WESTERN Australia’s 10th Light Horse Regiment will be honoured with a statue in Guildford to mark the foundation of the iconic military force.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester and Federal Member for Hasluck Ken Wyatt said the Federal Government would provide $250,000 for the memorial statue, to be installed in Stirling Square where the regiment was formed and first trained.
“The legend of the 10th Light Horse was born in Guildford and forged at Gallipoli and in significant Great War battles and we are proud to honour these ANZAC heroes,” said Mr Chester.
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READ NOW“They fought in the infamous Battle of the Nek and the Battle of Hill 60 and at Beersheba, before playing a significant role in the capture of Damascus.
“The 10th Light Horsemen received many military honours, including a Victoria Cross for Captain Hugo Throssell.”
Though its lineage can be traced back to the second Boer War in 1900, the 10th Light Horse was formed in October 1914, with 490 enlisted servicemen.
Mr Wyatt applauded the dedication and tireless advocacy of the Guildford Light Horse Statue Committee, the Swan Guildford Historical Society and the City of Swan.
“This is the realisation of a long-held dream of the local community and many other West Australians who hold the 10th Light Horse legend close to their hearts,” Mr Wyatt said.
“This statue will not pay tribute to any one man or horse but will honour all the 10th Light Horsemen who were so renowned for their actions in the First World War.
“Honouring the 10th Light Horse in this way is long overdue and it will form a focal point for the extensive founding history of the Regiment in Guildford and contribute strongly to tourism in this beautiful heritage area.”
Queensland sculptor Charles Robb was chosen to complete the statue.
Guildford Light Horse Statue Committee Chair Councillor Charlie Zannino said it was an exciting moment in the history of Guildford.
“This statue means so much to so many people across the state and across the nation,” Councillor Zannino said.
“It is a great honour and that honour converts to pride in our history and what the 10th Light Horsemen achieved.
“It’s now all systems go and the project team can finalise the design with the sculptor and turn the dream into reality.”
Midland MLA and committee member, Michelle Roberts, said the statue was designed to attract the attention not only of adults but also children.
“The statue of the light horseman and the horse will not just be able to be touched but also climbed over by children,” she said.
“It’ll be a permanent reminder to future generations of the sacrifice of an earlier generation- a generation that gave so much so that we can live in peace and prosperity.”
It is hoped the project will be completed in 2020.