‘Sandy’ and the Light Horse Brigades memorialised

A new memorial dedicated to ‘Sandy’ – the only horse to be brought home from World War I – and the Light Horse Brigades was dedicated adjacent to Defence Site Maribyrnong yesterday.

CAPTION: Long-time member of ‘Friends of Sandy and the Australian Light Horses’ Dorothy Hanlon touches the Sandy the Light Horse memorial after its unveiling. Photo by Corporal Veronica O’Hara.

Minister for Defence Marise Payne said she was honoured to recognise the service of ‘Sandy’ the Light Horse and the Australian Light Horse Brigades.

“This memorial will serve as a reminder to future generations of the important role light horses have played in Australia’s military history,” Minister Payne said.

“This memorial honours the contributions of the Light Horse Brigades that served in World War I.

“Australia’s light horses, including Sandy, were deployed from the remount depot at Defence Site Maribyrnong.”

Sandy belonged to Major General Sir William Bridges KCB, CMG, who died in battle at Gallipoli, and was the only horse to return to Australia following service in World War I.

Minister Payne said the memorial had been brought to fruition by the government through the committed ‘Friends of Sandy and the Australian Light Horses’, and the Maribyrnong City Council.

The memorial is located adjacent to the Randall Street Community Centre, on land which has been made available for public access by Defence and Maribyrnong City Council.

Following the sale and redevelopment of Defence Site Maribyrnong, the memorial will be relocated to its permanent location at the Fisher Stables.

The memorial was unveiled on the eve of the centennial anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba where four of Australia’s Light Horse Brigades played a pivotal role.

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