Lancer Barracks, a Commonwealth heritage listed precinct, has been home to the 1/15th Royal NSW Lancers for well over 100 years, giving rise to their nickname, “The Parramatta Lancers”. The Lancers is Australia’s oldest surviving and most decorated Regiment.
The Lancers Museum traces the history of the Regiment from its inception in 1885, through its active service in the Boer war in 1899/1900 when Lancers were the first Australian and British Colonial troops to see active service in South Africa; as the famed 1st Light Horse at Gallipoli and in the Sinai and Palestine in WW1, and as the 1st Armoured Regiment in WW2, when it mounted, to this day, Australia’s largest ever tank assault at Balikpapan, North Borneo in 1945.
The Lancers also formed NSW’s vice-regal escort and figured prominently in Australia’s major ceremonial occasions, including the opening of the State and Commonwealth Parliaments and of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They also twice sent a contingent to England to act as escort to Queen Victoria, including for her Diamond Jubilee procession in 1897.
Walk through historic Linden House, an 1820’s Georgian style sandstone building which houses the Museum collection. Trace the evolution of uniforms from the highly ornate cavalry tunics of the nineteenth century through to the camouflage suits of today; the development of weaponry and associated military equipment, from cavalry lance and saber through the introduction of machine guns to modern tank guns and ammunition, and of communication technology from pigeons to military radios.
Lancers in action and in peacetime look down from an extensive display of historical photographs, taken over decades. You can even clamber over and inside a 50 ton Centurion Main Battle Tank, one of the Museum’s collection of vintage armoured vehicles.
You will find Lancer Barracks at 2 Smith St Parramatta, behind the railway station. Free parking is available on site.
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