Historical information

At Federation, the Victorian Mounted Rifles companies in North East Victoria were reorganised into the 8th Light Horse Regiment. In 1912 the regiment was renumbered 16th Light Horse. In 1920 following WWI, the revitalised Citizen Military Forces renumbered 16th (Indi) Light Horse to 8th (Indi) Light Horse with Headquarters at Benalla and sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria.
In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion equipped with Bren Gun Carriers, 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.
In 1948, the 8th Light Horse was linked with 13th and 20th Regiments to form the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles in the Citizen Military Forces.
8th Light Horse became 8th Reconnaissance Regiment in December 1941 and was .

Significance

Shows casual approach to dress while training.

Physical description

Black and white photograph of group of soldiers of 8th Light Horse in shorts and shirts, some without shirts or hats.There are no plumes in hats indicating unit is transitioning from horses to Bren Gun Carriers, late 1941.

Inscriptions & markings

" 8th Light Horse 1941.