Historical information

The King's Colour was presented to 8th Light Horse in 1904 for service in South Africa. It, together with the 1920 Colour, was laid up in the Anglican Church Benalla. In 1976 both colours were found in a cupboard at the church. The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment arranged for a case for the colours to be mounted on the wall at the church. In the early eighties it became necessary to remove the case to allow building work at the church and the case and colours were donated to the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection.

Significance

Representative example of a King's Colour dating from 1904 presented to a Light Horse Regiment with a close connection to regional Victoria. It is well provenanced, and mounted together with the 1920 Colour making it a rare object indeed.

Physical description

Rectangular Union Jack flag (King's Colour) fringed with maroon and gold cord and mounted in a stained timber, glass fronted case, together with a second flag of similar appearance; The case has three engraved metal plaques affixed to the lower case.

Inscriptions & markings

On plaque under flag: "The King's Colour presented to 8 Light Horse Regiment (Victorian Mounted Rifles) November 1904 For service in the Boer War". Plaque in the lower right corner of case: "This case was presented by the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles 1976".