Historical information

This photograph is of a bronze sculpture of an Australian Light Horseman.

The sculptured was created by renowned Australian sculptor Carl Valerius.

The sculpture is now located in the National Boer War Memorial, Anzac Parade in Canberra, ACT, Australia.

Australia did not field traditional cavalry in the Boer and WWI Wars. Instead, it deployed mounted infantry known as the Australian Light Horse, who rode horses (mostly Walers) to battle but fought on foot. They became famous in the Sinai–Palestine campaign, including the charge at Beersheba.

Australia shipped approximately 120,000 horses overseas during WWI, about 39,000 went with the Light Horse to Egypt and Palestine.

These horses were used for troop mobility, officers’ mounts, transport of weapons and supplies.

Physical description

Colour photograph