AIF - 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment

The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was raised, from recruits from Queensland, in August 1914. It was one of three regiments of the 1st Light Horse Brigade - the first mounted formation committed by Australia to the First World War. The regiment sailed from Sydney on 24th September and disembarked in Egypt in October 1914. It fought in many battles at Gallipoli and Palestine before sailing home to Australia during March, 1919.

A group of original horses and unidentified members of the 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment, showing Jerusalem in the background. Circa 1917/18

(www.awm.gov.au)

A British Army photograph of a sniper using a rifle with a periscopic sight while an observer checks the results with a trench periscope. The periscopic rifle was invented by an Australian soldier. The men belong to the 2nd Light Horse Regiment and the place is probably Quinn's Post. Left to right: 274 Sergeant Ernest William Crain; unidentified; 313 Trooper Arthur Snowdon Demaine; Lieutenant Joseph Burge (killed in action 7 August 1915). Gallipoli, Turkey. 1915.

(www.awm.gov.au)

This page was last updated 30/12/06.

Tradition

Date of Formation:
August 1914

Date of Disbandment:
30th April 1919

Casualties:
203 killed, 472 wounded

Decorations:
1 CMG
8 DSO
10 MC
6 DCM
15 MM
1 MSM
34 MID
3 Foreign Awards

State Raised:
Queensland

Unit Colour Patch:

Unit History Book(s)
The History of the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, Australian Imperial Force, August 1914-April 1919
G H Bourne

Traditions inherited by:

2nd/14th Light Horse (Queensland Mounted Infantry)

2nd Light Horse Regiment Colour Patch

(www.awm.gov.au)

2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment

Tradition

The Regiment

Personnel

Battles

Picture Gallery