Historical information

The Governor General Lord Gowrie visited the 8th Light Horse regiment when it was in camp at the Corowa Showgrounds September 1939. The second World War broke out three days later.
The 8th Light Horse (Indi) Regiment superseded the 16th Light Horse in 1919.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

Rare photo of gathering at outbreak of World War 2.

Physical description

Black and white photograph of officers at camp September 1939 at Corowa. Governor General Lord Gowrie in attendance.

Inscriptions & markings

" Governor Lord Gowrie VC. officers of 2 Cav Div and 8th Light Horse at Corowa Camp 1st Sep 1939 " followed by list of names.