Historical information

Lord and Lady Gowrie attended the Melbourne Cup 1 November 1938. Their escort on that occasion was drawn from 8th (Indi) Light Horse Regiment and commanded by Lieutenant FC Trickey with soldiers drawn from Benalla, Euroa, Wangaratta, Tallangatta, Wahgunyah, Wodonga and Rutherglen Troops.
The 8th Light Horse (Indi) Regiment superseded the 16th Light Horse in 1919. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria.
In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.

Significance

Well prepared memento of vice-regal visit to regional centre and escort duty by the local regiment.

Physical description

Framed photograph of an extract from "The Benalla Ensign" of Friday November 4 1938 reporting on the Governor General's escort to the Melbourne Cup drawn from the 8th Light Horse Regiment. The frame is black painted wood with gold trim.