About This Unit
5th Light Horse Regiment (WW2)
Between the Wars, much of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) unit and formation structure remained in place. Inevitably the passage of time and the onset of the Great Depression meant that numbers of personnel reduced and organisation structures changed. Some units disbanded and others were reloacated.
These units were collectively known as 'The Militia' , and later the Citizen's Military Forces (CMF). Legislation prescribed that they could not be sent overseas.
When WW2 broke out, conscription for Homeland Defence was introduced for 'eligible males'.
A volunteer force for overseas service was raised and despatched; the four Divisions of the Second AIF were the initial response.
Meanwhile, the Militia expanded rapidly and was populated by an ever expanding definition of 'eligible males' as the threat level escalated, culminating in the entry of Japan into the war.
That the nature of war had changed became apparent quickly, and the days of horse-mounted military force were clearly numbered. The open expanses of the Middle East, to the jungles to our north and of course our own wide open spaces, demanded changing policy on force preparedness. That imposed rapid change, and re-structure re-equipment and re-training happened apace.
More to follow................