Showing 1325 items
matching ww1 soldier.
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City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, 1916 William Henry Thomas in WW1 Uniform, 1916
1916 William Henry Thomas of Keys Road , South Brighton (now Moorabbin ) in WW 1 1914 -1918 1st AIF uniform. William was born in 1894 , Christened at the Wesleyan Church. (Methodist), Wickham Road, South Brighton and attended Moorabbin State School. . Private Thomas was a market gardener in Moorabbin prior to his enlistment in the Australian Imperial Force on 19 July 1915. Both his parents wrote separate letters giving their consent for their son to serve overseas due to " the pressing request of my son William Henry, also the urgent need of recruits do give my consent that he shall go to the front." September 29th 1915 he left Australia with the 5th Reinforcements of the 24th Battalion for Egypt. March 1916 he was hospitalised with Mumps and shortly after left Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force for France where he transferred to the 6th Australian Machine Gun Company.. Whilst on leave in England he received medical attention before returning to France and 13 November 1918 he spent a week in the care of the 7rh Field Ambulance suffering with influenza . Private Thomas returned to Australia on the hospital transport Castalia 13 April 1919 and his enlistment was terminated 26 September 1919Private William Henry Thomas and his family are examples of the patriotism exhibited by the market gardeners, and indeed throughout Australia, during the World War 1 1914-1918. Photograph is black and white. William Henry Thomas is standing straight and tall in the centre of the photograph, looking directly at the photographer while holding a weapon in his right hand. He is in his military uniform (WW1) .Front of Mount : Ainor Studio Auburn Back of Mount : William Henry Thomas / 1st World War 1916 / Keys Rd., Moorabbin / Born 1894 / Christened at Wesleyan ( Methodist ) Church / Wickham Rd., / South Brighton / now Uniting Church unsigned undatedwilliam henry thomas, 1916, 1894, first ww, world war one, uniform, wickham road, south brighton, moorabbin, world war 1 1914- 1918, thomas street,early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, australian infantry force, soldiers, key's cup, victorian war memorials, cheltenham, mckinnon,, keys road moorabbin, ss castalia, british expeditionary force ww1 1914- 1918, 24th battalion 1st aif, 6th australian machine gun company 1st aif, influenza epidemic 1919, alexandria egypt, methodist church, -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Badge - World War 1914 - 1918, Badge fund-raising, c1916
... of the Community support for injured soldiers when they returned from WW1 ...The Kooyong Military Hospital in Kooyong Road, Caulfield was established for the care and rehabilitation of soldiers injured in World War 1. Many events like carnivals were held by the Red Cross to raise funds for the war effort and entertain the patients.This badge is a reminder of the Community support for injured soldiers when they returned from WW1 conflict and were hospitalized at Kooyong Military Hospital Caulfield 1914 - 1948 This badge was displayed at the GECC 'Wounded Soldier WW1 1914-1918 Exhibition" 2016 at Glen Eira Town Hall Caulfield A small tin button, with pin attachment at the back. The button was produced and sold as a fund-raiser for the Kooyong Military Hospital during the World War1, 1914-18, at that organisation's Carnival held on March 18th 1916. The front of the button is white with a blue perimeter. A copy of the City of Caulfield's Coat-of- Arms and the words, City of Caulfield, is written on the front of the button, as is the date 18th March 1916. Both the above are written in red. Kooyong Military Hospital is written in blue. ww1, 1914-18, kooyong military hospital, war casualties, caulfield, moorabbin, bentleigh, carnivals, fundraising, patriotism, anzac, australian commonwealth military forces -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Uniform - World War 1 1914-1918, Hat Badge Rising Sun, c1914
Proudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the 'Rising Sun' badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition. The distinctive shape of the badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of ANZAC formed at the Gallipoli landings 1915 There are seven patterns of the Rising Sun. 1902 - 1991. The Rising Sun has evolved over time and today Australian Army soldiers wear the seventh pattern Rising Sun. The Third Pattern Rising Sun Badge. May 1904 The third pattern Rising Sun badge carried a scroll inscribed with the words ‘Australian Commonwealth Military Forces’ and was worn throughout both World Wars. There were, however, a number of variations of the badge; a special version was struck for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 and there were badges of the Commonwealth Horse and the Australian Instructional Corps, each with its respective title on the scrolls. This pattern badge formed the template for all subsequent General Service badges. The most widely accepted version of the origin of this badge is the one that attributes the selection of its design, c1902, to a British Officer, Major General Sir Edward Hutton, the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Forces. Hutton had earlier received as a gift from Brigadier General Joseph Gordon, a military acquaintance of long standing, a ‘Trophy-of-Arms’ composed of mounted cut and thrust swords and triangular Martini-Henry bayonets that were arranged in a semi-circle around the Crown. To General Hutton, the shield was symbolic of the cooperation between the naval and military forces of the Empire. This Third Pattern Rising Sun Badge.- May 1904 - was worn on the Slouch hats of soldiers serving in the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces during World War 1 1914-1918World War1 1914-1918, soldier’s, rising sun hat badge, made of oxidised copperRising Sun with central Crown AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH / MILITARY FORCES australian military uniforms, military insignia, badges, city of moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, major general sir edward hutton, anzac, gallipoli, australian imperial forces, ww1 1914-1918 -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 03/05/1944
