The MRV is mounted on a concrete plinth as a memorial. Around it is a paved area with memorial rocks set in each corner, each a memorial to one of the 3 Light Horse Regiments (12th, 16th, 24th, 12/16 HRL).
12th/16th Hunter River Lancers and 24th Lighthorse Memorial Museum
The museum is situated in a converted domestic house, in the grounds of GAZA depot, the home of the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers. GAZA depot has been used for military purposes for 103 years and the building is heritage listed. Original horse tie rails still remain adjacent to the hall.
Address:
174 Mann Street, Armidale, NSW
Tel:
0267729764
Hours:
Thursday - Friday 12:00noon - 4:00pm, Saturday - Sunday & Public Holidays 10:00am - 4:00pm
Email:
Admission:
Free
Facilities:
Wheelchair access, shop, guided tours, brochure available.
Collection:
The collection consists of memorabilia and artefacts donated as family heirlooms, and items salvaged from disposal or destruction. The museum's focus is on the military service history of the local community, the Units in which community members served and the theatres of war. This includes Units which were raised, disbanded, amalgamated and exist today, representing the heritage of the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers (HRL). The 12/16 HRL is an operating General Reserve Unit in the Armoured Personnel Carrier role.
Items
Armoured Vehicle
Medium Recon Vehicle
Description:
This medium Recon Vehicle is a British Scorpion Turret mounted on the M113A1 vehicle. It was used by the 12/16 Hunter River Lancers in the 1970s.
Date:
1976-1990
Boer War Memorabilia
Williams collection
Description:
Headwear, plumes, badges c.1890; box of chocolate from Queen Victoria (intact); souvenir biscuit from Transvaal Boer War 1900; photos, silver matchbox.
Date:
1899-1902
This collection gives an insight into life in the pre-1st World War army and the Boer War involvement.
Medals
Sgt. CJ Williams and E Williams campaign medals
Description:
Engine-Room Articifer E Williams' Royal Navy medals: Egypt medal 1882-89, Khedives Star 1892-91, Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct medal 1848-74. Also Sgt. Charles Williams' Boer War medals; Queen's South Africa medal, Queen Victoria Jubilee medal, King Edward Coronation medal.
Date:
1842-1946
These medals are part of the Williams Collection of memorabilia which is shown separately. (see item 4)
Photos, letters
Digby Collection
Creator:
Gerald Digby
Description:
A collection of personal photos, letters and other items used by Gerald Digby, Trooper 2 Troop A Squadron 12th Light Horse Regiment.
Date:
1911-1942
The majority of this collection dates from the Gallipoli campaign. One item of interest is a letter written to Digby's mother on a biscuit packing card. Personal items include; compass, sewing kit (housewife), cigarette tin, captured Bedouin knife.
Light Horseman and Horse
Light Horseman
Creator:
Doug Lennox
Description:
A fibreglass model of a lighthorseman and his warhorse carrying all their authentic saddlery, equipage and weapons (Lee Enfeild rifle bayonet and sabre) presenting an image of the WWI desert campaign.
Date:
1914-18
Display itemises all equipage and weapons and their uses, also shows weights carried by soldier and horse. Display also gives an appreciation of what life was like.