[2] During the First World War militia units were precluded from serving oversees, as a result of the Defence Act 1903; however, members of the 23rd volunteered for service with the Australian Imperial Force.

In recognition of this service, the 23rd Light Horse was later awarded battle honours for ANZAC, Gallipoli, Egypt and the Sinai.

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

[4] Due to the financial pressures that the Australian military was under, a number of light horse units were amalgamated in the late 1920s.

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.