It began as a gathering of original members of the 10th Light Horse Regiment in the years after they made their mark on history in some of the fiercest and most famous battles of World War I.

They would meet at the 10th Light Horse Regiment memorial in Kings Park, renew friendships and remember fallen mates.

In the years since then the gathering has evolved into a more formal ceremony involving former and current members of the regiment, including members of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps Association WA.

And at 10am on Sunday April 17 they will march to the memorial on Fraser Avenue, accompanied by a band, a horseback rider to represent their original mode of transport, and several armoured vehicles, their modern mount, and conduct a wreath-laying ceremony.

The 10th Light Horse Regiment was the only AIF light horse regiment recruited in WA during WWI.

It served dismounted at Gallipoli, and took part in actions including the charge at the Nek and the fighting for Hill 60, which saw Hugo Throssell awarded the Victoria Cross, the only Australian light horseman to be so decorated during the war.

After the withdrawal from Gallipoli the regiment helped defend Egypt and then drove the Turks across the deserts of Sinai before advancing into Palestine, and went on to be the first formed regiment to enter Damascus.

Dick Jones, who was a member of the regiment for about 30 years and is now president of the armoured corps association, said he had met many of the original Anzacs before time caught up with them and they were an “absolutely fantastic” group of men.

10th Light Horse Regiment commanding officer, Major Dan Wright, said current members were proud of their regiment’s place in Australian military history and had a tremendous esprit de corps.
Story: Malcolm Quekett, The West Australian.
Photo: Bill Hatto