Infantry Museum - Royal Australian Infantry Corps

History

1911 to 1922

In 1911 the School of Musketry's first Commandant Major F. B. Heritage, donated part of his personal small arms collection to the school and formed the foundation of the School's Small Arms Collection. Until his departure in 1922, Major Heritage continued to expand and widen the scope of the collection.

In 1921 Lieutenant Latchford, then serving on the staff of the School, secured a quantity of weapons from the Australian War Memorial, consisting of machine guns, grenades and revolvers of World War I vintage, including a number of captured enemy weapons. With the departure of Lieutenant Colonel Heritage in 1922 the development of the collection continued under the direction of Lieutenants Latchford and Edwards. Two of the Museum buildings are named “Heritage” and “Latchford” in recognition, and appreciation, of their efforts.

WWII

Very few additions to the collection were acquired during World War II. Major J. E. M. Hall, whilst attending a Small Arms Technical Course in the United Kingdom, managed to interest the authorities in the school's collection and as a result, secured a very valuable and extensive variety of weapons of World War II origin.

Post World War II the collection continued to grow into a most comprehensive collection of military pistols, rifles, sub machine guns, light machine guns, machine guns, anti-tank weapons and mortars. The museum also has a number of prototype and trials weapons. In 1965 the collection was redesignated the Royal Australian Infantry Corps Museum when the patron, the then General Officer Commanding Eastern Command Major General T. Daly, CBE, DSO officially opened the Museum at Ingleburn, NSW. The “Daly” building is named after Major General T. Daly, CBE, DSO.

Relocation to Singleton 1973

The Museum was relocated, to Singleton New South Wales, with the Infantry Centre in late 1973 and officially opened on 15th March 1974, by the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roden Cutler, VC, KCMG, KCVO, CBE. In December of 1998 the Museum came under the command of the Army History Unit and is now an integral part of the Army Museums Network.

Today the Museum has three main buildings with many interesting exhibits. The “Heritage” building exhibits memorabilia from Suakin, in Egypt, through to the current day, including the 8th and 9th Battalion Colours of the Royal Australian Regiment. The recently refurbished “Hassett” building, contains a large selection of weapons. The Daly building exhibits a history of the Royal Australian Regiment covering campaigns from Korea through to current day peacekeeping operations.

Exhibits

Maxim MG08

Anti-tank Weapons

Early 20th Century Gatling Gun

Exhibit items provide a tangible historical record from a variety of theatres and operations. A one hundred year old Gatling Gun, a heavy cumbersome weapon by today's standards, but almost revolutionary in war-fighting when introduced into service is displayed. It's operating principles are still used in some of today's weapons.

Other displays include World War I Poppies, picked at Fluerbaix, France near Fromille and homemade weapons from East Timor. A medal group, from a veteran of four wars, one of which is a Distinguished Flying Cross DFC are also exhibited.

Several types of early anti-tank rifles and numerous recoilless anti-tank weapons give evidence of earlier wars. A restored, and fully operational, machine gun carrier, a “2-pounder”, “Pak 38”, “6-pounder” and “17 pounder” anti tank guns of World War II are on display in the museum grounds.

Visitors

Individuals or group visits are welcomed at the Museum. Return visits are encouraged as the displays are being constantly improved by the acquisition of new items.Donations of more recent weapons and equipment are required to fill historical “time gaps”.

Exhibit Requests

The museum staff makes two requests to all infantrymen. The first is to visit your museum and encourage others to do so. The second is to assist the museum staff fill the "time gaps" by donating weapons, equipment, badges, insignia, historical documents or photographs. If you wish to make a donation, then please contact the Museum Manager, Captain John Land or the Curator, Warrant Officer Class 2 Wayne Riches by phone on (02) 6575 0298.

History

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Visitors

Exhibit Requests

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