Victorian Scottish Regiment facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Victorian Scottish Regiment |
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Cap badge of 5th Bn, The Victorian Scottish Regiment
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| Active | 1898–1960 and perpetuated by 5/6 Bn, The Royal Victoria Regiment |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Citizen Military Forces |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light infantry |
| Size | One battalion |
| Part of | Royal Australian Infantry Corps |
| Garrison/HQ | 5th Battalion — Hawthorn and others |
| Motto(s) | Nemo Me Impune Lacessit (No one hurts me with impunity) |
| March | 5th/6th Battalion — Cock of the North |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel-in-Chief | HM The Queen (Australian Infantry Corps) |
| Insignia | |
| Unit colour patch |  |
| Tartan | Gordon |
The Victorian Scottish Regiment (VSR) was a special group of soldiers in the Australian Army. It was formed in 1898. This group of soldiers was known for its Scottish traditions. Over 62 years, its name changed several times.
During World War I, many VSR members volunteered to fight overseas. They served in places like Gallipoli and the Western Front in France. After the war, the regiment was reorganized. It took on the history and honors of the 5th Battalion, AIF.
In World War II, the battalion mostly stayed in Australia. They performed guard duties. However, many members volunteered for overseas service. They fought in North Africa, the Middle East, and New Guinea. After this war, the battalion was reformed. It became part of the Citizen Military Forces. This group trained young men for military service. In 1960, the VSR was disbanded. Its members joined the 1st Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment. Today, 'B' Company of the 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment continues the VSR's traditions.
Contents
History of the Regiment
The Victorian Scottish Regiment (VSR) started on August 29, 1898. Local Scottish community members had asked for a Scottish unit for years. Important people like Sir John McIntyre helped make it happen. The regiment was formed at Albert Park. Its parade ground was at Victoria Barracks.
At first, the VSR was a group of unpaid volunteers. They were part of the Victorian Military Forces. They had little equipment. For almost a year, they wore regular clothes. Then, uniforms were finally provided.
Changes in the Early 1900s
In 1902, the volunteer system changed. Soldiers started getting paid a little. The military forces of different colonies joined together. They became part of the Commonwealth Military Forces.
In 1911, a new rule began. It was a compulsory training scheme. This meant all healthy men aged 18 to 21 had to train with the military. At this time, the VSR was renamed. It became the 52nd Australian Infantry Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment). Only officers and senior non-commissioned officers could volunteer.
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Service in World War I
When World War I began, Australia decided not to send existing militia units overseas. This was because of a law. It said conscripted soldiers could not fight outside Australia. So, a new group of volunteers was formed. It was called the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
Many VSR members volunteered for the AIF. They joined the 5th Battalion. This included their commander, Colonel David Stanley Wanliss. He later became a judge in New Guinea. The 5th Battalion fought in the Gallipoli campaign. They also fought on the Western Front. Many of these soldiers still wore the VSR's special Glengarry caps.
During the war, militia units stayed in Australia. They guarded ports and military bases. But many militiamen joined the AIF. So, these home units became very small. The compulsory training scheme started again in 1919.
After World War I
In 1921, the AIF was officially ended. Militia units were reorganized. They were renamed to keep the AIF units' history alive. Because of its strong links to the 5th Battalion, AIF, the VSR was renamed the 5th Battalion. It also inherited that unit's battle honors. In 1925, the unit was allowed to use its traditional name again.
In 1929, the government changed. The compulsory training scheme was stopped again. This was during the Great Depression. There were few volunteers. Military funding was cut, so there were fewer training chances.
Service in World War II
When World War II started, the battalion was called up. In early 1940, they had three months of required training. Later, they were sent to Western Australia and Darwin, Northern Territory. They performed guard duties there throughout the war.
Many battalion members also volunteered for overseas service. They joined the Second Australian Imperial Force. They served with the 2/5th Battalion. This unit fought in Libya, Greece, Crete, Syria, and New Guinea.
Post-War and Disbandment
In 1948, the 5th Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment) was reformed. It became part of the Citizen Military Forces (CMF). This was the early version of today's Australian Army Reserve. Lieutenant-Colonel George Warfe commanded the battalion. He was a highly decorated officer.
The battalion's main base was in Hawthorn. It also had smaller bases in other towns. In 1951, national service was brought back. The battalion became responsible for training these young national servicemen. This continued until 1960. Then, the national service program was stopped. The Australian Army was reorganized.
This reorganization greatly reduced the CMF. Many infantry battalions were disbanded. The remaining ones joined new State-based regiments. The 5th Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment) was disbanded. Its members joined the new Royal Victoria Regiment. They formed two companies within the 1st Battalion.
In 1965, national service was reintroduced. The CMF was reorganized again. The old militia unit names were brought back. The 5th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment, was formed in May 1965. However, national service ended in 1972. The battalion's numbers dropped. In 1975, it was combined with the 1st Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment.
In 1982, the 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment (5/6 RVR) was formed in Melbourne, Victoria. Today, 'B' Company of the 5/6 RVR keeps the traditions of the Victorian Scottish Regiment alive.
Colours Laid Up in Scots' Church
The Victorian Scottish Regiment had a long connection with Scots' Church, Melbourne. Because of this, the regiment's flags, called colours, are kept in the church. Three plaques in the church identify them. The 100th anniversary of the VSR was celebrated with a church parade. Former members and current soldiers from 'B' Company, 5th/6th Battalion, The Royal Victoria Regiment, attended.
Pipes and Drums
The Pipes and Drums band was formed in 1899. It was part of the Victorian Scottish Regiment. Today, the 5/6RVR Pipes and Drums is the band for all battalions of the Royal Victoria Regiment.
Lineage
- 1898–1911 – Victorian Scottish Regiment
- 1911–1919 – 52nd Australian Infantry Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment)
- 1919–1921 – 2nd/5th Infantry
- 1921–1925 – 5th Battalion
- 1925–1946 – 5th Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment)
- 1948–1960 – 5th Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment)
Alliances
The Victorian Scottish Regiment had special connections, called alliances, with other military units:
United Kingdom — once The Gordon Highlanders, then Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons), now Royal Regiment of Scotland
Canada — The Toronto Scottish Regiment, through the Gordon Alliance- Canada — 48th Highlanders of Canada, through the Gordon Alliance
South Africa — Cape Town Highlanders Regiment, through the Gordon Alliance
See also
- List of Australian Army Regiments
- Colonial forces of Australia
