In the Boer War an equivalent of a squadron saw service in South Africa with the 'Bushman's Contingent'. They first saw action on 6th February 1900 and on the very same day three troopers were decorated with Distinguished Conduct Medals. The GOC in South Africa, General Methuen, wrote of the - "The Regiment did splendid work and all ranks were cheerful under hardships. I cannot conceive any body of men of whom a commander had greater reason to be proud."

Captain (Capt) Edward Richman, instructor, and seven men of the 2nd South Australian (Mounted Rifles) Contingent, who fought in the Boer War. Left to right: Capt Richman, (later Lieutenant-Adjutant of 5th contingent); Trooper Frederick Solly-Flood, later No. 19, Corporal, 2nd Contingent; Trooper Harry Morant, No. 37; Trooper Hubert Fetch, No. 51; Trooper Harry Ogilvy, No. 45; Trooper Ramsay Nuttall, No. 49; Trooper Robert Bostock, No. 75; Trooper William Cuttle, No. 2. Trooper Morant, later a Lieutenant and known as "the Breaker" because of his experience in breaking horses, was court-martialled and executed in South Africa in 1902 for shooting Boer prisoners, some of whom were responsible for the murder of his friend and fellow officer, Captain Hunt.

 After the Boer War the unit expanded into two Regiments called the 16th and 17th Australian Light Horse Regiments. In 1904 the King's Colour was presented to the 16th. This colour was carried for many years but in 1926 it was presented to St Augustine's Church of England, Victor Harbour. A silver plate on the staff of this colour still carried the original inscription 'Presented by His Most Glorious Majesty, the King Emperor to the 16th Light Horse Regiment in recognition of services rendered to the Empire in South Africa'.

Guidons of the 3rd and the 9th Light Horse

During the 1914-1918 War there was a change in the number of the Regiments. The 16th became the 3rd and the 17th became the 9th Australian Light Horse Regiment. Later another change saw them as the 22nd and the 24th. The 3rd and 9th Light Horse served with outstanding valour during the first World War and it is in remembrance of their bravery and sacrifice that today they are designated 3rd/9th.

The 9th Light Horse Regiment has one very unique distinction. It captured a battle standard of a Turkish Regiment and was the only unit to capture such a standard during the first World War.  This trophy now hangs in the Australian War Memorial, Canberra and is shown in the photograph to the left. In subsequent years new numbers were bestowed on the Regiments of Light Horse and some fresh units were formed but throughout most of them bore the old title 'South Australian Mounted Rifles' which was a direct link with the original unit of 1854.

South Australian Sergeant Farrier of the Adelaide Mounted rifles, wearing the tunic, belt and Martini bandolier in the 1880s. George Goodall was a blacksmith by trade and he joined the South Australian Militia, and was a member of the Adelaide Mounted Rifles. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and on his retirement he was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant and with permission to retain such rank and wear the prescribed uniform. This portrait in 1899 George GOODALL wears the uniform of the time, which, was a locally made brown wool tunic and breeches.  The belt is in brown leather, as is the bandolier which carries the individual rounds for the .303 Lee Metford.

These units continued as Light Horse until 1940 when they were reformed into Armoured Regiments, some of which saw active service in the Islands during World War II.  <1930s photo of a Corporal in the 9th Light Horse In 1948 with the formation of the CMF, these units were incorporated as one regiment, the 3/9 South Australian Mounted Rifles. This unit is now part of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC). Today the Rifles operate with M113 armoured vehicles. Apart from our camps, weekend bivouacs, home training, some of the unit activities in the past few years have included: the laying up of the Queen's Colour in St Peter's Cathedral, selection as Sovereign Guard to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 and Vice Regal Guard to the Governor of South Australia. On Sunday 7th February 1960 the new 3rd and 9th Light Horse Regiment's Guidons were presented to the unit by our then Honorary Colonel, Lt General Sir Sydney F. Rowell, KBE, CB. A ceremonial parade was held on 14 May 1961 when the regiment trooped the old 3rd and 9th Light Horse Guidon for the last time, laying them up in St Peter's Cathedral.  Members of these Light Horse regiments mounted a cavalry escort to the Guidons. It was probably the last parade in Australian for the Light Horse. The history of the unit is a proud one. As the only armoured unit in South Australia the 3rd/9th South Australian Mounted Rifles carry on the traditions of the 3rd, 9th, 18th and 23rd Australian Light Horse Regiments as well as the earlier volunteer regiments.

Australian 3rd Light Horse silver and enamel Cuff Links, in excellent condition, WW1 or Militia period, thereafter to WW2.  Extremely rare. Beautifully made, marked "3rd Light Horse" with motto, black & white color patch above Piping Shriek bird (South Australian emblem). Cuff Link emblem resembles 1930 Light Horse Cap badge.

Battle Honours