Taken in 1944 in Bonegilla, Victoria by Captain E.C. Johnston, this photograph depicts soldiers of the 1st Australian Corps Signals training battalion releasing carrier pigeons from a portable loft for their daily exercise.The 1st Australian Corps Signals was a branch of the Australian Imperial Airforce that was active during World War Two. One of the tasked carried out by 1st Australian Corps Signals was to send messages through the use of carrier pigeons. Carrier pigeons were most commonly used by the Allied Forces to send messages from the front line trenches or advancing units. Edgar Charles Johnston (1896-1988) was an aviator and public servant. In WW1 he served with the Australian Imperial Force, and later joined the Royal Flying Corps. For his service in the Royal Flying Corps he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, which assisted him in becoming the assistant director-general in 1939 of the Commonwealth Department of Aviation. During World War II he was heavily engaged in the department’s activities in support of the war effort.Black and white square reproduced photograph on rectangular archival paperObverse: Bonegilla Victoria 1944-05-03/ Carrier Pigeons being released for their daily exercise/ from a portable loft of the 1st Signals training Battalion/ Photograph made 3 May 1944, by E.C. Johnston/ copied from CD Image supplied from/ Australian War Memorial collection/ Copyright/ Use of this image for the/ Robert O'Hara Burke Memorial Museum, Beechworth/ enhanced to remove moir effect/ Reverse: 7993.2/military album, beechworth, burke museum, military, world war 2, ww2, australian army, bonegilla, pigeons, edgar charles johnston -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
... warfare duckboards soldiers ww1 wwi world war 1 world war i ...Taken during World War I on the Western Front, this photograph depicts four soldiers dressed in full uniform and kit walking through muddy trenches on wooden duckboards.On the Western Front, the war was fought by soldiers in trenches. Trenches were long, narrow ditches dug into the ground where soldiers lived. They were very muddy, uncomfortable and the toilets overflowed. These conditions caused some soldiers to develop medical problems such as trench foot. There were many lines of German trenches on one side and many lines of Allied trenches on the other. In the middle was no man's land, which soldiers crossed to attack the other side. 'Duckboards' (or 'trench gratings') were first used at Ploegsteert Wood, Ypres in December 1914. They were used throughout the First World War being usually placed at the bottom of the trenches to cover the sump-pits, the drainage holes which were made at intervals along one side of the trench. This made it easier to pump out the pits when necessary. The raised edges of the boards in theory helped protect men's feet from accumulated water; walking along them (especially at night and in the wet) was something of an art as it was easy to lose one's footing and slip or trip on the fequently misaligned sections.Sepia rectangular reproduced photograph on matte photographic paperReverse: 6528/ (A copyright and reproduction notice from the Australian War Museum, printed in blue ink)/burke museum, military album, trench warfare, duckboards, soldiers, ww1, wwi, world war 1, world war i, western front -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
'Soldier's Friend' Camp Pocket Candlestick WW1, 1915
This printed tinplate candle holder appears to have been made in Australia from the middle of 1915 and was available for private purchase to Australian troops (including Light Horse) prior to their departure overseas in WWI. The purpose of the tin was to ensure the contents were kept dry and readily available. The lid also aided in shielding the direct flame of the candle.Used by Australian troops in WWIRectangular tin with hinged lid. The lid is illustrated with a coloured image of three Australian soldiers at camp (WWI era) with the words 'Camp Pocket Candlestick - A Soldier's Friend'. The border of the lid is decorated in a daisy pattern. The body of the tin is decorated in a monotone green tartan, with the base displaying a small panel entitled 'Patented 19-7-15 No 16856'. Inside the tin is coloured olive green, with a fitted pressed tin circular candle holder, located over a hole in the base, and a folded tin match holder. A half used white wax candle is contained within.Camp Pocket Candlestick - A Soldiers Friend Patented 19-7-15 No 16856candlestick, soldier's friend, camp pocket, wwi -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Memorial Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) - William Browne
Plaque presented to next of kin of William BrowneCircular Plaque presented to next of kin of soldier killed in action in WW1."HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOVR" (sic) WILLIAM BROWNE -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Memorial Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) - George Daniel Whitbourn
Presented to next of kin of George Daniel WhitbournCircular Plaque presented to next of kin of soldier killed in action in WW1."HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOVR" (sic) GEORGE DANIEL WHITBOURN -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Medals & Documents, Early 20th Century
Medals and Documents relating to Cecil Walker Madden - Served 1st AIF and 2nd AIF member of Department of Defence who served during WW1 and WW25 x Defence Medals Full Size, 5 x Defence Medals Miniatures, various medallions, 3 x Australian Military Forces Soldier's Pay Book's, 1 x Sons and Daughters of the AIF Certificate, The Australian Flag, a black and white photograph of Dvr C.W. Madden.Medals & Pay Books 1st AIF 5112 Dvr C W Madden Medals & Pay Books 2nd AIF V4574 C W Madden Sons & Daughters Certificate Mavis Maddenww2, medals and documents -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Certificate of Discharge 6251 Pte George Diwell and Leave or Duty Ration Book, No makers mark, Early 20th Century
This Certificate of Discharge was issued to 6251 Pte George Dilwell upon completion of Enlistment Leave or Ration Book was issued when 6251 Pte Diwell went on leave 28 May 1919 - 11 June 1919.This the original Certificate of Discharge and Ration Book of 6251 Pte George Dilwell who served during WW1Certificate of Discharge 6251 Pte George Diwell, buff colour page oblong page. Leave or Duty Ration Book Serial No L 22, No 247759, buff colour oblong pages.6251 Pte George Diwell, Certificate of Discharge, Enlisted 15 May 1916 Discharged 12 October 1919 6251 Pte G Diwell, Leave or Duty Ration Book, Soldier or Sailor'discharge, certificate, ww1, pte g diwell -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
