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The newly formed 7th Light Horse - Goulburn Troop commenced in 2007, with its members coming from the communities of Goulburn and its surrounding district. The members come from varies backgrounds, including ADF ex-serviceman, current and ex-NSW Police officers, business owners, managers and farmers. The troop has a honorary member, being an ex-Quarter Master Sergeant, who served with the 7th ALH, Headquarters Squadron, Goulburn from 1935 to 1939 (to be updated further, once more interested parties become members).
HISTORY
The 7th Regiment can claim its origin to the “1st Australian Horse”, a volunteer unit raised in New South Wales in 1897, just prior to the South African War. It was organized in squadrons until 1903 with A Squadron – Murrumaburrah, Cootamundra and Gundagai. B Squadron – Goulburn, Braidwood, Araluen, Michelago, Bredbo and Bungendore. C Squadron – Mudgee and Rylstone. D Squadron – Scone, Belltrees and Muswellbrook and E Squadron – Tamworth and Armidale. From 1914-19, the 7th Light Horse was attached to 2nd Brigade with the 5th Light Horse Regiment (QLD), 6th Light Horse Regiment (NSW), 2nd Machine Gun Squadron and 2nd Signal Troop under the 2nd Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ryrie (later Major General Sir Granville Ryrie) and formed part of the Australian Imperial Force. At the Divisional Organization of 1921, the 7th Light Horse Regiment (Australian Horse) formed part of the 4th Cavalry Brigade, allotted to 1st Cavalry Division, Headquarters in Goulburn. In 1936, the 7th Light Horse was linked with the 21st Light Horse, a unit which had previously been linked with the 1st Light Horse (RNSWL). The Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) remained in Goulburn (and Sydney), Headquarters Squadron in Goulburn, Gunning and Yass, with its troop squadrons in Braidwood, Kangaroo Valley, Nowra, Young, Harden, Grenfell, Canberra, Cooma and Bombala. In 1937, the 21st was reformed as a separate regiment, "Riverina Horse" and the Australian Horse reverted to the designation of 7th Light Horse Regiment. During the outbreak of World War Two, the 7th became part of the Home Defence Force, until in 1942, it was converted and re-designated the 7th Australian Motor Regiment and was called up for full-time duty. In 1943, it was disbanded. In 1948, the units reformed as the 7th/21st Australian Horse, and became a CMF Armoured unit with a reconnaissance role, equipped with Staghound Armoured Cars and Canadian Scout Cars. The RHQ was in Cootamundra, with no sub-units based in Goulburn.
BATTLE HONOURS
In 1928 a Regimental Guidon was consecrated at a Brigade camp at Liverpool and presented to the Regiment by Lt Gen Sir Harry Chauvel. Those shown in parenthesis are emblazoned on the Regimental Guidon, including: “South Africa (1899-1902)”, “Defence of ANZAC” – Suvia, “Sari Bair”, Gallipoli 1915, “Rumani”, “Egypt 1915-17”, “Gaza-Beersheba”, El Mughar, Nebi Samwil, “Jerusalem”, “Jordan (Es Salt)”, “Jordan (Amman)”, “Megiddo”, Nablus and “Palestine 1917-18”. The Guidon of the 7th Light Horse Regiment is laid up in the soldier’s chapel, St Saviour’s Church, Goulburn.
World War 1: 165 killed, 655 wounded. Decorations 1 CMG, 5 DSO, 1 OBE, 7 MC, 8 DCM, 20 MM, 28 MID and 5 foreign awards.
REGIMENTAL MOTTO
“For Hearths and Homes” – since formation. The colour patch is a rectangle, divided diagonally from left hand top corner to bottom right corner, top half black, and bottom red. The badge is a shield charged with the cross over of a rifle and sword in saltis superimposed by a boomerang with the motto inscribed and surrounded by a waratah bloom.
