RECENT ADDITIONS TO MUSEUM — VICTORIAN MOUNTED RIFLES

The museum staff took the opportunity during the recent 8/13 VMR Association bus trip, 7 August 2022, to adjust the display. A uniform worn by Colonel John Neale was placed on display alongside uniforms worn by two other Honorary Colonels, Sir David Fairbairn and Major General H H (Tack) Hammer. The other change was the installation of an elevated stand in the 8th Light Horse case to display binoculars and spurs belonging to Lieutenant Thomas Howard who was killed at the Nek, 7 August 1915.

John Neale served with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) during World War Two, having enlisted as 16-year-old. His service was at shore and ship stations in northern Australia.

Framed photograph of Lieutenant Colonel J A Neale when commanding 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment.
Portrait is on display with other COs & OCs in 8/13 VMR History Room Simpson Barracks.

Following the war, he began an illustrious CMF career, enlisting as a trooper in 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles in 1948, serving in non-commissioned and commissioned ranks finally rising to command the regiment 1969-76, including a period of full-time duty in South Vietnam. He then served as Honorary Colonel of the regiment, 1986-92.

Service dress tunic worn by Colonel J A Neale when Honorary Colonel 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles 1986-1992. Uniform now on display in Case 5, 8/13 VMR History Room Simpson Barracks.

Colonel Neale was instrumental in the formation of the Regimental Association and the establishment of the Regimental Museum.

The binoculars and spurs in the 8th Light Horse case belonged to Lieutenant Thomas Spencer Howard 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment. Howard was killed in action in the charge at the Nek, on 7 August 1915. The presentation plaque on the binocular case reads: ‘Lieut TS Howard 8th LH, 3rd Aust Imp Exped’y Force, From Chief and Staff of J.F.C. Jan 1915’

Binoculars in case with engraved presentation plaque. The binoculars were presented to Lieutenant Thomas S Howard prior to his departure with the 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment during World War One.

These spurs were part of the kit of Lieutenant Thomas S Howard 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment. They were returned to his family following his death at the Nek, Gallipoli, 7 August 1915. They are now on display in Case 17, 8/13 VMR History Room Simpson Barracks.

In July 2022, both items were offered for sale on eBay. They were purchased by the Finlayson Trust and presented to the 8/13 VMR History Room for display. They complement another Nek relic already on display, the hat worn by Trooper Alexander Borthwick at the charge.