Werribee Half Battery

29/05/2026

RECRUITING NOW in readiness for an exciting year ahead. Our next AGM is on the 18th June. Great time to come and ask questions.
About Werribee Half Battery
History and Heritage:
The original Werribee Half Battery was one part of Victorian Horse Artillery raised by Sir William Clarke, and Andrew Chirnside in conjunction with the Victorian Government in 1889. The other Half Battery was located at Rupertswood in Sunbury. Horse artillery is designed to be able to move quickly, to keep up with cavalry and provide for the rapid deployment of artillery. The original Werribee Half Battery was based at Werribee Park and Soldiers Reserve in Werribee. Artillery and small arms training was conducted on the river flats at Werribee Park. The Victorian Horse Artillery was equipped with 12pdr Armstrong breach loading guns which were obsolete at the time, with the promise of new guns being purchased by the government. Unfortunately the government of the time did not come through with its promise to provide new guns and the Werribee detachment closed in 1893 but the Rupertswood detachment continued on until 1897. Members of the Victorian Horse Artillery went on to serve with distinction in the Boer and First World Wars.
In the late 1970s the Rupertswood Battery was reformed at Salesian College in Sunbury as a private cadet unit. Sadly this unit closed in 2011 however some uniforms were made available and in 2013 the Werribee Half Battery paraded for the first time at Victoria Day in Melbourne and has grown and developed steadily from that time and is now a premier living history group.
The Werribee Half Battery-
Who we are now:
The Werribee Half Battery a living history group who have brought the original Werribee Half Battery back to life. We wear the same pattern uniforms, use the same Martini Henry carbines, and we are equipped with 1 and 2pdr Whitworth breech loading mountain gun as well as one of the original 12 pdr Armstrong breech loading field guns used by the original Werribee Half Battery. Our uniforms look splendid, being the same uniforms used by Kings Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery, except we wear the white foreign service helmet rather than a Busby. We also have khaki field uniforms. We are available to support commemorative events, e.g. Anzac Day and private celebrations such as weddings and funerals.
By joining our group you can
- Be part of living history
- develop friendships with likeminded people
- experience learning about history through living it
- be part of the local community
Just to name a few of our involvements
- Victoria Day salute
- Taminick Military Encampment competition weekend event (we
are the canon champions and our members win many of the
competitions).
- Anzac Day flag raising and catafalque
- Official opening artillery salute at the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club
-Exciting new deployments of our 12 Pounder
- Remembrance Day
- Social Functions
- Marksmanship Days at the Range
- Full training with artillery, small arms and swords
In conclusion, all males and females over the age of 18 are welcome to join.
We are recruiting now. All training provided. Please send me a private message if you are interested in further information

26/04/2026

Yesterday, the Werribee Half Battery was honoured to support the Spotswood Kingsville RSL at their 11:30 Family Service. Afghanistan veteran, retired Major Gabrielle Prideaux, the senior Vice President, delivered a moving address on the impact of service life on families. It was extremely pleasing to see the large number of young children in attendance who each laid a sprig of rosemary at the cenotaph. Some of the children appeared quite in awe of the event and we can trust that for many of them that this will be the beginning of a long tradition of honouring Australia’s war dead and service men and women, so continuing this great Australian tradition. Lest we forget.

11/04/2026

Today the Werribee Half Battery helped to set the scene for the Grand Opening of the Wyndham Museum, the home of the Werribee District Historical Society. There was a fantastic community turn out. See the Wyndham TV link for a great coverage of the event.

11/04/2026

08/04/2026

RECRUITING NOW in readiness for an exciting year ahead
About Werribee Half Battery
History and Heritage:
The original Werribee Half Battery was one part of Victorian Horse Artillery raised by Sir William Clarke, and Andrew Chirnside in conjunction with the Victorian Government in 1889. The other Half Battery was located at Rupertswood in Sunbury. Horse artillery is designed to be able to move quickly, to keep up with cavalry and provide for the rapid deployment of artillery. The original Werribee Half Battery was based at Werribee Park and Soldiers Reserve in Werribee. Artillery and small arms training was conducted on the river flats at Werribee Park. The Victorian Horse Artillery was equipped with 12pdr Armstrong breach loading guns which were obsolete at the time, with the promise of new guns being purchased by the government. Unfortunately the government of the time did not come through with its promise to provide new guns and the Werribee detachment closed in 1893 but the Rupertswood detachment continued on until 1897. Members of the Victorian Horse Artillery went on to serve with distinction in the Boer and First World Wars.
In the late 1970s the Rupertswood Battery was reformed at Salesian College in Sunbury as a private cadet unit. Sadly this unit closed in 2011 however some uniforms were made available and in 2013 the Werribee Half Battery paraded for the first time at Victoria Day in Melbourne and has grown and developed steadily from that time and is now a premier living history group.
The Werribee Half Battery-
Who we are now:
The Werribee Half Battery a living history group who have brought the original Werribee Half Battery back to life. We wear the same pattern uniforms, use the same Martini Henry carbines, and we are equipped with 1 and 2pdr Whitworth breech loading mountain gun as well as one of the original 12 pdr Armstrong breech loading field guns used by the original Werribee Half Battery. Our uniforms look splendid, being the same uniforms used by Kings Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery, except we wear the white foreign service helmet rather than a Busby. We also have khaki field uniforms. We are available to support commemorative events, e.g. Anzac Day and private celebrations such as weddings and funerals.
By joining our group you can
- Be part of living history
- develop friendships with likeminded people
- experience learning about history through living it
- be part of the local community
Just to name a few of our involvements
- Victoria Day salute
- Taminick Military Encampment competition weekend event (we
are the canon champions and our members win many of the
competitions).
- Anzac Day flag raising and catafalque
- Official opening artillery salute with the 2 pounder at the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club
-Exciting new deployments of our 12 Pounder
- Remembrance Day
- Social Functions
- Marksmanship Days at the Range
- Full training with artillery, small arms and swords
In conclusion, all males and females over the age of 18 are welcome to join.
We are recruiting now. All training provided. Please send me a private message if you are interested in further information.

