HISTORY OF THE 12^TH AND 16^TH LIGHT HORSE REGIMENTS
AND HUNTER RIVER LANCERS

The Regiment's lineage can be traced to the pre-Federation 1st Australian Horse 'D' (Scone, Belltrees and Muswellbrook) and 'E' (Gunnedah, Boggabri, Tamworth and Armidale) Squadrons raised in 1897, NSW Lancers (Maitland Singleton Half Squadron),  and NSW Mounted Rifles (Tenterfield Inverell Half Squadron).

South African War (1899-1902).   Squadrons of the 1st Australian Horse and NSW Lancers saw action whilst serving with British Cavalry during the South African War.   The Australian Horse Squadron, attached to the Royal Scots Greys, was engaged almost continuously from 7th March - October 1900, taking part in over 40 actions.   The modern Regiment retains alliances with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys) and the Queen's Royal Lancers from the War.   The NSW Mounted Rifles operated as an independent unit. Sergeant C.J. Williams (NSW Lancers Maitland Singleton) and Trooper D. Cameron (1st Australian Horse Scone), who were to figure in the post-Federation Hunter River Lancers and New England Light Horse, took part with distinction in the campaign.

Post-Federation.   The Hunter River Lancers and New England Light Horse were formed from regional Squadrons of pre-Federation units from 1903.   A leading figure in the New England Light Horse was J.L.G Johnstone who, following World War I service, commanded the Regiment from 1927-33.

World War I - Gallipoli.   With the formation of the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF), Hunter River Lancers and New England Light Horsemen enlisted in AIF Light Horse Regiments raised in NSW.   The 12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, constituted in February 1915, drew many of them including the first Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel P.P. Abbott, a Glen Innes solicitor.   After sea passage to Egypt the 12th was committed at Gallipoli, on 29th August 1915, as dismounted reinforcing Squadrons for other depleted Light Horse Regiments.   Colonel Abbott took command of the gallant Western Australian 10th Light Horse which had been fruitlessly decimated at the Nek, the episode retold in the Peter Weir film 'Gallipoli'.   Captain F. Nivison from Walcha went to the 1st Light Horse and was awarded the Military Cross later in the War.   In the ensuing four months at Gallipoli, 600 men from the 12th Regiment endured great privations during a desperate phase of the campaign before evacuation in December.   The Australian trenches were infested with flies, disease and the stench of the dead.   Winter brought blizzards and a frozen death to a number of soldiers unprepared for the cold.   In all, 19 were killed in action or died of wounds at Anzac.

World War I - Egypt and Palestine.   The 12th Light Horse reconstituted in Egypt on 22nd February 1916 and by May had crossed the Suez Canal to take part in the campaign to defeat the Turks and their German support in the Sinai and Palestine.   During this campaign the Regiment, together with the 4th Light Horse from Victoria, claimed that which is arguably Australia's greatest victorious battle honour, at Beersheba.   The Turkish defensive line from Gaza on the Mediterranean coast to Beersheba, an oasis of wells some 35 kilometres inland, stubbornly resisted the Allied advance.   In April 1917 a fresh plan was made to breach the Turkish defences.   The key to the plan was an attack to take Beersheba and roll up the Turkish defence from the flank, a difficult undertaking due to limited water available for horses and men on the approach march.   Leadership of forces against Beersheba was vested in Australian Lieutenant General H.G. Chauvel, commanding the Desert Mounted Column.   On 31st October 1917, following an exhausting operation by the Column to secure ground covering approaches to the town, and as the afternoon shadows were lengthening, Chauvel gave the order to put the 4th Light Horse Brigade, under the command of Brigadier General Grant, 'straight at it'.

