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. The 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 showing the social aspect of pre-Federation militia.

Physical description

Black and white photograph of large group of soldiers of the Victorian Mounted Rifles together with two women and two children. There are tents in the background suggesting the occasion was an open day during an annual encampment.