Infantry 1

2/14 Queensland Mounted Infantry

The 2/14 Queensland Mounted Infantry was formed when volunteers for the Queensland Mounted Rifles were called by proclamation on 10 February 1860 by the first Governor of Queensland, Sir George Ferguson Bowen. Local streets in Albany Creek are named after our early founders including Wilson, Ferguson and Bowen. In 1864 the unit was re-named Queensland Light Horse. Under the “Defence Act of 1884”, there was a reorganisation and the unit name changed in 1885 to Moreton Mounted Infantry. Subsequently Mounted Infantry and Mounted Rifle units were formed in other parts of the State.

In 1891, during the Shearers Strike, a State of Emergency was declared, troops were placed on full time duty for five months and served in the Barcaldine, Clermont, Longreach and Charleville districts.

Following the Shearers Strike the mounted Infantry units adopted the Emu feather plumes to wear in their felt hats. This replaced the green cocks feather worn previously and by a special order at that time they were they only units authorizes to wear this plume. It was also at this time that the Emu was incorporated in the unit badge.

In 1897 the Mounted Infantry were recognized as the Queensland Mounted Infantry consisting of 11 Companies. By 1901 the Queensland Mounted Infantry had been organised as a Brigade of 4 Battalions, with a strength of 1200 officers and men.

On the 10th July, 1889 the Premier of Queensland, the Honourable J. R. Dickson offered troops to help Great Britain against the Boers in South Africa. One Company of Mounted Infantry was detailed for duty. The contingent consisted of volunteers from the Queensland Defence Force; about 250 members of the Queensland Mounted Infantry and 20 members of a Machine Gun Section from the Queensland Regiment of Royal Australian Artillery. Trees within the Albany Creek School grounds were planted and still stand to remember the Boer War.

Although the Queensland Contingent was not the first of the Australian Force to see action, they were the first to suffer casualties. Private V. S. Jones and Private D. C. McLeod were the first Australian soldiers ever to be killed in action.

The Queensland Government also paid for another two contingents, the 2nd Q.M.I. commanded by Lt.-Colonel K. Hutchinson and 3rd Q.M.I. commanded by Major W. H. Tunbridge. In addition the Imperial Government paid the expenses of three contingents, the 4th, 5th and 6th QUEENSLAND IMPERIAL BUSHMAN largely consisting of volunteers from the Queensland Mounted Infantry and other units of the Queensland Defence Forces.

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Peter Campbell - 0418 774 663