NORTHERN TERRITORY DEPLOYMENT 44 YEARS APART

In 1942, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Indi Light Horse) moved to Northern Territory and took over responsibility for airfield defence from 2/7th Divisional Cavalry Regiment. Forty-four years later, 1988, A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles deployed to Northern Territory during its annual camp to train for the defence of Tindal Airfield.

8th Cavalry Regiment (Indi Light Horse) in Northern Territory 1942.

8th Cavalry was equipped with Bren Gun Carriers; 8th/13th with M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, but the climate, terrain and the task remained the same.

Soldiers of the 8th Cavalry Regiment (Indi Light Horse) on patrol Northern Territory 1942.

A Squadron soldiers carried out dismounted and mounted patrols becoming familiar with the conditions especially noting the likely changes between wet and dry seasons. Patrol reports prepared by Captain Colin Carrington can be found on our Victorian Collections catalogue.

Captain Colin Carrington, A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles, left front, with his patrol near Fergusson River, Northern Territory 1988.