Historical information

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised in 1885 as the mounted arm of Victoria’s colonial defence forces. Companies were recruited in rural centres across the State, members of country rifle clubs forming a significant component. They were semi-professional: only a small allowance was paid to members. Members were required to provide their own mount. Mounted riflemen were not cavalry, not being equipped with lance or sword. They were trained to fight with rifle and bayonet after dismounting. Horses enabled rapid and far reaching manoeuvrability. Upon Federation, the VMR companies became Australian Light Horse regiments.

Significance

Rare photograph of mounted Victorian colonial soldier.

Physical description

Black and white photograph of Victorian Mounted Rifles trooper mounted on his horse. His side arm is a Yataghan sword bayonet indicating he would be armed with a Martini-Henry rifle.