Topic: Militia - LHW - WA
Western Australian Militia
Wellington Mounted Volunteers
The following is an extract from the book written in 1962 by George F. Wieck called The Volunteer Movement in Western Australia 1861-1903, pp. 43 – 44:
Wellington Mounted Volunteers
After the failure in 1862 to raise a Volunteer corps in the Vasse-Sussex district nothing further was done until in 1876 the Military Commandant recommended a proposal to raise a mounted corps at Bunbury. A Government Gazette, dated 25 June 1877, contained authority to raise the "Wellington Mounted Volunteers" with headquarters at Bunbury. Captain J. H. Rose was appointed to Command.
There are no recorded details of the life and experiences of the corps. There are indications that difficulties in the supply of arms and uniform, similar to those suffered by the sister corps at Pinjarrah, caused disappointment among the rank and file.
The colour and design of uniform adopted were similar to that worn by the Pinjarrah corps and the arms issued were also revolver carbines and Light Cavalry swords. An officer's sword with the title of the corps "chased" on the blade is in the custody of the Perth Museum.
The roll bore 55 names in 1877, 38 in 1889, and only 18 in 1882. There can have been no surprise when the Government Gazette of 30 November 1883 announced the disbandment of the corps.
Officers of the Wellington Mounted VolunteersCaptain RH Rose, 25 June 1877
Captain TR Lovegrove, 25 June 1877
Lieutenant MW Clifton, 7 August 1878
Previous: Geraldton Rifle Volunteers
Next: Albany Rifle Volunteers
Further Reading:
Western Australian Militia, Light Horse
Western Australian Militia, Infantry
Citation: The Volunteer Movement in Western Australia, Wellington Mounted Volunteers
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Friday, 4 September 2009 10:41 PM EADT
