Uniform

0235.jpg

0235.jpg

From the Collection of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection Building 129 Carlisle Drive North Bandiana Vic

Description: Khaki serge tunic with Corporal's chevrons, Rising Sun collar badges, metal buttons and VDC shoulder flashes.
Size: 750mm x 450mm x 230mm
Object Registration: 0235
Keywords: vdc, uniform
Historical information: Volunteer Defence Corps tunic and belt issued to V373891 Corporal Ian Stewart Wallace of the Albury Company Volunteer Defence Corps, 1942. Corporal Wallace was born at Kergunyah, Victoria, 24 November 1900. The VDC Company at Albury was raised in mid-1940. An initial meeting was organised by the local R.S.S. & A.I.L.A (RSL) on 28 May 1940. Names of intending members was forwarded to Sydney and on 11 July 1940, Captain Phillip Heywood, a grazier of ‘Hawksview’ and returned WWI officer, was appointed to command Area R.9 which took in Albury, Holbrook, Howlong, Corowa and Walbundrie districts. It is likely Ian Wallace joined in February 1942 when membership was expanded from former servicemen to over-age men and those in reserved occupations. Uniforms were only issued in 1942, prior to that VDC members paraded in civilian dress.
When Made: 1942
Significance: Rare example of uniform worn by Volunteer Defence Corps member during 'dark' days of Second World War when Australia feared invasion.
Inscriptions & Markings: 'V373891 Wallace I S' on name tag inside coat.
Last updated: 3 Jul 2020 at 3:50PM

Wine goblet

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

A silver plate goblet with the donor's name engraved around the base.

Inscriptions & Markings

Major R N Morrison 1979-1990

Preview View Page

Silver plate tankard

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Silver plate tankard engraved on side with donor's name.

Historical information

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.

Significance

One of a collection of tankards donated by officers of a citizen soldier regiment in rural Victoria. It is in excellent condition.

Inscriptions & Markings

20th ALH / Officers Mess / presented by / Lieut H McP Austin

Preview View Page

Silver plate tankard

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Silver plate tankard engraved on side with donor's name and date.

Historical information

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.

Significance

One of a collection of tankards donated by officers of a citizen soldier regiment in rural Victoria. It is in excellent condition.

Inscriptions & Markings

20th Light Horse Regiment / presented by / Lieut J G Burchall / 16-10-1939

Preview View Page

Silver plate tankard

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Silver plate tankard engraved on side with donor's name and date.

Historical information

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.

Significance

One of a collection of tankards donated by officers of a citizen soldier regiment in rural Victoria. It is in excellent condition.

Inscriptions & Markings

20th Light Horse Regiment / presented by / Capt V A McLeish /1936

Preview View Page

Silver plate tankard

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Silver plate tankard engraved on side with donor's name and date.

Historical information

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.

Significance

One of a collection of tankards donated by officers of a citizen soldier regiment in rural Victoria. It is in excellent condition.

Inscriptions & Markings

20th Light Horse Regiment / presented by / Major K D McKenzie /1936

Preview View Page

Silver plate tankard

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Silver plate tankard engraved on side with donor's name and date.

Historical information

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.

Significance

One of a collection of tankards donated by officers of a citizen soldier regiment in rural Victoria. It is in excellent condition.

Inscriptions & Markings

20th Light Horse Regiment / presented by / Lieut G B Daniel / 16-10-1939

Preview View Page

Mess tins

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Set of nesting aluminium mess tins with place names scratched into the outside of the soft metal. Tins were the property of Sergeant Sydney Neale who served in Militia prior to the WWII then the AIF. He has scratched his service career onto the tins.

Historical information

Sydney Charles Neale was a 35 year-old carpenter living in Albury when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces on 1 July 1940. He was at that time serving as a sergeant in the 122nd Howitzer Battery, 22nd Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division (Militia). Neale served with the 2nd 1st Field Regiment, 6th Division AIF in North Africa, Greece, Crete, Ceylon, Australia and Papua New Guinea. He returned to Albury following the war. He died 17 May 1955 and is buried at the Albury Cemetery.

Significance

Unique example of a WWII soldier's record of service engraved on his mess tins which he carried with him throughout the war.

Inscriptions & Markings

Main inscription "VX 33047 S NEALE" numerous other inscriptions.

Preview View Page

Annual reunion program

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Program for the 1933 Annual Reunion of the 8th Light Horse Regiment (AIF) Association held at Anzac House Melbourne. Program is glued to light card backing.

Historical information

The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. 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

Represents the ongoing camaraderie of soldiers from Victoria.