AIMS and OBJECTIVES
• To carry out all tasks pertinent to the Aims and Objectives of the Australian Light Horse Association Ltd (ALHA).
• To foster a continued interest in Australia's military history, especially the Australian Light Horse's achievements and traditions, within the people and its of Goulburn and its surrounding districts.
• To take part in Public Displays, Street Parades and other ceremonial activities, which the Troop may from time to time, be called upon to provide.
• To create personal pride in wearing the uniform of the Light Horse by involvement in community events, re-enactment rides and training activities.
• To ensure the continued existence of Australia 's unique military history by the acquisition and preservation of the uniforms, weapons, equipment, memorabilia, photographs, records and documents of those from Goulburn and its surrounding districts who served in the 7th Light Horse Regiment, Australian Light Horse.
• To preserve the 7th Light Horse Regiment – Goulburn Troop for future generations.
MEMBERSHIP
There are three categories of membership:
Riding Member. All Active Riders must be paid-up members of the Light Horse Association Ltd and be listed on the Association's Insurance Register. Open only to those aged 16 and above.
Active Non-Riding Member. Take part in the many dismounted activities wearing full uniform, such as drill and ceremonial, i.e. catephoh party. The member must achieve an adequate level of drill, dress and bearing, and be a member of the Light Horse Association, and be listed on the Association's Insurance Register. Open to any age group.
Support Troop Members, Patrons and Sponsors. This is for non-riding members, who may be retired Light Horsemen, wives, interested persons, or anyone having an interest in the ideals of the Troop. It is not compulsory for members in this category to be members of the Light Horse Association Ltd. Open to any age group.
THE UNIFORM
During public displays and events, we will wear the uniform of the Australian Light Horse, A.I.F. 1914-18 periods. We will also cater for the periods of the Boer War (1899-1902) and during the Militia Periods (1921-1940’s). The wearing of the uniform will strictly follow the ALHA guidelines, as well as the wearing of rank and decorations. The cost of uniforms will be met by the individual member.
HORSES
As mentioned by other Re-enactment Troops, all horses used as Troop mounts are to be sound. Any horse that exhibits signs of severe nervousness, aggravation or of bad temperament will not be permitted to take part in any Troop activity. It is recommended the minimum height of 14.2 hands, maximum of 16 hands. All horses must have sound feet, be washed & brushed and in good condition. Only solid colours are accepted i.e. Black, Brown, Bay, or Chestnut. Riding stallions or rigs is not encouraged. Horses that are judged unmanageable will not be included in parades / displays.
EQUIPMENT
The minimum uniform and associated equipment for Riders and Non-Riders are as follows;
Hat – khaki fir felt, plumes, hat badge, puggaree and chinstrap.
Jacket – khaki (pre 1943 WW2) wool serge with accoutrements.
Bandoleer – 9 pocket (90 round leather pattern).
Waist belt – 45mm wide tan leather with brass buckle.
Breeches- Bedford corded fabric with laces below the knee. Colour to be same as Jacket.
Leggings – spiral strap leggings.
Boots – are laced up and not elastic side.
Spurs – are regulation pattern. They are worn with a tan leather butterfly on the spur strap.
Saddle – British Universal Pattern 1902 or 1912 used by the mounted forces from Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. Other equipment will include a Saddle cloth, bridle, shoe case (with frog), head/neck rope, sword (1908 pattern cavalry), bayonet (1907 pattern worn on the left side) and rifle bucket and rifle (Rifles – Must hold a current NSW Firearms Licence and bide by NSW Firearm Act Laws with the correct licence categories, i.e. A, B or Collector’s).
TRAINING DAYS
Training days to be announced. So give us a call if want to come along. Dress and equipment for training days will be neat and serviceable riding clothing. Beginner riders are to wear a safety helmet and others may wear the hat KFF.
CONTACT NUMBERS
Executive Officer: Chris Stafford 4823 6335 or thestaffords@aapt.net.au |
