THE VICTORIAN MOUNTED RIFLES by David Schmitt (Trish Gregory)

Attempts to form such a group had been made in 1860, 1870, 1875 and 1882. Volunteer forces were severely undermanned in 1884 when. they had to meet all their own expenses, but because of the various overseas scares and the economic situation at this time, it was felt that a defence group was a necessity.  The need to reorganize the voluntary forces was recognized by the Government which, in 1882, appointed F.T.Sargood as the first Minister for Defence in Australia.    In 1883 Rifle Clubs were formed by volunteers, to train in marksmanship, and by 1884 130 clubs' existed.

The requirement for a second line of defence if the militia and permanent forces were involved in action was recognised in1885 and so the Victorian Mounted Rifles came into being. Lieutenant Colonel Tom Price's services were obtained and regulations were drawn up. Price was colonial born, and had served in the Imperial forces; he toured country Victoria for 3 months, explaining training and regulations,  and obtaining support.  Nine companies were formed, with 42 detachments, entailing. over 1,000 men.

There were two Gippsland Companies formed,  comprising   10  Detachments.- "C" and "D" Companies, each with 5 detachments.  "C" Company consisted of volunteers from Sale, Glengarry, Heyfield, Maffra and Rosedale, with Headquarters at Heyfield.   "D" Company comprised volunteers from Drouin, Moe, Morwell, Trafalgar, and Yarragon with H.Q. at Drouin.   Other regional detachments were added by 1890 but then a gradual loss occurred due to the 1890's Depression. The men could only obtain a  Commission in these Forces by passing the necessary examinations.

Routines of the Victorian Mounted Rifles included the completion of a musketry course, mounted and dismounted parade drills, escort duties for V.I.P.s and attendance at Easter encampments.   In later years, the routines also covered sham fights, tournaments, local and inter-company encampments and shooting competitions interspersed with social evenings, smoke nights, and concerts. Sale Company had a great reputation as social entertainers, within the Gippsland region.

During the (90's) Depression years, a lack of funds curtailed most of this training, and the Victorian Rangers Detachment and the Victorian Mounted Rifles amalgamated to form the Victorian 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Victorian Mounted Rifles, in 1903. By 1904 the voluntary Victorian Mounted Rifles ceased its existence.

In the Boer War, 20 Gippsland men gave their lives, many were wounded, and taken as prisoners of war.

Mr. David Schmitt showed us slides, and pointed out the different types of uniforms worn in the Colonial forces. The Victorian Mounted Rifles were the first to wear khaki uniforms and the slouch hat, and established the mounted infantry model which was adopted by other colonial forces.

At the conclusion of David's address, Mrs. Valma Plant put on display a medallion presented to Trooper H.T. Row by the townspeople of Traralgon, on his return from South Africa on 24th July, 1901, which has been donated to our Society by the Row family.

Mr. Sanders moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Schmitt for this unusual and interesting address. Mr. Sander's father, Edwin Sanders, had served in the Boer War, and their family treasures his portrait in uniform.