Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
3rd LH Bde, AIF
3rd Light Horse Brigade
3rd LH Bde March Past in Melbourne, Wednesday, 20 January 1915
Actual Movie Footage of the March Past in Melbourne
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Melbourne Age, 21 January 1915, p. 8.
Click here for original news cutting.
The transcript of the story:
AUSTRALIA'S LIGHT HORSE MARCH THROUGH CITY
WELCOME TO 3RD BRIGADE
ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS LINE STREETBy 8 o'clock the long column of 2000 men was formed in fours and the head of the column was already moving out of camp. Through Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Flemington the brigade reached Melbourne shortly after 10 o'clock and, at Campbell and Sons horse bazaar on the outskirts of the city, halted for a few minutes to water the troop and transport horses - just time to smoke a cigarette, then tighten girths and straighten slouch hats, ready for the two mile parade before the eyes of Melbourne. Meanwhile Melbourne was ready and waiting their arrival. Every suburban train that reached Flinders Street or Spencers Street station before 11 o'clock, and every tram car that ran on the city routes helped to swell a crowd that lined the whole marching route three deep and gathered in mass round the saluting base. Collins Street and Bourke Street were avenues of flags and bunting, shops and office windows from ground floor to roof were crowded points of vantage. Prompt, at 11.40 am the head of the brigade turned from Kings Street into Collins Street and met the first cheers of the crowd. 'Where's your hankies?' called a mother to her girls. 'You'll have to give a shout for Cyril.' Shout they did - and not for Cyril only. As the head of the column wheeled into Collins Street, the mounted band struck up a swinging march, the men stiffened on their horses, and it took the most persuasive calls from sweethearts at the barricades to get the least flicker of recognition from the trooper on parade. An old gentleman watching eagerly leaned out of the crowd with a handkerchief tied to the end of his umbrella ready to raise it frantically as his son rode by. He received a grave, dignified nod of the head, and waved so frantically that the line of horses shied and nearly broke the column. All along the route of march it only required one voice to raise a 'hip' and a hundred voices finished the cheer.
Punctually at noon three Khaki horsemen swung into the road from Collins Street. A rattle of applause, the shrill notes of a distant band and the thudding of a drum announced the approach of the troops; in another minute the leading squadrons came into view and the march past had begun. Three military police head the column, acting as outriders, and, sitting like statues in their saddles, with rifle butts resting upon their right thighs. Then came the staff officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Antill and Captain McFarlane and they in turn were followed by the brigadier, Colonel Hughes, riding at the head of a group of buglers and headquarters details. The Governor-General's hand rose to the salute, a sword blade glistened in the sun. The head of the column passed by, and then followed the brigade, squadron after squadron, passing at a walk and led by the mounted band of the 8th Regiment with burnished instruments and drums swathed in the Union Jack. In many respects the march past of cavalry differs from that of infantry. Infantry march by solemnly with a mechanical effect of swinging legs and arms and swaying rifle barrels. Cavalry pass with a merry dash. They typify the joy of life in a military spectacle, passing with a music all their own and a lilting air of irresponsible jauntiness. So it was with the Light Horse yesterday. The six squadrons of the 8th and 9th Regiments rode by to the shrill bell-like treble of jingling chains; the staccato rattle of hoofs on the hard road and the soft creaking of burnished leather. They rode with sheen and sparkle of burnished chains, a glitter of spurs; and in the sun the officers' swords gleamed and flickered as they were brought up to the salute.
Further Reading:
3rd Light Horse Brigade, Roll of Honour
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade March Past in Melbourne
