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The Role of Armour in the Australian Defence Force is defined as:
"The co-ordination with other arms, to close with and destroy the enemy forces using fire, manoeuvre and shock action."
The 15th Light Horse (Northern River Lancers) was a Light Horse militia unit in New South Wales. It was disbanded on 12th October, 1944.
When World War 1 ended in 1918, the battle honours
won by the AIF were transferred to militia and senior cadet units for safe
keeping. The honours won by the 15th were transferred to the 4th Light Horse
(New South Wales Northern Rivers Lancers). This unit dated from the raising
of the Upper Clarence Light Horse by Captain CHE Chauvel in 1885. This unit
was part of the NSW Cavalry Reserves, then No 5 Squadron of the NSW Lancers.
A large contingent had served with the Lancers in South Africa.
In 1921, the new unit was designated the 15th Light Horse (Northern Rivers
Lancers). It like all Australian mounted units of the 1920s, was dual rolled
as cavalry and light horse.
The badge of the 15th Light HorseWhen in 1929 regimental badges were again
issued. The 15th opted for a new design. It was based on a suggestion by
General Sir Harry Chauvel, the unit's honorary colonel. Sir Harry under his
father had been one of the founding members of the Upper Clarence Light
Horse, and commanded the Desert Mounted Corps in which the 15th LH (AIF) had
served. The centre piece was to be a date palm tree, the formation sign of
the Desert Mounted Corps, flanked by two Turkish Crescents. Sir Harry about
1928 selected a new motto for the Regiment "Nomina Desertis Inscriptus" -
"in the deserts we have written our names".
The Regiment was ultimately de-horsed in 1941, becoming the 15th Motor
Regiment. After Japan's entry into the war it was called up for full time
service. It became the motor regiment of the 1st Armoured Brigade of the 1st
Armoured Division.
In October 1944 as the threat of Japanese invasion faded, the Division was
broken up and the Regiment disbanded. The personnel were used for
reinforcements for AIF units in the South West Pacific.
15th Light Horse (Northern River Lancers) Junior Leaders NCOs Course - Lismore Show grounds, 1938.
(Northern River Lancers - M Buckley)
This site was last updated
14/02/09.
Tradition
Date of Formation:1918 Date of Disbandment:
12th October, 1944
Unit Colour Patch:
Unit History Book:
The NSW Northern Rivers Lancers
Martin Buckley
Affiliation:
The King's Colonials (Yeomanry) - 1908
Alliance:
15th/19th Hussars- 1930
Motto:
Nomina Desertis Inscripsimus
