Historical information

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.

Significance

Rare example of a patrol report conducted by soldiers of a Victorian Army Reserve regiment while exercising in Northern Territory.

Physical description

Report of reconnaissance patrol conducted by soldiers of 'A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles during Exercise 'Northern Explorer, Northern Territory. 13 pages plus sketch map.