal body, has two strands of electrical wiring at its end. The handle includes a finger clip, which, when pressed, produces a signal inside the glass area.signalling lamp, world war two military equipment

This bit was part of a bridle worn by a horse in a Light Horse Regiment during the Second World War. The style of this bit is similar to the British Universal Pattern (UP) 1902 bridle, as worn by horses in the Australian light horse, artillery, and horse drawn transport between circa 1902 and 1942.Dark metal horse bit constructed of four sections: two side sections, one middle section which sits between two sides and a chain which attaches to a loop on each side. Side sections have two large loops and a straight section with two rectangular cut outs. Middle section is straight with dip in centre, possibly for the horse's tongue. Chain is attached on the left side and hooks onto a hook on right side. Left side has "L" stamped into metal. Stamped on right side is "DEST S."horse, equine, second world war, world war ii, world war 2, 1940s, equipment

Paperback; xvii, 94 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.ISBN 0864179774world war 1, artillery, equipment

Safety Eyeshields which were issued to protect the eyes from liquid irritant sprayed from enemy aircraft. during WWIIThese eyeshields were the property of one of the pioneer families in the city of Moorabbin. 2 One-piece transparent plastic eyeshield visor, mounted on green green fabric band that is secured by three metal staples. At each end of the fabric band is secured two lengths of black elastic, one end features a metal hook, the other a metal ring, and when joined secure the eyeshields to the wearer's head. The elastic straps are joined to the to fabric by metal pop studs, and these press down into two further pop studs located on the visor making the plastic bend to the shape of the wearer's face. Cardboard case is made of heavy duty card, open one end to form and envelope for storage. A felt material is attached as a cushioned nose strip. They are in a brown paper envelope and contained within a Cardboard case is made of heavy duty card, open one end to form and envelope for storage. There are printed with instruction on how to use them.Eyeshields, Anti-Gass, Mk. II. Air Spray Immediate action to be taken to prevent blisters - with instructions.world war ii, safety equipment, eye shields, anti-gas, eyeshields

Supplied to children at Camp 3Pencils (2). 1 red, 1 blueRed "Emperor" (Substitute_ Made in Australia. A royal soverign product (Wartime finish). Blue 751 * "Aristoc" (Bird) Made by Columbia P & C Co. in Australiatatura, war camps, schools, equipment, pencil

Old canvas medical stretcher with two wooden poles. Possibly used as a military stretcher. Possibly used for a footy club stretcher.stretcher, canvas, wooden handles, emergency medical equipment, war, sports

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a medic at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam, placing instruments to be sterilized in an autoclave following surgery. Instruments and equipment were cleaned immediately following use to maintain readiness at the hospital.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, medic, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, autoclave, medical equipment

The weapons of the war in Southeast Asia ranged in complexity from technologically-advanced, eight-engine B-52 strategic bomber to the Stone Age sharpened-stake booby trap of the guerrilla. vietnam war, 1961-1975 - equipment and supplies, weapons, viet cong

A soldier's clothing and equipment are crucial for surviving on the battlefieldvietnam war, 1961-1975 -- equipment and supplies -- juvenile literature, military weapons -- vietnam -- history -- 20th century -- juvenile literature, weapons, gear, uniforms, american soldiers

The weapons of the war in Southeast Asia ranged in complexity from technologically-advanced, eight-engined B-52 strategic bomber to the Stone Age sharpened-stake booby trap of the guerrilla.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - equipment and supplies, weapons, viet cong

The weapons of the war in Southeast Asia ranged in complexity from technologically-advanced, eight-engined B-52 strategic bomber to the Stone Age sharpened-stake booby trap of the guerrilla. vietnam war, 1961-1975 - equipment and supplies, weapons, viet cong

This item has been in use since WW2 and has been a critical tool of the Royal Australian Engineers and others in that time.Given the wide range of uses of various gauges of wire to 'hold things together', and to repair maintain equipment, the wire cutter is of high significance as an important tool for a wide range of Service personnel but in particular, for engineers.Iron wire cutter, suitable to cut up to a heavy gauge wire. The item unfolds for usage and folds up when resting.D of D with small indecipherable markings.vietnam, vietnam war, engineers, tools, equipment