Preview View Page

8th Light Horse badges

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Framed set of one hat badge and pair of collar badges of 8th (Indi) Light Horse Regiment

Historical information

The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. 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 presented set of regimental badges relating to citizen soldiers of North East Victoria.

Inscriptions & Markings

8 / Light Horse / Indi

Preview View Page

Watch case

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Small leather pouch with belt attachment. Belt attachment and front flap closed with metal buttons.

Historical information

This case was used by Captain Charles Arblaster, a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, who served with the 8th Light Horse Regiment at Gallipoli where he was wounded and evacuated to the United Kingdom for treatment. He returned to Egypt and transferred to the 53rd Infantry Battalion and proceeded to the Western Front where he was wounded and taken prisoner of war at Fromelles on 20 July 1916 and died of wounds four days later. He was aged 21.

Significance

Personal item which adds to other items in the collection.

Inscriptions & Markings

CA / 8LH / MGS

Preview View Page

Born digital image

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Colour image of section of four light horsemen led by rider carrying a flag or pennant on lance.

Preview View Page

Photograph

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Black and white photograph of Light Horse officer on horseback with drawn sabre. He is Lieutenant Robert Morrison 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.

Historical information

Lieutenant, later Major Robert Morrison was instrumental in raising the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop. The Troop consisted of serving soldiers of the regiment as an extracurricular duty and carried out numerous community and official activities including regal and vice-regal escorts.

Significance

Good study of citizen soldier officer engaged in community activity.

Inscriptions & Markings

Lt Robert Morrison 1 Troop A Sqn 8/13 VMR leading Grand Parade Wodonga Horse Show Jul 1979

Preview View Page

Born digital image

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Black and white image of two soldiers engaged in tent-pegging. They are members of the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop.

Preview View Page

TST board

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Wooden board with decorative spanner mounted.

Historical information

Parting gift from Corporal D L Knight to Technical Support Troop (TST) 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. TST provided first line repair and recovery to armoured unit.

Significance

Representative of gifts given by departing members of the regiment

Inscriptions & Markings

Presented to / TST 8/13 VMR / by Cpl D L Knight

Preview View Page

Born digital image

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Damaged black and white photograph of group of soldiers of the 8th Light horse Regiment at Seymour 1908.

Historical information

8th Australian Light Horse Regiment was raised following Federation from companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles in North East Victoria. It was an all volunteer force of citizen soldiers. The annual encampment, usually conducted over the Easter break, was the culmination of training conducted in local areas throughout the year.

Significance

Study of citizen soldiers in first decade following Federation

Inscriptions & Markings

Seymour 1908. / Sgt W Luscombe 2nd right centre row. / Holder of the Local Forces Victoria Long Service and / Good Conduct Medal, also holder of the Colonial Forces / Long Service Medal. / Donated by I Errey Baddaginnie.

Preview View Page

Photograph - John James Barnes

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Two black and white photographs of soldier of the 8th Light Horse Regiment (AIF) bein No 487 Trooper John James Barnes, Machine Gun Section.

Historical information

John James Barnes , 23 year-old labourer of Marong Victoria enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) 8 September 1914 and was allocated to 8th Light Horse Regiment. He had two years pre-war service with the light horse. He served on Gallipoli, was evacuated ill and subsequently returned to Australia. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade.

Significance

Good studies of soldier in World War One light horse uniform

Inscriptions & Markings

John James Barnes / 8th Light Horse Reg / Reg No; 487

Preview View Page

Photograph

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Three black and white images of Light Horse in camp at Seymour 1908.

Historical information

Australian Light Horse regiments in Victoria were raised following Federation from companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles.

Significance

Excellent study showing the camp layout of rows of tents separated by horse lines.

Inscriptions & Markings

"Australian Light Horse Camp Seymour 1908; Watering horses"

Preview View Page

Untitled

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Black and white photograph of three 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles officers, winners of the pistol shoot at the 3rd Division annual shooting competition, c.1979. From left: Lieutenant S Whitehead, Captain J McLean, Lieutena t G Malloy.

Historical information

Shooting competition was held annually for all units of the 3rd Division.

Significance

Good study of Victorian citizen soldier officers at skill at arms activity.

Preview View Page

Untitled

8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection, North Bandiana

Black and white photograph of three soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles being presented with the 3rd Division Rifle Shooting trophy by commander 3rd Division Brigadier J E Barry, c.1977. From left: Corporal Laughton, Corporal R McDonald, Lance Corporal G Ranfatel.

Historical information

Shooting competition was conducted annually between all units of the 3rd Division.

Significance

Study of citizen soldiers in 1970s.

Preview View Page