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Horses of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial

Horses of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
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Horses of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial
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Horses of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, close-up of sculpture
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Horses of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, plaque 1
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Horses of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, plaque 2
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Horses of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, plaque 3
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Horses of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, plaque 4
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Horses of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, plaque 5
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Description / Background

The war memorial consists of a sandstone-block wall, bearing a cast-bronze relief sculpture. It depicts an Australian Light Horse Trooper, leading three horses. Positioned either side on the wall are two bronze plaques, bearing the dedication. 

The memorial is in honour of some 140,000 horses that served in the Desert Campaign in the First World War. Of these, only one of was allowed back into Australia at the end of the war. 

The memorial was unveiled on Anzac Day, 25 April 1950. It is located on the south-west external wall of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.

Inscription

Wall

To the horses of the Desert Mounted Corps

Wall - plaque 1

Erected by members of The Desert Mounted Corps and friends to the Gallant Horses who carried them over Sinai Desert into Palestine 1915–1918

Wall - plaque 2

They suffered wounds thirst, hunger and weariness almost beyond endurance but never failed. They did not come home. We will never forget them.

Base - plaque 3

This memorial was unveiled on Anzac Day, April 25, 1950, by Lady Chauvel, whose husband General Sir Harry Chauvel, C.C.M.G., K.C.B. commanded the Desert Mounted Corps.

Base - plaque 4

This plaque was unveiled by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of New South Wales Wednesday 31 October 2007 at 4.30pm.

Commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Charge at Beersheba which took place at 4.30pm on Wednesday 31 October 1917. Success of the charge led to an early conclusion of the desert campaign in the Middle East in World War I.

In memory of the gallant men and horses of the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments that took part in the charge and those that made the supreme sacrifice.

In the presence of Dr Richard Chauvel, Grandson of General Sir Harry Chauvel GCMG KCB Commander of the Desert Mounted Corps who ordered the charge, members of the Chauvel family, serving and former members of the pre World War II Light Horse, Royal Australian Armoured Corps, Australian Defence Force and friends. 

Base - plaque 5

This plaque was unveiled by His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia on Sunday 4 July 2004 to mark the 90th Anniversary of the First Australian Imperial Force and the Australian Light Horse serving in World War I.

In the presence of participating serving and former members at the 7th Annual Reserve Forces Day Parade in College and Macquarie Streets Sydney.

Frank Morgan a former Sergeant of the 6th Australian Light Horse a Mounted Militia Regiment representing the Light Horse Units - WWII.

United Kingdom Yeomanry including Major General the Duke of Westminister KG OBE TD DL, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff Reserves and Cadets, United Kingdom (Former Yeomanry Commanding Officer).

1/15 Royal New South Wales Lancers, 12/16 Hunter River Lancers, the Australian Defence Force Reserve.

Members of Cavalry, Armoured and Transport Units from New Zealand, Canada, the United States, France and the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers).

90 horses and riders, historic armoured and transport vehicles, Reserve Units and Unit Associations.

The Reserve Forces Day Council was formed to recognise: on the 1st July each year, the value of Reserve Service to the Nation and to thank employers and partners for their support.

The Hon Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC, National and NSW Chairman Reserve Forces Day Council

Robert Clive Pankhurst, Master of the Horse, Reserve Forces Day Council

Lt Col A John Moore OAM RFD ED Retd, National Executive Officer and NSW Dep Chairman Reserve Forces Day Council.

Veterans listed on this memorial

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Address
Royal Botanic Gardens
Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Local Government Area
Sydney, City of
Setting
Garden/park
Memorial type
Wall
Recorded by
John K. Wright. David Roden.
Year of construction
1950
Dedication date
25 April 1950
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Materials
Bronze
Sandstone