07/04/2026

On the Easter weekend the Werribee Half Battery returned to Flagstaff Hill Warrnambool to take part in the firing of both 80pdr Armstrong guns. This is the first time both guns have been fired since 2016. A great crowd was in place to watch the spectacle and our new recruit Mark Dean was given the privilege of firing the 2nd gun closest the crowd. Prior to this we had a training morning at Glenn’s place where Mark learnt catafalque drill in readiness from Anzac Day. After the firing we explored the Maritime village. In the evening Mark, Carol and Josh went to the light and sound show. On Sunday morning it was out to the range where Mark and Carol had fi****ms training and learnt the principles of marksmanship. A fun weekend was had by all. Photos Maryanne Sterling and JL Ferguson.

07/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B3aWmnjA7/

Shared with Dropbox

08/02/2026

Chief Commissioner of the Australian Division, Matthew Verschuur presents Friends of the Werribee Half Battery member,
Melissa Keeble, with the Legion of Frontiersmen Service Medal. This was presented in recognition of her voluntary years of service to the community through Werribee Half Battery, The Lions Club and her years as an instructor to youth at her karate club.

08/02/2026

RECRUITING NOW in readiness for an exciting year ahead
About Werribee Half Battery
History and Heritage:
The original Werribee Half Battery was one part of Victorian Horse Artillery raised by Sir William Clarke, and Andrew Chirnside in conjunction with the Victorian Government in 1889. The other Half Battery was located at Rupertswood in Sunbury. Horse artillery is designed to be able to move quickly, to keep up with cavalry and provide for the rapid deployment of artillery. The original Werribee Half Battery was based at Werribee Park and Soldiers Reserve in Werribee. Artillery and small arms training was conducted on the river flats at Werribee Park. The Victorian Horse Artillery was equipped with 12pdr Armstrong breach loading guns which were obsolete at the time, with the promise of new guns being purchased by the government. Unfortunately the government of the time did not come through with its promise to provide new guns and the Werribee detachment closed in 1893 but the Rupertswood detachment continued on until 1897. Members of the Victorian Horse Artillery went on to serve with distinction in the Boer and First World Wars.
In the late 1970s the Rupertswood Battery was reformed at Salesian College in Sunbury as a private cadet unit. Sadly this unit closed in 2011 however some uniforms were made available and in 2013 the Werribee Half Battery paraded for the first time at Victoria Day in Melbourne and has grown and developed steadily from that time and is now a premier living history group.
The Werribee Half Battery-
Who we are now:
The Werribee Half Battery a living history group who have brought the original Werribee Half Battery back to life. We wear the same pattern uniforms, use the same Martini Henry carbines, and we are equipped with 1 and 2pdr Whitworth breech loading mountain gun as well as one of the original 12 pdr Armstrong breech loading field guns used by the original Werribee Half Battery. Our uniforms look splendid, being the same uniforms used by Kings Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery, except we wear the white foreign service helmet rather than a Busby. We also have khaki field uniforms. We are available to support commemorative events, e.g. Anzac Day and private celebrations such as weddings and funerals.
By joining our group you can
- Be part of living history
- develop friendships with likeminded people
- experience learning about history through living it
- be part of the local community
Just to name a few of our involvements
- Victoria Day salute
- Taminick Military Encampment competition weekend event (we
are the canon champions and our members win many of the
competitions).
- Anzac Day flag raising and catafalque
- Official opening artillery salute with the 2 pounder at the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club
-Exciting new deployments of our 12 Pounder
- Remembrance Day
- Social Functions
- Marksmanship Days at the Range
- Full training with artillery, small arms and swords
In conclusion, all males and females over the age of 18 are welcome to join.
We are recruiting now. All training provided. Please send me a private message if you are interested in further information. https://www.facebook.com/groups/279889620572710

19/01/2026

Yesterday Sunday, 18th January saw the Werribee Half Battery have its first training day for the year. The focus of the day was recruit training but also training was delivered for senior NCOs and the Battery Sgt Major received his first instruction on practical swordsmanship (fencing). Captain (LF) Maryanne Sterling delivered the ladies program which focused on the way in which ladies supported the Half Battery in the 1890s. A lesson on period dress, food, and recipes was given. An introduction to safe fi****ms handling and marksmanship was given as we look forward to a greater participation of ladies in our shooting competitions. We welcomed new recruits Mark and Carol Dean to the first training day. Recruit training and revision started with foot drill, followed by rifle drill, and then drill on our two pounder Whitworth Mountain gun with some reference to the 12 pounder Armstrong field gun. The afternoon was broken up with a fantastic afternoon tea provided by Captain (LF) Maryanne Sterling and recruit Carol Dean. Melissa Keeble made the delicious home-made lemonade which was enjoyed by all given that it was quite a warm day. A most enjoyable and educational day was had by all who attended.