Horsham Reserve Forces Day

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi All
A relatively new military celebration day here in Oz is Reserve Forces Day that recognises the contribution of the Reserve Forces to the defence of the land. Ada and I travelled to Horsham, Victoria (about 830km round trip) for this parade and we entered an Australian Armoured Car into the parade. The significance of this was that only 18 were made between 1934 - 1940, but two still exist, Bandicoot and Porcupine. The other significance is that these vehicles were deployed to the First Armoured Car Regiment in Horsham and this parade was the first time the vehicles had been back in Horsham for about 67 years.
Bob

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Porcupine being unloaded. Interesting tilt trailer.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

The parade was lead by 20 Light Horse re-enactors.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

The line-up.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Bandicoot and Porcupine on parade.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

The Light Horse re-enactors also had a WW1 horse drawn ambulance cart. This was beautifully made.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

The local Reservists also displayed some modern military vehicles.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Another interesting fact is that both vehicles are consecutively numbered, Bandicoot C-6280 and Porcupine C-6281. Both were on the assembly line at the Islington South Australian Railways workshop circa 1939/40 and again this would have been the first time they were re-united since 1940. We had a terrific time and it was one of the most gratifying parades I have ever taken part in.
Bob