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 and men transferred to a variety of other units. A small number were trained in the use of Flame thrower equipment in preparation for service in the landings at Balikpapan and Tarakan .

Physical description

Black and white photograph of 12 soldiers dressed in khaki drill uniforms and wearing slouch hats and peak caps posed with two flame thrower devices.

Inscriptions & markings

LHQ Flame Warfare Training Team. Taken at Ravenshoe Atherton Tablelands QLD. Includes Sgt George Wiltshire and seven sgts all with service through 8th Light Horse Regiment, 8 Recce Bn, and finally 8 Cav Regt A.I.F.