75th Anniversry of the Hunter River Lancers

 We live in an increasingly military age with horrible consequences for nations and regions. So it was with some relief that Armidale this week welcomed a local military group - the Hunter River Lancers (HRL) - who were granted freedom of the city to celebrate 75 years since its foundation post world-war 2. They, in turn, were successors to a hugely esteemed military group ... the Australian Light horse (ALH) ... which had many members from our region.

The ALH had quite a bit to do in helping to set up the current conflict between Israel and Hamas! Based in of all places, Gaza, they attacked the Turks at Beersheba in what is now Israel and their stunning victory started the removal of the Turks from Palestine. That in turn gave the UK postwar management of Palestine ultimately leading to foundation of the state of Israel post WW2.

Interstingly, Armidale's Light Horse Museum is located on a large block of land called GAZA!! Fortunately, this has not been attacked by Israel and nor does it accommodate Hamas!!

The HRL troops assembled on our creek-land pasture before taking part in a parade to the town centre and on to the city's main central park for the ceremony. The first picture shows the parkland concerned and one of the horses.

We also saw a military truck somewhat camouflaged. 

The main group of troops assembled near where Dot and I were standing.

And a band played aprporpiate music aided by the drummer show here.

At the start of the march, this truck appeared to lead the parade only to be overtaken by a horse which in turn led to troops marching to the town centre..

Two trucks followed before several guys on horseback trotted forward.

They, in turn, were followed by an elderly group of former military personnel headed by two holding a banner. They were followed by a another guy on horseback.

And here is the first destinantion: the town centre. The building on the topright is the Armidale post-office. Many members of the public gathered here. You can see some of the marchers beyond nearing the central park in the next block.

Alas, Dot and I had to go elsewhere so we missed the final cermony.
Nevertheless, it was a very interesting and memorial event. And it reminded us of how well Australia is travelling right now. We're a multinational country with strong ties to many adjacent nations.