This diving suit with helmet, boots and weight is part of the E. G.Ward collection, along with the diving compressor and a photograph of a diver in this equipment. Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd was a British company that developed diving equipment and breathing equipment and worked on commercial diving and marine salvage projects. The company advertised itself as 'Submarine Engineers'. It was founded by Augustus Siebe, a German-born British engineer chiefly known for his contributions to diving equipment. Siebe Gorman traded as an engineering firm for over 180 years from 1819 to 1999. The early success of the business was due to its founder, the Prussian immigrant Christian 'Augustus' Siebe (1788-1872). For business reasons, he applied for and was granted British citizenship in 1856. He was a gifted engineer who was able to translate theoretical problems into practical, working products. During the industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe' at 145 High Street Holborn London, but in 1828 new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water pumps, refrigeration equipment and diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe specialised in submarine engineering early on and the company gained a reputation for the manufacture of safe, reliable diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe is best remembered for the development and manufacture of the ‘closed’ Diving Dress based on the ideas of Charles and John Deane, George Edwards and Charles Pasley. Apart from some small modifications to valves and diver communications, the basic 12-bolt ‘closed’ diving dress remained relatively unchanged after the 1870s. Later company successes were also based on innovation, with new products that could be successfully developed and manufactured to high standards. This was largely attributed to the inventive nature, foresight, engineering and entrepreneurial skills of Robert Henry Davis (1870-1965). In 1882, RH Davis joined the company of 'Siebe & Gorman' as a young 11-year-old office boy and he was to remain with the company until he died in 1965. Augustus Siebe retired in 1869 and handed over the company to a new partnership of Henry H. Siebe (1830-1885) and William A. O'Gorman (1834-1904). The new firm traded as 'Siebe & Gorman' (1870-1879) from premises in and around Mason Street, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. The two partners soon recognised the potential of R.H. Davis and in 1894, aged 24, he became General Manager of Siebe & Gorman. Davis increasingly ran the company until the surviving partner (W.A. Gorman) died in 1904. The firm was disposed of to the Vickers (armaments) family and a new company 'Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd.' (1905-1998) was formed. Under the chairmanship of Albert Vickers, R.H. Davis was kept on as Managing Director, and the company forged ahead. However, after WW1, the Great Depression caused manufacturing output and share prices to slump. In 1924 Robert Davis made a deal with the Vickers Board and acquired control of the company through majority shares. Under his leadership, the Siebe Gorman Company flourished and within time, four of his sons also joined the firm. The company gained a worldwide reputation for the manufacture of diving apparatus, decompression and observation chambers, and safety breathing apparatus of all types for use on the land, in the air and under the sea (including mine rescue, tunnelling, aircraft, diving, submarine escape and in other hazardous environments). Close research and development links with the MOD (especially the Admiralty), also provided a lucrative outlet for the company products. In 1932, Robert Davis was knighted by King George V, principally for his invention of the ‘Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus’ (D.S.E.A.). Siebe Gorman essentially remained a family firm from the beginning (under A.Siebe) until it became a public company for the first time in 1952. However, following WW2, British manufacturing stagnated through stifled investment and post-war austerity, and there was little innovation. Siebe Gorman fortunes began to decline as an ageing Sir Robert Davis failed to invest, or change the company business and management practices. In 1959, Siebe Gorman was acquired by the “Fairy Group” and the ailing Sir Robert was made Life President. Consequently, nothing changed and the slow decline continued until Sir Robert's death in March 1965. Around 1960, Siebe Gorman acquired the diving apparatus manufacturer C E Heinke, and for a brief period, it manufactured some diving equipment under the combined name of Siebe Heinke. Around 1964, Mr E. 'Barry' Stephens was appointed as the new Managing Director to modernise Siebe Gorman. Changes were made, including a move to a new factory in Wales in 1975. The new company concentrated on fire-fighting breathing apparatus and escape equipment, and the move coincided with the loss of many of the older, traditional craft skills. Between 1985 and 1998, Siebe expanded through acquisitions, and several other companies were acquired. The Siebe Gorman (diving apparatus) company has therefore traded as A. Siebe (1819-1870); Siebe & Gorman (1870-1879); Siebe Gorman & Co (1880-1904); Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd (1905-1998).The diving suit, helmet, boots, and weights, along with associated equipment in the Flagstaff Hill collection, represent a highly significant snapshot of marine history. These items are particularly important in understanding the evolution of diving equipment, with a special focus on their use in salvage operations before and throughout the Second World War. Manufactured by a company renowned for its inventions, development, and innovation in marine engineering, the equipment demonstrates the progression of technology in deep-sea diving. Early helmets and related items produced by this company remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide, highlighting their historical and technological value. The presence of these items within the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum allows for a unique insight into the working conditions and methods employed by divers. It also illustrates the considerable dangers they faced while performing such essential and hazardous work, underscoring the critical role played by these professionals in maritime history.Diving suit including helmet, boots and a weight. Diving suit is made of canvas with knitted cuffs. The helmet is metal. The boots have a thick sole and thick leather upper that is held on with leather straps and buckles. The toe of the boot is heavy metal. The weight is worn next to the trunk of the diver and it has an inscription to mark the front. It is worn with straps and buckles holding it in place. Royal Navy Admiralty Pattern 6 bolt No 3 light Siebe Gorman light diving helmet circa 1960, used by the Royal Navy before and after World War 2. This equipment is part of the E. G. Ward Collection."Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd Marine Engineers London. Patent" with "E G Ward" on front and back plate. On weight "FRONT"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, diving suit, siebe gorman and co ltd., siebe gorman and co ltd marine engineers london, marine engineers, diving helmet, diving boots, diving weight, marine diving, maritimemuseum, maritime village, maritime history, marine technology, life saving, deep sea diving, maritime museum, siebe gorman and co ltd., siebe gorman and co ltd, london, deep-sea diving, e. g. ward, e g ward, e.g. ward, edward ward, ted ward

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