RSL Badge - Limited Edition, Late 20th Century
This Badge is a limited edition replica of the first RSL Badge which was worn by soldiers and sailors returning from WW1... The original RSL badges were issued to founding RSL membersThese Badges are original Limited Editions.A gold plated badge in the shape of the first RSL Badge Issue.On the front - Returned Sailors Solders Imperial League Australia 1919 On the Reverse - Made in Australiaww1, rsl badge, limited editions -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Print, Menin Gate at Midnight, 20th Century
Minin Gate at Midnight is a painting by Australian artist Will Longstaff. Longstaff completed the painting in 1927 and the original is now located at the Australian War Memorial. The painting depicts ghostly soldiers marching across a field in front of the Menin Gate War Memorial.Longstaff painted the work after attending the unveiling of the Menin Gate Memorial, at Ypres, on 24 July 1927. The memorial commemorates the men of the British Empire, including Australia, who died during the 1st World War around the town of Ypres. A print of the Menin Gate at Midnight, oblong in shape, framed in a timber frame, a cardboard matte surrounds the print.Careys Picture Framing Gallery, Professional Framing, Shop 13 Packington Arcade, 129 Packington Street, Geelong West. A brass plaque is also attached to the Print.menin gate, longstaff, ww1, australian war memorial -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Silver War Badge WW1, Circa 1914
These Badges were awarded to personnel who were injured, sick, or disabled and were subsequently invalided discharged or to older soldiers who retired during the course of the war - First. The Silver War Badge was worn on a lapel of civilian clothes to show that the recipient had served. The wearer of the badge was required to carry and produce his/her stamped discharge certificate. The Silver War Badge is an original, according to the number on the back of the Medal A90684 it has been issued to an Australian ex Serviceman/WomanA round stirling silver BadgeFront - For King and Empire, Services Rendered - crown -GRI Back - A90684silver war badge, ww1 issue -
Lorne Historical Society
Photograph, Great Ocean Road
"The Somme" named by WW1 Diggers was just around the corner from Big Hill. It was named because of the resemblance to "the Somme's muddy battle fields in France. The Great Ocean Road was constructed by WWI returned soldiers. Their use of language reflects this history"The Somme" named by WW1 Diggers. Just around the corner from Big Hill, named thus because of the resemblance to "The Somme" in France (because of the amount of mud on the site)great ocean road.; "the somme"; big hill -
Koroit & District Historical Society
medal, Croix de Guerre avec Palme, WW1 vintage Made in France
This is a relatively rare award for Australian soldiers with only 213 Australians awarded this medal during WW1Awarded between 1915 and 1919 and is thought to have been awarded to a Koroit district soldier. A cast bronze medal comprising a cross pattee interspersed with crossed swords. The medal is held by a green ribbon which has 7 thin red vertical stripes. Across the ribbon is a bronze palm which is a symbol of victorymedal, world war, croix de guerre avec palme -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book - Roll of Honor, Ballarat School of Mines Honor Book, c1920
The Ballarat Technical Art School made many honour boards for schools and organisation in Victoria and interstate. Their own was made, but the names were not listed. The Ballarat School of Mines Annual Report for 1921 states: 'It has been decided, for the present, to record the names of our students who served in the warm, in an Honor Book, and to defer the erectin of an Honor Board until we can feel ssured that the Roll is complete. the wide spread occupations of our students has rendered it very difficult for us to secure detailed information of their service. A handsome Honor Book and Case has been designed and executed by the staff ad students of the technical Art School, and the engrossing of the names and military records will be proceeded with as soon as possible. The Technical Art School was quite busy with commissions. The SMB Annual Report of 1918 states: 'under the direction of the Art principal (Mr H.H. Smith), the work of the Art School continues to receive wide public recognition. Handsome Honor Boars have been designed and executed for the Sydney Sports' Club, the St Arnaud High School, the Birregurra State School, the Wendouree State School and the Ballarat Old Colonists' Club. The School also designed the certificates for the Young Workers' Patriotic Guild, the 'Herald" Shield for perpetual competition at the technical Schools' athletic meetings, the "Hansen" Shield for competition among the Northern District High Schools, two metal tablets for the Castlemaine high School, and a certificate for the Grampians Secondary Schools' Association. Numerous Honor Books and Mural cases have also been designed for State Schools.' Over 400 former students and staff of the Ballarat School of Mines served during World War One. The 1920 SMb Students' Magazine said' 'Many students left Australia with the first Contingent, and since then, the School has been represented on every field where Australians have fought, from the first landing at Gallipoli to the decisive victory on the 8 August 1918.' The influence of the school was appropriately shown in the fact that at least 13 of its students were officers in the Australian Mining Corps. The title page has the initials 'D.J.' which most probably stands for Donald I. Johnston, a teacher with the Ballarat Technical Art school from 1920 to 1949. The Ballarat School of Mines World War 1 Honor Book remained uncompleted for more than 90 years. The names of over 400 SMB staff and students who served their country were not inscribed until 2012, despite names, ranks and service records being compiled. A restoration project was instigated as part of the 140th anniversary of the Ballarat School of Mines in 2010. Names were inscribed into the book by Calligrapher Lyn Forrester. The