Historical information

First President Wangaratta RSL 1928
Colonel H J Shannon D.S.O., V.D.

Physical description

Brown timber frame containing sepia photograph of Army Officer

Inscriptions & markings

Col. J. J. Shannon D.S.O., V.D. - First President Wangaratta RSL. 1928
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 whee 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 from retirement to organise the V.D.C in North East Victoria.