2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry)
Cap Badge of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment
Active	1949-
Country	Australia
Branch	Army
Type	Armoured
Role	Armoured Reconnaissance
Size	One regiment
Part of	Royal Australian Armoured Corps
Garrison/HQ	Enoggera, Queensland
Motto	Forward
March	Quick - Soldiers of the Queen Slow - Duke of York
Commanders
Colonel-in-Chief	HRH The Prince of Wales (Colonel-in-Chief, RAAC)
Insignia
Unit Colour Patch

2/14 LHR ASLAVs in Iraq in 2006

The 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) is a regiment of the Australian Army, part of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. It was formed in 1930 through the amalgamation of two other regiments:

2nd Moreton Light Horse (QMI)
14th West Moreton Light Horse (QMI)

In 1939, on the outbreak of the Second World War, the 2/14 was made part of the 1st Cavalry Brigade, along with the other units of mounted infantry in Queensland. In 1940, the 2/14 was disamalgamated into its antecedent units; the 2nd Moreton Light Horse eventually became the 2nd Australian Cavalry Regiment (AIF) before disbanding in 1943, while the 14th Light Horse was reformed as a machine gun regiment, becoming the 14th Motor Regiment before disbanding in 1942.

In 1949, A Squadron, 2nd/14th Queensland Mounted Infantry was reformed as an armoured car squadron, before being increased to a full regiment in 1950. In 1956, it converted to an anti-tank unit, equipped initially with 6-pounder and 17-pounder guns, before receiving 120mm anti-tank guns and recoilless rifles.

In 1960, A Squadron became part of the regular army, eventually being transferred to become B Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment in 1966. At the same time, 2/14 was redesignated as a cavalry regiment, re-equipping with armoured vehicles. The regiment was reduced to a squadron in 1976, before expanding again to a full regiment in 1980, being renamed the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) in 1981, equipped with the M113 vehicle in the armoured support role. In 1986, the regiment became an integrated unit consisting of regular army and army reserve soldiers. It converted to the reconnaissance role in 1997, and was re-equipped with the ASLAV vehicle between 2001-2004. From 2005, the regiment will be a purely regular army unit. The regiment de-integrated in Mar 2005 becoming a completely regular force to meet increased operational Tempo. For a small minority of ex GRES Officers this was seen as a sad day. For the remainder, the re-establishment of 2/14 LHR (QMI) as a cavalry regiment deployed on operations as part of the Australian Army confirmed the traditions and history of the unit and the aspirations of all who had served previously. Although there are no longer positions for RAAC reservists in the unit, apart from in the training cell where those with the appropriate skills are welcome, linkages with the reserve are maintained. There is a strong reserve element providing support in the Support Squadron area and all ex members are always welcome at the 41 Club. Thus the regiment's association with the Militia/CMF/Army Reserve that has existed since before Federation is maintained.

2/14th LHR (QMI) has contributed a number SECDET rotations to Iraq. In 2006, A Squadron was deployed to Iraq to serve as part of the third rotation of the Al Muthanna Task Group which became the first rotation of Overwatch Battle Group (West). More recently 2nd/14th LHR (QMI) and 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV) will contribute forces to the Australian Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan.

Individuals from the Regiment 2/14 LHR (QMI) are also used to round out 2 CAV deployments and vice versa.

2/14th LHR QMI is foster unit to the 12th Army Cadet Unit. Detailed unit history can be found at the Department of Defence Unit website here

[edit] Alliances

[edit] 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment’s battle honours

2nd Light Horse Regiment Moreton Light Horse (QMI)
SOUTH AFRICA 1899 – 1902*
ANZAC
DEFENCE OF ANZAC*
SUVLA
SARI BAIR*
GALLIPOLI
RUMANI*
MAGDHABA-RAFAH*
EGYPT 1915-17
GAZA-BEERSHEBA*
EL-MUGHAR
NEBI SAMWIL
JERUSALEM*
JAFFA*
JERICHO*
JORDAN (ES SALT)
JORDAN (AMMAN)*
MEGIDDO*
NABLUS
PALESTINE 1917-18

14th Light Horse Regiment West Moreton Light Horse (QMI)
SOUTH AFRICA 1899 – 1902*
RUMANI*
MAGDHABA-RAFAH*
EGYPT 1916-17*
GAZA-BEERSHEBA*
EL MUGHAR
NEBI SAMWIL
JERUSALEM*
JORDAN (ES SALT)*
JORDAN (AMMAN)*
MEGIDDO*
NABLUS*
DAMASCUS*
PALESTINE 1917-18