University of Ballarat believed this project is important not only to SMB's history, but the families and descendants of those who served while studying or teaching at SMB. The restoration project involved names being hand written in calligraphy into the Honor Book and was funded with the assistance of the 'Restoring Community War Memorial Grant'. The memorial was designed and made by the staff and students of the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School under the direction of Principal Herbert H. Smith. In 1921 the Ballarat School of Mines Annual Report recorded: "It has been decided, for the present, to record the names of our students who served in the war, in an Honor Book, and to defer the erection of an Honor Board until we can feel assured that the roll is complete. The wide spread occupations of our students has rended it very difficult for us to secure detailed information of their service. A handsome Honor Book and case has been designed and executed by the staff and students of the Technical Art School, and the engrossing of the names and miliatary records will proceed with as soon as possible. The Ballarat Technical Art School and was involved with the design and manufacture of numerous WW1 memorials. When it came time to complete their own memorial, the Principal died, and the Honor Roll must have been overlooked in the confusion that ensued. There have been numerous theories about why the Honor Roll was never completed, one being that it was because the SMB Principal, Maurice Copland, literally worked himself to death organising repatriation classes for ex-soldiers who attended SMB. The Courier of 18 November 1922 said of Maurice Copland: “He put his very best into the work for the welfare of the soldiers; in fact, he did too much for the good of his physique, for he wore himself out in the services of the returned men. If ever there was a war victim the late Mr Copland was one. But for the stress of work entailed by those repatriation classes and the amount of general war work which he performed Mr Copland would probably have been with them today." Understandably, SMB was thrown into some disarray by their Principal's death and the Honor Book was not completed. The University of Ballarat would like to finally honor its SMB war veterans by completing the Honor Book and as a further mark of respect, dedicate the project to Maurice Copland. The Ballarat Technical Art School undertook many honor boards. The Ballarat School of Mines Annual Report 1918 states: "Under the direction of the Art Principal (Mr H.H. Smith), the work of the Art School continues to receive a wide public recognition. handsome Honor Boards have been designed and executed for the Sydney Sports' Club, the St Arnaud High School, the Birregurra State School, the wendouree State School and the Ballarat Old Colonists' Club. The School also designed certificates for the Young Workers' patriotic Guild, the "Herald" Shield for perpetual Competition at the Technical schools athletics meetings, the "Hansen" Shield for competition in the northern District High Schools, two metal tablets for the Castlemaine High School, and a certificate for the Grampians Secondary Schools' Association. Numerous Honor Gooks and mural cases have also been designed for State Schools." The 1920 Ballarat School of Mines Annual Report stated: Public appreciation of the High standard of design and artistic craft work produced by the students of the Art School, under the direction of the Principal (Mr Herbert H. Smith), continues to be demonstrated by the lage number of important commissions entrusted to the school, not only by the public bodies and business firms by the Education Department and public bodies all over the State." "Amongst the important local commissions received during the year was the designing and supplying of the Municipal Council's Address of Welcome Casket for presentation to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the designing and supervising of a large four-light stained glass window for the Lydiard Street Methodist Church, ... and supply numerous honor books, honor boards, etc., for public institutions and school." "The School has been honored by, and has acceded to the request of the Education Department to supply designs for the title page, chapter headings and initial letters for the War Service Book which it is about to publish, Mr F. Tate, director of Education, recognising the students' work in this direction by an appreciative letter of thanks. The Education Department has also been instrumental in directing to the School applications from all parts of the State, including Melbourne, for the School to supply competitive sports shields, honor boards, books and designs for certificates, and various decorative objects. The School has therefor been responsible for much work coming to local Ballarat firms which would otherwise have found its way to Melbourne or other centres. In 2011, as the result of a 'Restoring Community War Memorials Grant' calligrapher Lynton Forrester was commissioned to record over 400 names into the honor book. A red leatherbound Ballarat School of Mines Honor Book. The book includes a title page relating to the Ballarat School of Mines and Industries. The Ballarat School of Mines Honor Book was not finally inscribed with names until 2011-2012. world war one, ww1, ballarat school of mines, world war 1, world war i, honour roll, calligraphy, don johnston, honor book, honor roll, copeland, maurice copeland, honour book, roll of honour, percy coltman, arthur e. tandy, leslie coulter -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Set 4 photographs. and others for Torquay Light Horse camp, 1940
