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Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument

Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument
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Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument
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Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument
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Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument
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Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument
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Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument
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Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument
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Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument
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Tabulam Centenary of the Upper Clarence Light Horse Monument
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Description / Background

The war memorial consists of several elements. In the centre is a wall and two flagpoles. Attached to the wall are the three emblems of the Australian Defence Forces. Either side of the wall are metal cut-out artworks, depicting Light Horseman on galloping horses. 

A large bushrock stands behind one cut-out. It features a circular metal plaque, created by Father John Casey, with a soldier and horse in the centre. Around the edge is written 'Australian Light Horse Tabulam 1885 -1985'. Nearby are three bronze plaques. The first is an honour roll listing the names of those from the Tabulam district who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The second describes the history of the Upper Clarence Light Horse and the third plaque bears a dedication to all men and women from the area who have served. 

The honor roll was erected by the Tabulam RSL sub-Branch. The dedication plaque was erected by the West of the Range Historical Society and the 15th Light Horse Motor Regiment Association. An interpretative panel about C.H.E. Chauvel, who formed the Upper Clarence Light Horse in 1885, is also located on site. 

Various commemorative services are held at the memorial throughout the year.

Inscription

Plaque 1

This memorial was erected to commemorate the formation of the Upper Clarence Light Horse, the forerunner of the Light Horse on the Northern Rivers.

It was formed in October 1885 by C.H.E. Chauvel, of Tabulam Station. No 1 Troop was at Tabulam and Officer in Charge was C.H.E. Chauvel, who commanded both troops. No 2 Troop, The Border Troop, had Captain J.S. Smith as the officer in charge, and H.G. Chauvel, later Sir Harry Cauvel, as 2nd Lieut. In 1887, Casino replaced The Border Troop and became No 2 Troop Upper Clarence Light Horse. In 1888, No 1 Troop changed to Mounted Infantry. In the same year, No 2 Troop was renamed The Richmond River Light Horse.

In 1903, after Federation, the units of the NSW Lancer Regt. reverted to Light Horse. This unit became the 5th Light Horse Regt. (New South Wales Mounted Rifles). In 1907, the unit was titled the Northern Rivers Lancers. In 1918 the Regt. was renumbered the 15th Light Horse Regt. to perpetuate the 15th Light Horse of the Desert Corps.

The Regt. was de-horsed in 1941 and became the 15th Motor Regt. AIF 1st Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division. It was disbanded in 1944. The unit was reformed in 1948 as 'A' Squadron 15th Amphibian Assault Regt. (Northern Rivers Lancers). In 1956 the unit disbanded and the number was linked with the 1st Royal New South Wales Lancers and became the 1/15th.

This plaque was unveiled on 5 October 1985 by Mrs Elyne Mitchell, daughter of General Sir Harry Chauvel. It was erected by West of the Range Historical Society and the 15th Light Horse Motor Regt. Association.

Plaque 2

This memorial is dedicated to the men and women from the Tabulam district who have served in the Australian Armed Forces.

The memorial depicts the Australian Light Horse, to which Tabulam has a strong connection by being the birthplace of General Sir Henry (Harry) Chauvel GCMG, KCB. He is best known for the charge of the Light Horse at Beersheba in WWI.

Harry's father, Charles Chauvel, formed the Northern Rivers Light Horse at Tabulam. It was made up of local horseman, including some Aboriginal stockmen from the area and was a forerunner to the Australian Light Horse.

Plaque 3

Tabulam Honor Roll

First World War

[Names]

Second World War

[Names]

Korean War

[Name]

Vietnam War

[Name]

 Erected by the Tabulam sub-Branch of the Returned Services League

Veterans listed on this memorial

Veterans listed on this memorial

Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more
M Smith Second World War, 1939–45 view
R Smith Second World War, 1939–45 view
Private W Sommerville Second World War, 1939–45 NX47920 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Corporal H Vircoe Second World War, 1939–45 NX2246 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
L Walsh Second World War, 1939–45 view
Corporal A Wann Second World War, 1939–45 NX85981 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Private W Ward Second World War, 1939–45 NX47883 Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Captain E Wilkinson Second World War, 1939–45 NX137599 (N2125) Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) view
Private K Wilkinson First World War, 1914–18 20420 Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) view
Aircraftman Class I E Willcock Second World War, 1939–45 62786 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) view

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Address
Tabulam Reserve
Clarence Street
Tabulam NSW 2469
Local Government Area
Kyogle Council
Setting
Garden/park
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Statue/sculpture/artwork
Stone/bushrock
Wall
Recorded by
Graham Wilson
Year of construction
1985
Dedication date
05 October 1985
Conflict/s
Colonial period, 1788–1901
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Korean War, 1950–53
Vietnam War, 1962–75
Materials
Bronze
Concrete
Metal
Other stone