The Charge at Beersheba.   Although equipped as mounted infantry, without swords that would have made a mounted charge more tenable, the 4th Light Horse Brigade was chosen for the attack as they were the closest available troops to the town.   By 4.30 pm, with sunset approaching, the 12th Regiment on the left and the 4th Regiment on the right moved off in line by squadrons at the trot from a start line 7,000 yards east of the oasis.   The 12th Light Horse War Diary records that 'the Regiment then moved on Beersheba at the gallop', with rifles slung and bayonets flashing in hand.   The appearance of the thundering mass of Australian horsemen so shocked the Turkish defenders that, after initially applying heavy fire against the charge, they neglected to adjust their sights as the range closed.   Lieutenant Colonel D. (Donald) Cameron (formerly 1st Australian Horse), was in command of the Regiment at the Charge.   Major E.M. (Eric) Hyman, a Tamworth grazier, led 'A' Squadron first into the tumult of the battle.   He dismounted a troop to deal, at the point of the bayonet, with a redoubt guarding the eastern outskirts of the town whilst the remainder of the Regiment galloped on, jumping trenches in the way.   'A' and 'B' Squadrons entered the town in one wild body, the greater part slipping north under Captain J.R.C. (Jack) Davies from Scone (who commanded the Hunter Rivers Lancers from 1928-33), to then turn about and prevent the escape of the fleeing Turkish Garrison in that direction.   Lieutenant R.K. (Rodney) Robey, whose sword is now presented annually to the outstanding subaltern officer in the 12th/16th, led his troop to the western side of the town to flush the Turks into Davies' trap.   It is recorded that 'the greater part of the enemy immediately surrendered'.   Beersheba, with most of its precious wells intact, together with 738 prisoners, 90 artillery guns, three machine guns, railway rolling stock and animals, was taken by the 12th Regiment at a cost of 20 of their number killed and 19 wounded with 44 valiant horses dead.   Among those who had given their lives was the renowned Australian cricketer, Trooper A. (Albert) 'Tibby' Cotter, greatly admired in the Regiment, who was shot dead as he galloped the enemy trenches.    For the action that day, Cameron and Hyman were awarded Distinguished Service Orders and Davies and Robey were awarded Military Crosses.   Following Beersheba, the Regiment took part in many more successful actions during the allied advance and victory through Palestine, the Jordan Valley and onto Damascus.

Between the Wars and World War II.   After World War I the Light Horse was organised to reflect the contribution made by districts to the Middle East Campaign.   A significant number of Beersheba veterans served on after the War including Trooper G. (Gerald) Digby who gained the rank of Major in the New England Light Horse which took immediate lineage from the 12th.   The Hunter River Lancers, as the 16th Light Horse Regiment, were granted battle honours for the sacrifice of Hunter Valley men.   The 24th Light Horse (Gwydir Regiment) was similarly raised.   All three were mobilised for the Second World War as Armoured Car or Motor Regiments but were not required for overseas service and disbanded by 1943.   However, most of their soldiers were posted to active service in the armoured, anti-tank and field artillery, infantry and service units of the 2nd AIF.   World War II links are being researched.

World War II to Today.   On 1st May 1948 the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers was reformed from pre-war members of the 12th, 16th and 24th Light Horse, 2nd AIF veterans and new soldiers.   The Regiment, linked to its past service and sacrifice has carried on to the present day, sustaining Australian Army operations at home and overseas.   Trooper D.J. (Douglas) Voyzey, who served part-time with the Regiment before transferring to the Regular Army, was killed in action in South Vietnam on 14th December 1969.   The Voyzey Trophy is awarded annually in his honour to the outstanding junior non-commissioned officer promoted during the year in the Regiment.   More recently, soldiers from the Regiment have served in East Timor, on peace support duties, and as part of Olympic Security operations.   Corporal G.D.L. (Grant) Prendergast from Warrabah and Trooper J.M. (John) Bender from Armidale, both part-time soldiers, are the Regiment's most recent veterans from Timor, having seen active service for their friends and our country as an armoured fighting vehicle commander and driver respectively.   In the current uncertain times the Regiment remains well trained and prepared to answer the call to serve our Country.