[1] The 19th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was formed in 1911 with its headquarters located at Bendigo and elements drawn from Elmore, Rochester, Echuca, Kerang, Pyramid Hill, Mitiamo, Castlemaine and Kyneton.

During the First World War militia units were precluded from serving oversees, as a result of the Defence Act 1903, however many members of the 17th volunteered for service with the Australian Imperial Force.

During the 1920s the Australian Light Horse converted from their pre-war mounted rifles role to that of cavalry modelled along British Army lines.

[3] As a result of the financial pressures in the late 1920s, a number of light horse units were required to amalgamate.

During the early period of the war the unit conducted training with its parent division and many members volunteered to join the 2nd Australian Imperial Force.

As part of the wider mechanisation of the Australian Light Horse, the unit was converted to the 17th Motor Regiment in March 1942.