Historical information

Image of Lt Colonel Herbert James SHANNON DSO,VD - Commanding Officer of the 8th Light Horse AIF.
Colonel Shannon became the 1st President of the Wangaratta RSL when it was organised under Anzac House and the present constitution. He was born at Bowman's Forest in 1874 and died in Wangaratta in 1960. He served in the Victorian Mounted Rifles at the turn of the century, rose to the rank of Captain and commanded the Wangaratta Detachment and Company - this later became the 8th Light Horse Regiment.
In 1915 he embarked as Major in the 8th Light Horse and served in Gallipoli, Sinai, Palestine and Syria when he commanded the 8th Squadron. Later he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and commanded the Regiment. During the Amman raids, he won the D.S.O at El Salt. This award was presented to him by the Duke of Clarence.
In post war period he commanded the 8th Australian Light Horse and later as Colonel of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade
During the second world war Colonel Shannon came out from retirement to organise the V.D.C in North East Victoria.

Significance

Colonel SHANNON was awarded a DSO for distinguished service during active operations against the enemy in 1915. He became the President of Wangaratta RSL in 1928.

Physical description

Gold coloured metal frame containing sepia photograph of Army Officer with moustache

Inscriptions & markings

Typed below image - "Col.H.J.SHANNON.D.S.O.;V.D."
"FIRST PRSIDENT WANGARATTA PRSIDENT RSL. 1928."


Handwritten on rear of postcard image inside frame as follows: -
Salten(?) at Cairo
10th November, 1916
"I hope you like this. I think it a very good photo.
Wishing you a happy Xmas" Bert


Rear of frame- "Col.H.J.SHANNON D.S.O.,; V.D. Photographed CAIRO 1916