Tassie’s Light Horsemen who keep a tradition alive

Tasmanian Light Horse Historical Troop stationed in the south of the state is dedicated to preserving the rich traditions of the Tasmanian Mounted Infantry, showcasing the skills and equipment used by Light Horse soldiers throughout history. 

Their commitment extends from re-enactments of training exercises to the display of historical uniforms and gear, offering an important remembrance of history and the role the light horse played during the two world wars.

Originally the Light Horse militia regiments were maintained as part of Tasmania’s rural agricultural shows which provided an opportunity to demonstrate the skills necessary for training both soldier and horse for effective military service. 

The troops often competed in skill-at-arms activities, a tradition that continued both before and after the wars.

Nevill Thomas, a member of the Light Horse historical troop has been involved with horses for all of his life. He also had a family member in a Light Horse regiment who was sadly killed at Semack in the first world war

 His grandparents served in the wars and he himself served 22 years in the regular army.

“In my young life before joining the army, I was always involved in with horses in one way or another,” he said.

Mr Thomas explained that the Tasmanian Light Horse troop today represents the period from the formation of the Tasmanian Mounted Infantry before Federation, right through to the disbandment of horse-mounted soldiers in World War II.

“Our official registered name is Tasmanian Light Horse C squadron third Light Horse regiment historical troop.”

This is named after the Light Horse squadron Tasmania provided in WWI.

Mr Thomas said the heyday of the Light Horse era came during WWI. 

“At Federation, there were plans for 30 Light Horse regiments across Australia, although they had the numbers organised they never had that many.”

During WWI the Australian Army established 15 new Light Horse regiments across the country, each with three squadrons. 

Tasmania, despite its size, contributed one full squadron: C Squadron. 

South Australia provided A and B Squadrons. 

 “C Squadron was unique as it was entirely composed of Tasmanians,” Mr Thomas said.

“Tasmania certainly served in other Light Horse regiments, but C squadron was basically all Tasmanians.”

Today, the troop strive to keep the stories and legacy of the Tasmanian Light Horse alive by participating in parades, ANZAC Day events, and agricultural shows.

They concentrate on the horse side of things.

“We try to keep alive the stories the kudos and information about the Tasmanian Light Horse but also the Light Horse in general.”

“If we don’t remember the history, we can’t honour the sacrifice. We’re not glorifying warfare, but we are celebrating the sacrifice made by the men and horses for their nation.”

At the events, the troop performs traditional “skill-at-arms” exercises, a form of training designed to familiarise soldiers with their horses and weapons. 

One of those skills is tent pegging, where horsemen will use a lance or sabre to remove a wooden peg from the ground while galloping.

“The sabres that we use are all WWI sabres, simply because they are the safest to use,” Mr Thomas said.

The troop also features static displays showcasing the gear and equipment of the time.

Everyone involved in the troop is s volunteer.

Mr Thomas said the troop is very family oriented with members’ families often participating by wearing period costumes or nurse uniforms, which adds authenticity to their displays. 

“We are always looking for volunteers and ground crew,” Mr Thomas says. “Even if you don’t know how to ride, we can teach you."

Among the historical figures admired by the troop is Ron Walters, who, before his passing just shy of his 100th birthday, was believed to be the last horse-mounted Light Horseman in Tasmania. 

Mr Walters was just a young 18-year-old in 1939 when the war began and in his later years he would visit the troop sharing his experiences of the war and offer guidance. 

Back in the wartime, Mr Thomas said that to be a member of Light Horse regiment men had to provide their own horse and then the army paid for the time it was used.

All the horses in the Light Horse were either supplied by the people in the unit or were hired from local coach services or farmers.

“You used to get paid 10 bob a day for the use of your horse and the army would feed it  shoe it and vet check it for you so it was a great deal.”

“We try and correct the myths that have arisen, there’s a myth that all Australian horses were all shot at the end of the war and they weren’t, many of them were transferred to the British or Indian army or sold to farmers.”

Contrary to some belief, Mr Thomas said there was not a specific breed of horse used in the Light Horse regiments and there never was. This Is because each light horseman had to provide their own horse.

“Each soldier provided their own horse, often one used in their everyday life, such as for work, or cattle mustering.”

“Looking at the old papers where the army was asking farmers or breeders for horses its quite interesting, they specified the sizes and types of horses they were after.”

Mr Thomas said Light Horse requirements were good bones and not to exceed 15 ½ hands (157cm).

“In the newspaper archives here in Tassie around 1914, there was a big stink in parliament about Tasmanian horses not meeting the specifications required by the army and ministers demanding to know why the quality of Tasmanian horses was not suitable.”

Today, the troop’s activities rely on community support, particularly from farmers who provide essential resources like hay and feed, especially after this years unseasonably dry conditions.

“This year was pretty critical because we didn’t have the hay the grass or the feed due to the dry but with recent rain we are hopeful,” Mr Thomas said.

The light horse troop find the support from farmers at the events they attend invaluable.

The troop is currently expanding its historical collection having recently acquired a WWI emergency pattern ambulance and restoring 1916 limber wagons. 

Overall, the troop’s dedication to this history ensures the sacrifices and achievements of those who served are never forgotten.