These images capture for all time Light Horsemen travelling through Geelong on their way to camp at Torquay for the last Group meeting in Australia . information following - details obtained from .........https://torquayhistory.com/light-horse-brigade/ On Australia Day, 1997, Sir John Young unveiled this plaque on Point Danger, Torquay. Torquay history, Light Horse Training Camp, WW2 Plaque at Pt. Danger Note----- (See images to view plaque) The plaque identifies a significant event in Torquay’s history and the sentiments of ‘change’ for the Light Horse Brigade – from horses to machines. In 1940 the four Light Horse Regiments (4th, 8th, 13th and 20th), some 5000 Light Horse and 2000 horses camped and trained at Torquay. Three other regiments, formerly mounted on horses, were also at Torquay ‘mounted’ on privately owned trucks and cars. Division troops included Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Field Ambulance and other branches of the Army necessary to enable a Division to function. It wasn’t just the sheer numbers of men coming to this little town that made the event significant, it was also the fact that the men of the Light Horse were dramatic, almost glamorous figures and it is easy to see their exploits as some splendid adventure. Horses have played a special role in the story of Australia. They were the only means of transport across this huge country, so it was necessary for everyone to have the ability to ride a horse. When war broke out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers of South Africa (“Boer” was Dutch for “farmer”) Australia sent troops to fight. At first Britain was wary of using untried, unprofessional colonial cavalrymen but soon saw that the slouch-hatted Australian “bushmen” were a match for the fast-moving and unconventional mounted commandos of the Boers. The Australians proved themselves to be expert rough-riding horsemen and good shots. Bush life had hardened them to go for long periods with little food and water. They also showed remarkable ability to find their way in a strange country and use its features for cover, in both attack and defence. By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Men were given remounts (if not using their own horses) – army horses bought by Commonwealth purchasing officers from graziers and breeders. These were called “walers” because they were a New South Wales stockhorse type – strong, great-hearted animals with the strains of the thoroughbred and semi-draught to give them speed, strength and stamina. On 1st November, 1914, Australia’s First Infantry Division and the first four Light Horse regiments sailed for England in a fleet of transport ships. The first of the Light Horse arrived at Gallipoli in May without their horses. Back with their horses after Gallipoli, they were formidable combatants across the Sinai and Palestine. Some British commanders observed that the light horseman moved with a “lazy, slouching gait, like that of a sleepy tiger” but described how the promise of battle “changes that careless gait, into a live athletic swing that takes him over the ground much quicker than other troops”. They had Light Horse, Torquay, training campdeveloped a reputation as formidable infantrymen. The Turks called them “the White Ghurkas” – a reference to their deadly skill with the bayonet. The Arabs called them “The Kings of the Feathers”. The plume had originally been a battle honour of the Queensland Mounted Infantry for their work in the shearer’s strike of 1891. During WW1 it was adopted by almost all the Light Horse Regiments. It was the proud badge of the light horseman. The most famous of their battles was the attack on Beersheba- the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Mounted infantrymen and their superb walers had carried out one of the most successful cavalry charges in history – against what seemed impossible odds. They surprised the Turks by charging cavalry-style, when they would normally have ridden close to an objective then dismounted to fight. The fall of Beersheba swung the battle tide against the Turks in Palestine; and changed the history of the Middle East. While 19 men from the Surf Coast Shire served with the 4th Light Horse over the course of WW1, only four were involved in the charge of Beersheba- John GAYLARD, Philip QUINN.(Winchelsea); Wallace FINDLAY (Anglesea); Harry TRIGG (Bambra). After the war, Light Horse units played a key role in the Australian Government’s compulsory military training programme. The Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F.) thrived on the glamour of the wartime Light Horse tradition, ignoring the possibility that motor vehicles would soon replace the horses. When training was no longer compulsory, the C.M.F. regiments declined and horses became more of a luxury during the 1930s depression years of poverty and unemployment. Some regiments were motorised. Then, in 1939, Australia joined Britain in another world war. Training was increased for the militia at both home bases and regional training camps. The camp at Torquay in 1940, commanded by Major General Rankin, was at Divisional strength. By the end of the camp some felt that the Division was ready for active service. Gradually, over the next four years, the Australian Light Horse units were mounted on wheels and tracks and the horses were retired. Six men enlisted at the Torquay camp and another 57 men and women enlisted at Torquay for service in WW2. Those who served in the Militia provided valuable Officers and NCOs and men for the armed services during the war. Each infantry division of the 2nd AIF had a Light Horse regiment attached to it. But the day of the Australian mounted soldier hadn’t quite passed. During World War II, Australia’s 6th Cavalry Regiment formed a mounted unit they called “The Kelly Gang” which did valuable scouting work. In New Guinea, a mounted Light Horse Troop did patrol duty and helped carry supplies. Some fully equipped walers were flown into Borneo for reconnaissance in rugged mountain country. But by the end of the war, in 1945, the horse had disappeared from the Australian Army. References: Australian Light Horse Association www.lighthorse.org.au National Australia Archives Australian War Memorial Surf Coast Shire WW1 memorials www.togethertheyserved.com The Light horse- a Cavalry under Canvas Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Late in 1939 it was decided to set up a Lighthorse training camp in Torquay to train both men and horses for the battles of the Second World War. Horses, men and equipment came on special trains from all over Victoria and NSW, and as you would expect horseman came from areas such as Omeo and Sale, the Wimmera and the Western District. They arrived at the Geelong racecourse for watering in the Barwon River and then were ridden across the ford at the breakwater and began their 11 mile trek to Torquay. Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Tent city By the end of January 1940 the camp at Torquay accommodated some 5000 men and 2500 horses of the Second Cavalry Division. The rows of horses, tents and huts near Blackgate Road were quite a sight. While the cavalrymen engaged in exercises on the land and on the beaches, many of the troops took over the Torquay School for special training of men and officers. Mr Bob Pettit local farmer and Councillor for the Barrabool Shire, wrote about the Light horse in the Surf Coast Community News in 1985 saying “They used to travel about the district riding four abreast in one long convoy. To my annoyance they went through my property and shut all the gates behind them. I had certain gates open to let stock in to the water holes and it would take me three -quarters of an hour to follow the horsemen up and put all the gates right again” he continued “the men from the Light Horse were here when the fire went through in March 1940. He recalled an incident when early one morning, as some one blew the bugle, a soldier putting a white sheet on the line frightened the horses. They panicked and ran off in all directions. Six went over the cliff near Bird Rock, five were never found, and the rest were gathered up after nearly a fortnight in the bush around Addiscott and Anglesea" Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2, Geelong Parade Geelong parade The training camp culminated in a parade through the streets of Geelong on March 12th 1940. The salute was given at the Town Hall and the troops continued on a route to the You Yang’s for a training exercise. Note-----(see media section for photograph) The Camp was abandoned in mid 1940 as it was deemed unsuitable for training during winter and the cost of a permanent camp could not be justified if it could not be used all year. Historic.......Rare,,,Interpretive.Sepia photographs.set of four ....post card size ....Horses &LighthorsemenNo 1, Lighthorsemen Regiment Geelong 1940......No 2 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940....No 3 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940.....No 4 Light Horse crossing Breakwater camped at Geelong Showgrounds. These markings are on reverse of photographs.light horsemengeelong 1940., world war 2 -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Service Gear, Trooper Patrick Nolan, Picture on his horse "Jack Ordeal" with his googles, stirrups, Registration of membership to R. S..S. I. L .A. dated 6/2/1917, badge "Rising Sun"
Details relating to Trooper Patrick NolanWW1 8th Light HorsePhotograph of Trooper Patrick Nolan on his horse "Jack Ordeal" taken at Port Said. Accompanied by items: stirrups, badge "Raising Sun, Registration of membership to R. S..S. I. L .A. dated 6/2/1917. Patrick Nolan Joined as a labourer aged 21 on 5/8/1915. Attached to Reinforcements, the 8th Australian Light Horse. Also known as Maygar's Boys. Suffering shell shock and deafness at Bir El Abd, Sinai, 8/9/1916. Discharged in Melbourne, 8/12/1916, rejoined Home Service 6/2/1917. Discharged at own request 21/6/1917. Rejoined 26/7/1917. Discharged 5/5/1918Dust/sand goggles, leather with brown lens for desert warfare. Lens 4.5 cm round, Badge "Rising Sun" Australian Military ArmedForces L 6.00 cm H. 4.5 cm. 1904 blackened copper. Left and Right strips. Markings stamped inside C. Greatnfk & Son Ld, solid nickel. The righthand strip has a broken foot strap mounting. Paper receipt for membership to Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League dated 6/2/1917. Number 965. Group Photo * light bHorse Inscription on Back - mBack Row @nd from Left Patrick Nolan Dad 8th Light Horse Egypt 1st World War 1914/1918 nolan patrick 8th light horse world war one trooper stirrups goggles rising sun -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Service Gear, Puttee
A puttee is a cloth band that was wound round a soldier’s leg from their ankle to their knee. They were designed to provide support when walking and protect against harsh weather conditions. Many Australian soldiers developed a painful medical condition during their service on the Western Front called trench foot. The primary causes were wet feet and unsanitary conditions but puttees were also partly to blame as they limited circulation to the lower leg and foot. These puttees are a collectors item, they are the real thing, used in WW1 and made a short return in WW2 and were used as ceremonial dress in Malaysia in the 1960s, these ones are WW2 issue. Used as military dress in world war one, briefly in world war II and ceremonial dress in Malaysia in the 1960'sOlive green wrapping wool mix wrapping 106cm long and q2cm wide with tape 103 cm long 1.5 cm wideNilputtee, leggings world ww1 1 ww2 malaysia cloth bans -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Captain Albert Jacka VC Biography, 2017
Tells the story of one Australias finest soldiers and what they had to endure during the war.Glass covered picture frame showing Albert Jacka with a short run down on his life.Picture of Albert Jacka with his medals and biography of his life.albert jacka, world war one, lara r.s.l., vc winners, ww1 -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Photograph of Bapaume
Bapaume was a large German-held town almost within sight of the Australians’ trench lines throughout the winter months on the Somme. Suddenly, from 24 February 1917 it became evident that the enemy was retiring. The British advanced after them, and by the morning of 17 March Australian troops reached the outskirts of Bapaume. The soldiers’ heightened spirits were exemplified by the band of the 5th Australian Brigade playing amid the burning ruins as they marched into the old town square on the 19th. However booby traps and time bombs had been left behind; one exploded in the town hall a week later burying men and killing twenty-five.On the Western Front, Bapaume was a coveted position between the two strategically-important areas of Artois and Somme. The Germans occupied the town in 1914 and in the final eighteen months of the war it changed hands three times.Rectangular shaped Sepia photograph with an added note underneath.Bapaume was occupied by Australian troops on the 30th Mar 1917. An Australian mounted patrol moving through the wrecked streets of the town. Note the French helmet on the forward rider.ww1, bapaume, french battlefields, lara r.s.l.world war one, australian army. -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Lara Memorial Gate Photo 1928, Lara Recreation Reserve Memorial Gate Photo 1928, 1928
