Page 13 - Built on Integrity

Formation The 1920s and 1930s

formation

Austin Edwards with his waler,
Taffy, fully kitted up, 1915.

and attendance at a 10‑day camp once a year. Following his enlistment, Austin was transferred
Austin served in the 25th Signallers’ Corp from to the 1st Light Horse Infantry Regiment. Private
approximately May 1914. At the outbreak of the war Austin Edwards embarked from Sydney on the
Austin travelled to Liverpool, south-west of Sydney, HMAS Marere, Ship Number A21 on the 15
and enlisted for service abroad in the Signallers’ Corp. August 1915.
When Austin arrived in Egypt, he acquired
War service beckons a waler called Taffy. Austin and Taffy became
Austin had heard the Light Horsemen were looking “as one”, living and sleeping with each other in
for signallers so he applied to join the 1st Australian anticipation of what might lie ahead when the
Light Horse. His riding test took place at Victoria rider’s life depended upon his horse.
Barracks in front of the Riding Master, his future The Gallipoli Campaign was waged between
Commanding Officer and two or three other 25 April 1915 and 9 January 1916. As a number
interested parties. Afterwards he said: “I didn’t of the 1st Light Horse Infantry were fighting
perform all that well, but I managed to put my in the Gallipoli Campaign, Austin and other
horse over the jumps, which was more than some members of the First Light Horse Division, were
of the others.” assigned to care for the Division’s horses in Cairo.

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