8/13 VMR MUSEUM OPENED 8 DECEMBER 2019 — VICTORIAN MOUNTED RIFLES

A feature of the 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Open Day, 2019, was the official opening of the VMR Museum at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia. Mrs Joan Finlayson, ably assisted by the Honorary Colonel, Major General G Garde, cut the ribbon. She also unveiled a plaque recording this occasion to be the third occasion on which the museum has been opened, each time in a different location.

Mrs Joan Finlayson and Major General Greg Garde ready to step forward to cut the ribbon to open the 8/13 VMR Museum at Simpson Barracks. At left are CO 4/19 PWLH Lieutenant Colonel John Pearse and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Doug Hunter, Chair of 8/1… — Mrs Joan Finlayson and Major General Greg Garde ready to step forward to cut the ribbon to open the 8/13 VMR Museum at Simpson Barracks. At left are CO 4/19 PWLH Lieutenant Colonel John Pearse and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Doug Hunter, Chair of 8/13 VMR Trustees. Mr D Finlayson is standing behind his mother.

The first museum was developed at Buna Barracks, Albury, and opened on 1 May 1988 by Colonel GK Howard, Director RAAC. When the Squadron relocated to North Bandiana the museum was rebuilt in Building 105 and reopened on 2 August 2003 by Major General RP Irving, Commander 2nd Division. Regrettably this building had to be closed in April 2009 and the museum collection placed in storage.

King’s Banners presented to 8th Light Horse Regiment for service in Boer War, presented 1904, and World War 1, presented 1920. These Banners were originally laid up in Trinity Church Benalla, but during extensive renovations to the church they were … — King’s Banners presented to 8th Light Horse Regiment for service in Boer War, presented 1904, and World War 1, presented 1920. These Banners were originally laid up in Trinity Church Benalla, but during extensive renovations to the church they were passed to the 8th/13th VMR Museum. Similar Banners were presented to the 13th Light Horse Regiment, but unfortunately all trace of them has been lost.
The colour patches beneath are those of the 8th, 13th and 20th Light Horse regiments.

Guidons of the 8th Light Horse Regiment, 13th Light Horse Regiment and 20th Light Horse Regiments. They carry battle honours from the Boer War, World War 1 and World War 2The Honour Boards beneath relate to the World War 2 service of the regiments. — Guidons of the 8th Light Horse Regiment, 13th Light Horse Regiment and 20th Light Horse Regiments. They carry battle honours from the Boer War, World War 1 and World War 2
The Honour Boards beneath relate to the World War 2 service of the regiments.

The Memorial Board at left honours all who served in the Victorian Mounted Rifles in its 135 year history. The board was reworked from a board originally housed in the Methodist Church Albury. The church closed in 1994.The case at centre houses gift… — The Memorial Board at left honours all who served in the Victorian Mounted Rifles in its 135 year history. The board was reworked from a board originally housed in the Methodist Church Albury. The church closed in 1994.
The case at centre houses gifts from affiliated regiments: 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars and 14th/20th Hussars.
Surrounding the case, from top left, are the World War 2 colour patches of 2/8th Armoured Regiment, 41st, 42nd & 43rd Water Transport Companies, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 20th Motor Regiment and 13th Armoured Regiment. Hanging on side wall is an illuminated role of 7th Light Horse Regiment 1907.

After nine years in storage with no prospect of a building becoming available and with the volunteer staff ageing and experiencing declining health, CO 4th/19th faced with the prospect of the collection being lost, made available a building at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia. A year of hard work supported by the regiment saw phase 1 of the redevelopment complete, making a reopening possible.

Storage in basement of Building 129, North Bandiana with one of the museum volunteers (the late) John Bauerle sorting papers. The collection is stored in poor quality containers and shelving, but more importantly the photo highlights our other probl… — Storage in basement of Building 129, North Bandiana with one of the museum volunteers (the late) John Bauerle sorting papers. The collection is stored in poor quality containers and shelving, but more importantly the photo highlights our other problem, the loss of our valuable volunteer base. Regrettably, John passed away shortly after the photo was taken. With him died decades of knowledge of the regiment.

Mrs Finlayson is a member of the 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment Association, her husband Arch having been a member of the regiment during World War Two. She has been and continues to be a generous supporter of both 8th/13th and 4th/19th museums. It was a pleasure to have her conduct the opening.

Mrs Finlayson beside the case containing uniforms and memorabilia of the 2/8th Armoured Regiment AIF. Mrs Finlayson’s husband Arch served in the regiment.

This exhibition commemorates and celebrates all who have served in the Victorian Mounted Rifles during its one hundred- and thirty-five-year history, and in its many forms and roles: Victorian Colonial Forces and Australian Military Forces; horse mounted and mechanised; in peace and at war.

Side cases containing uniforms of two former Honorary Colonels of 8/13 VMR: Sir David Fairbairn and Major General HH (Tack) Hammer. Above the cases is a march banner of the 13th Australian Light Horse Association.

Highlights of the exhibition include Honour boards, Guidons, King’s Banners, gifts from affiliated British regiments, memorabilia of our contingents and regiments raised for the Boer War and First and Second World Wars.

Plans are in place to develop and install phase 2 of the museum in 2020. Phase 2 will concentrate on the forty-plus year post-World War Two period when the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was active in Northeast Victoria and Southern NSW.