King and Country Australian Light Horse

Campaigns covered by the range

The Australian Light Horse were mounted troops who served with distinction during the First World War. Unlike traditional cavalry, they rode to battle but fought dismounted as infantry, adapting perfectly to desert warfare. Their iconic slouch hats, often adorned with emu plumes, became a lasting symbol of Australian military tradition.

They first saw action at Gallipoli in 1915, where their horses were left behind in Egypt and the men fought in the trenches alongside the ANZACs. Despite heavy casualties, they quickly adapted to the grim realities of trench warfare. After Gallipoli, the Light Horse returned to the Middle East, where their mobility proved invaluable during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, conducting long-range patrols, raids, and reconnaissance that pushed Ottoman forces back across the desert.

Their most famous moment came on 31 October 1917 at the Battle of Beersheba, when the 4th and 12th Regiments galloped across open ground under fire to capture the town’s fortified positions and vital wells. The stunning success of this charge helped secure victory in the broader campaign for Palestine. By the end of the war, the Light Horse had earned a reputation for toughness, initiative, and audacity — cementing their place as one of the most celebrated formations of the Great War.

Notable Actions

The Australian Light Horse are best remembered for their dramatic charge at Beersheba on 31 October 1917, when the 4th and 12th Regiments galloped across open desert under fire to seize fortified Ottoman positions and secure the town’s vital wells. It remains one of the last great cavalry charges in military history and a defining moment for the Light Horse.

Beyond Beersheba, the troopers proved their worth throughout the desert campaigns in Sinai and Palestine, where they fought in their distinctive slouch hats adorned with emu plumes. These mounted infantry rode swiftly across the desert, dismounting to fight as riflemen, conducting raids, and pushing the Ottoman army back in a series of hard-fought engagements.

Equally important was the role of leadership and support within the ranks. Officers rallied their men in the heat of battle, patrols scouted the arid terrain, and figures preparing for action captured the discipline and readiness that defined the Light Horse. Together, these moments showcase the unit’s adaptability, bravery, and enduring legacy.

Types of figures in the range

• Mounted Troopers
  Charging with bayonets fixed, galloping with rifles, or riding at full tilt — centerpiece figures for any Light Horse display.
• Dismounted Actions
  Soldiers firing from cover, kneeling riflemen, and reloading figures capture the infantry side of mounted operations.
• Command & Officers
  Officer figures with drawn swords or binoculars provide focal points for dioramas.
• Support Elements
  Machine gunners, horse holders, and casualties add realism and variety to larger scenes.

Diorama Ideas

The Light Horse line lends itself to wide, cinematic desert displays. A few collector-favorite ideas:

• Charge at Beersheba
  Multiple mounted figures galloping together, lances lowered or rifles drawn, charging Ottoman defenses. Pair with Turkish opposition figures from K&C’s Ottoman WWI range.
• Desert Patrol
  A small mounted section advancing across sandy terrain, with one or two dismounted troopers scouting ahead.
• Command Post
  Officer figures surveying the battlefield, flanked by runners and dismounted guards.
• Mixed Arms Battle
  Combine mounted charges with dismounted riflemen and machine-gunners to capture the unique flexibility of the Light Horse.

Collecting the range

One of the main reasons the Australian Light Horse series stands out is its unique subject matter. Few miniature manufacturers have focused so much attention on this iconic unit, and King & Country’s dedication makes the range a highlight of World War I collections. For military history enthusiasts, it offers a rare chance to experience the exploits of these mounted infantry in detailed miniature form.

Another defining feature of the line is its dramatic poses and lifelike motion. Galloping cavalry, riders charging with rifles, and dynamic command figures capture the daring spirit of the Light Horse. These figures go beyond static display pieces; they tell vivid stories of speed, determination, and battlefield courage, which sets them apart from many other ranges.

In addition, the series provides excellent compatibility with other World War I collections. These figures integrate smoothly with King & Country’s Gallipoli, Ottoman, and ANZAC lines. Collectors can stage broader campaigns or recreate pivotal battles across multiple theaters. A single Light Horse charge easily becomes part of a larger, more immersive display when combined with allied or opposing forces.

Finally, the Australian Light Horse series holds strong investment appeal. Many of the early releases are now retired, creating scarcity and rising demand on the secondary market. Collectors who secured these sets early often own some of the most valuable pieces in the range. New additions continue to attract attention, blending rarity, historical significance, and visual impact to ensure that the Light Horse remains one of King & Country’s most desirable series.