Following World War One, the present Memorial Gates at the front of the Lara Recreation Reserve (opposite the service station), were erected and the names of 104 men and woman who enlisted from Lara Districts were added. Twenty four paid the supreme sacrifice. They were erected at a cost of £380 by Barklamb Brothers of Caulfield. His Excellency The Governor Lord Somers officially opened the gates on 22 December 1929. RSM Cadwell was in charge of the program. The ceremony involved a large gathering where Lord. Names on Gates of WW1 Veterans Listed below - Following World War One, the present Memorial Gates at the front of the Lara Recreation Reserve (opposite the service station), were erected and the names of 104 men and woman who enlisted from Lara and districts were added. Twenty Four paid the supreme sacrifice. His Excellency The Governor Lord Somers officially opened the gates. RSM Cadwell was in charge of the programme. Sommers inspected a guard of honour from the 23rd Battalion (City of Geelong Regiment). In addition to a parade of returned soldiers, music was provided by the Geelong City Band. Names on Gates of WW1 Veterans Listed below - Andserson W.A. Fry J.F. Mullins M. Bates J. * Gabrielson E. * McDonald H. Bates G. Gardiner H.A. McDonald G. Beggs J.S. Gibbons H. * McHarry E.J. Bennett E.J. (3755) Gibbons W. McEwan G. Beardsell T. Gibbons G. McIntyre J.L. (3421) Branch W.J. (3029) Grass E.J. (687) McIntyre J.W. (7049) Callaghan C. Grass C.H. McIntosh J. Carter W.J. Groves H. McKellar G. Cashmore J.A. Harris W. McLeod R. Cashmore F.J. Heal H. P. (1134) Nicholls J. Cashmore A.G. Heal F.W. (1135) Olive C.A. * Cashmore A.J. Heal E.L. (1133) Oliver D.H. Chirnside J.L. Heyward F.C. * Owens S.J. Clayton J.H. * Heyward W. O'Neill J. Connop J. * Hill E.J. * Parsons M. Connop E. * Howard H.L. (4138) Parker S. Collins F.H. * Inglis H. Perkins C.E. Collins R.B. * Izon C.E. Shannahan J. Collins H. James R. Spitty C. Collins A. Jenkins W. Steele J. Coogan M.T. * Jenkins H. Tayler R. Curle O. Kee H.K. Tayler W.H. (794) Duggan H.J. * Keneally J. Teesdale V.B. (5241) Duggan R. Kent G.G. Thomas D.H. Duggan T.M. Kortright J. Tregilas S. * Dunn W. Lodge J.A. * Trim A. Dodesmaide F. * Lodge G.L. * Tipping S. * Edols R.W. Lodge T.S. * Turnbull J.W. * Farrelly P. Miller P. * Walker H.D. Farrer R. * Minogue P. Watt W. Firth D.H. * Moodie E. Wembridge W.P. * Firth A.C. Morgan C.E. Sister McNaughton K. Foot M.T. Moroney L.F. (4088) Sister McIntosh S. Foot C.H. * The Supreme Sacrifice Sommers inspected a guard of honour from the 23rd Battalion (City of Geelong Regiment). In addition to a parade of returned soldiers, music was provided by the Geelong City Band. The Memorial Gates are of local heritage significance and are included as Heritage Overlays in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme,unveiled by the govenor Lord Somers on the 22 dec 1929. Read comments on bottom of photoComprising four square granite piers with central vehicular and flanking pedestrian metal gates.The gates commemorate the names of the 104 men and women of the Lara region who served in World War One.lara, memorial gate, ww1, world war 1, lara recreation reserve, lord somers, rsm cadwell, 1928, monument, 23rd battalion, city of geelong regiment, geelong city band -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Memorial Gates Lara 1928, 1929
Following World War One, the present Memorial Gates at the front of the Lara Recreation Reserve (opposite the service station), were erected and the names of 104 men and woman who enlisted from Lara Districts were added. Twenty four paid the supreme sacrifice. They were erected at a cost of £380 by Barklamb Brothers of Caulfield. His Excellency The Governor Lord Somers officially opened the gates on 22 December 1929. RSM Cadwell was in charge of the program. The ceremony involved a large gathering where Lord Sommers inspected a guard of honour from the 23rd Battalion (City of Geelong Regiment). In addition to a parade of returned soldiers, music was provided by the Geelong City Band.The gates commemorate the names of the 104 men and women of the Lara region who served in World War One. Rectangular shaped glass covered photo frame showing the memorial gates.The gates commemorate the names of the 104 men and women of the Lara region who served in World War One. lara, memorial gate, ww1, world war 1, lara recreation reserve, lord somers, rsm cadwell, 1928, monument, 23rd battalion, city of geelong regiment, geelong city band -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Postcards Booklet, Souvenir Letter Card of Weymouth
Following the landing of Australian & New Zealand troops, the Anzacs, at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915, casualties mounted rapidly and were initially transported to their base in Egypt, which was soon unable to cope, with wounded being sent to England. Here the troops found that there was no Australian base to which they could report once they had been discharged from hospital; what was needed urgently was a base in England where troops could be sent to convalesce. So on 31st May 1915 a command depot was set up at Monte Video House in Chickerell, some two miles from Weymouth. Weymouth then became the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) Command Depot No.2 which accommodated those men not expected to be fit for duty within six months, therefore, most of the Diggers repatriated as a result of wounds or sickness passed through Weymouth. During the years 1915-1919 over 120,000 Australian and New Zealand troops passed through Weymouth. In Spring & Summer, Weymouth Esplanade would be full of Anzac soldiers in wheelchairs, being wheeled along by their more able mates. The first contingent of 200 wounded men arrived in the first week of June 1915, and two weeks later a group of local ladies organised a cream tea for the newcomers, followed by a concert party 'The Frolics' at the camp. So began the close connection that was to grow between the soldiers and the villagers of Chickerell. The ANZAC Memorial on Weymouth seafront commemorates the Australian and New Zealand troops who were accommodated in three camps in the town during WW1: Monte Video, Westham and Littlemoor. In Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Cemetery there are about eighty-six graves of those Anzacs who were never to return to their homelands. Also in memory of these troops, there a number of roads close to the camps named after Australian cities and states.A World War 1 Letter Card sent home by Australian troops repatriated in Weymouth, UK containing images of Weymouth and a picture of the Australian Base Camp.Front cover (see image) Souvenir Letter Card of Weymouth Inside are eight pictures of the Weymouth area including the YMCA Hut - Australian Base Campymca, uk, australian base camp, world war 1, ww1, aif, army, australian army, westham, littemoor, weymouth, melcombe regis cemetery, anzac -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Map, Map of London
