Ninth Light Horse Honoured at Clare - 11 Nov 03

After the normal Remembrance Day Service at Clare, a memorial hall was dedicated to the memory of the Ninth Light Horse Regiment.

The proceedings commenced with a parade beginning on the Old Main North Road and along the Main Street of Clare, it was lead by the Police band followed by some of the members representing South Australian Mounted Rifles Association, Yankallila Light Horse, a landrover towing a restore Krupps Cannon and lastly an M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier from Elizabeth.

The Memorial Hall, which is situated near the Towns war Memorial, consists of a Bay window with a left and right wing. The wings contain a colour patch of the Ninth Light Horse above the names of those who served in the Regiment in the 1st World War from the Clare District. Inside the Memorial a drape was removed to show the Cannon in place with murals of Light horsemen, the history with photos and a Light horseman in his uniform. A Yankallila Light Horseman with Sabre drawn stood to the left of the Pulpit while Corporal Ron Leighton (10/27 RSAR) introduced Major Haynes, OC of 3/9 LH (SAMR) who conducted the proceedings. The Honorary LTCOL Reg Williams gave a brief history of the Light Horse and its association of Clare being the Headquarters prior to the Second World War.

The Memorial Hall is a tribute to Ron Leighton, the Committee and the people of Clare, who worked tirelessly to build a lasting place of Remembrance to the members of the Ninth Lighthorse Regiment. The Mayor and Councilors of Clare, Brigadier Wayland, Frank Wade and David Spackman were among the large appreciative crowd that gathered to witness the unveiling by an 86-year-old Ninth Light Horse veteran.

A Luncheon was held after the dedication service for those who contributed with sponsorship and memorabilia. A copper plague depicting a mounted Light Horseman with a colour patch of the Ninth Light Horse Regiment was presented to Corporal Ron Leighton in appreciation.

The members of the Association (SAMRA) that took part in the parade did so with great pride and were proud to represent SAMRA. Photographs - Click Here

Dean Manuel