Like many Australian towns, Guildford remembers the men of its district who fought and died in World War 1 with an obelisk.
Guildford was also the original home of the 10th Light Horse Regiment. Its origins lay in the Militia Light Horse Regiment, which served in the Boer War. The 10th was officially established in 1914 with World War 1, composed entirely of West Australians. They fought at Gallipoli, as part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, taking severe losses against the enemy in the battle of The Nek. The 10th later saw action in the Middle East, and was accorded the honour of leading the Australian Mounted Division at the fall of Damascus; the regiment accepted the city’s surrender on October 1, 1918.
The 10th was disbanded and reformed several times during the 20th century. Today’s 10th Light Horse is approaching full regimental status again, and rides armoured vehicles instead of horses. The motto Percute et Percute Velociter (Strike and Strike Swiftly) remains appropriate.
Image from the story linked above.
Guildford remains proud of its links with the 10th. A recent addition to the memorial is a sculpture by Charles Robb.
A warrior and his mount, side by side.
Lest We Forget.
The mind is an unexplored country. 
I spent a day or two in Guilford about 20 years ago. It is a lovely town and I remember the obelisk. I love looking for the WW1 war memorials in towns I visit and checking out the honour roll. It amazes me the number of young men that died and the effect this must have had on the small townships.
Of all the major memorials in Australia’s larger cities, Perth’s Kings Park overlooking the Swan River is the one that moves me the most. As you would know, In the 1920’s a gum tree was planted for each of the fallen with a small plaque with the soldiers details. Very simple and a living connection to the past.
Hope you had a great Anzac Day.
Mick.
By: haverm56 on April 25, 2024
at 5:31 PM
Thanks, Mick. I’ve stopped to read a few of those plaques. They are an ongoing project in fact. Look out for my next post.
By: Gregoryno6 on April 25, 2024
at 5:52 PM
Just watched a video clip of the charge at Beersheeba by the Australian Light-Horse for probably the 10th time (from the movie, “The Lighthorsemen”). Magnificent stuff.
Hats off to our Australian brothers and sisters in honor of ANZAC Day, 2024.
By: Paco on April 26, 2024
at 7:53 AM
I’ve watched that clip a few times myself, Paco. It’s inspiring.
By: Gregoryno6 on April 26, 2024
at 5:43 PM
That was a great movie Paco. Especially the final battle scene. It always makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up when General Chauvel says ” they’re under the guns”. Apparently it was the last great calvary charge.
Sad story about the lead actor Scotty, played by John Blake. He was driving back to Adelaide from the desert when the filming was just about wrapped up. He crashed his car and suffered severe brain damage. He never talked or walked again and died in 2011. He was just on the verge of super star status.
Cheers
Mick
By: haverm56 on April 26, 2024
at 10:04 AM
Sad story indeed, Mick.
By: Gregoryno6 on April 26, 2024
at 5:43 PM