Light Horse Centenary Commemoration

By Des Dugan

It could have been 100 years ago. The troopers were all in their finery, the WW1 wagon was paraded for the first time with two draught horses and the water carrier also got its initial turnout along with the gun and limber.

Murrurundi turned on a spectacular event with the 12th Light Horse Beersheba Day parade on Wilson Memorial Oval to celebrate 100 years since the Light Horse charge in the Middle East.

Watch the full video below.

The line-up was so impressive the guest speaker, Colonel Glenn Ryan told the gathered crowd it was the most impressive line-up of the Light Horse he had ever seen.

He called for an ovation to the men and women who worked to get the restoration going and keeping it front and centre in village.

The council representation and announcement duties were handled by local councillor, Josh Brown in the absence of mayor Wayne Bedggood.

Colonel gave a rundown of the campaign by the light horse from Romani through to Beersheba almost in line with the photographic exhibition on display for the first time at the museum exhibition hall.

Being an army historian, he recounted the progression with pinpoint accuracy.

The religious side of the service was handled by Reverend Barbara Morgan with narration being made by Brady Roser from Blandford school and Alena Gorst for Murrurundi Public.

Following the service and march-past, a special luncheon was held at the village’s bowling club.