Map of London including Places of interest and Accommodation for Australian Navy, and Australian Imperial ForceMap given to Australian Navy and Imperial forces in London during WW1Map of London - YMCA - Place of Interest and Accommodation for Soldiers and Sailors in London 1917Map of London Rising Sun Badge Places of interest Accommodation for sailors and soldiers in Londonmap london ymca ww1 -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Medallion, W.H.Mathews, 1967
Every Anzac soldier who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula, or in direct support of operations there - or his family if he did not survive until into the late 1960s - was entitled to be issued with the Anzac Commemorative Medallion. The Medallion was issued in 1967. The medallion was sent by registered post and comes in a presentation case with a moulded velvet base to receive the medallion, with a silk lined hinged lid.Medallion presented to all army personnel serving at GallipoliANZAC Medallion Badge issued in memory of W.H. MathewsThe obverse of the medallion depicts Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety. It is bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word ANZAC and the date 1915 above the donkey. The reverse shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand superimposed by the Southern Cross. The lower half is bordered by New Zealand fern leaves and the name W.M. Mathewsmedallion, army, anzacs, australian army, world war 1, ww1, gallipoli -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Wallet, Y.M.C.A. Wallet Mr Sid Ellis carried by hm during WW1
WW1. Y.M.C.A. London, French scenesWW1 Wallet . YMCA LondonYMCA Wallet containing personal papers and letters - Sid Ellis- -472.01 Black leather Wallet - Y.M.C.A. Australian Logo on front. On the rear of the wallet is a Motto "Talk Clean, Live Clean, Fight Clean. Play the Game." .02 Paper slip containing details of acquaintances service numbers name and regiment details. .03 Paper Sovenior of France - written in French. .04 Paper folded to contain 10 photographic shots of French scenes countryside, sailing cutters. .05 Receipt from Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League of Australia(Victoria). Issued to S. W. Ellis Brunswick Sub-branch dated 31/12/1936 Badge Number 48697. .06 Envelope Service of Campaign - printed on the front the envelope is written in Portuguese. "Servicio De Campanha" .07 Small brown paper representation of a boomerang with Cooee in gold lettering embossed on the front. .08 Small white business card for "Cafe - Debit" written in French "Albert Succr" Le Havre. .09 Cut-out from a magazine "View of the Seven Bridges" .10 Cut-out From a magazine "The New Louvre. .11 Cut-out from a magazine "Vendome Place" .12 Cut-out from a magazine "The Madeleine" .13 Cut-out from a magazine "The Arch De Triomphe - it is 150 feet high and cost 362,000 Pounds" .14 Cut-out from a magazine "The Grand Opera House - its cost was about 1,190,500 pounds and it seats over 2,000 people" .15 Cut-out from a magazine "The Cathedral of Notre Dame - A splendid example of the gothic architecture of the 13th century. .16 Cut-out from a magazine "The Trocadero Place erected from the Universal Exhibition of 1878 . with a Hall Capable of holding 5,000 people. .17 Envelope sent to Private S.W. Ellis from Lara took a well-traveled route to reach him. .18 Postcard of Park & Bandstand, Melton, Mowbray to Pte S.W Ellis. .19 Y.M.C.A. Newspaper "The Rising Sun" Vol 1, No. 14 Dated 28/1/1919 London, England. .20 Small note from Y.M.C.A. with pencil note on the rear "423 Pte. Schofield E.J." .21 Small Calander for 1918 from Y.M.C.A. London. .22 Cut out from a newspaper of a Funeral notice of Mrs. Thompson. .23 Paper note a pencil written recipe for an ointment measured amounts of the ingredients. .24 Two copies of Australian Imperial Force, Message to the "Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men of the Australian Imperial Force." From Commander in the field. .25 Memo "the Diggers" by Capt. William Denny - an order form for copies of the book.472.01 Black leather with Y.M.C.A. Australian Armed Forces Logo embossed on the front and on the Back a motto "Talk Clean, Live Clean, Fight Clean, Play The Game." .02 White pocket notebook paper. .03 Small thin cardboard white with Blue and Red chevrons on each corner. On the reverse side is a word "Souscrivez!" .04 Thin paper folder in a cascade that contains 10 small photos of French scenery. .05 Tissue paper receipt No. 31996 dated 15/01/1916 from Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (Victoria). .06 Brown Envelope with Green printing of the front. Army Form Number W 3078 (P) .07 Small Brown paper, shaped as a boomerang with a saying printed on the front "Cooee" .08 Cardboard white Business card for Cafe-Debit, Le Havre, .09 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of the Seven Bridges. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .10 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of the New Louvre. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .11 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of Vendome Place. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .12 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Madeleine. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .13 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Arc De Triomphe. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .14 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Grand Opera House. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .15 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Cathedral Of Notre Dame. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .16 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Trocadero Palace. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .17 Paper envelope Addressed to Pte. S. W. Ellis No. 640 sent from Lara and redirected to the recipient by Army Base Post Office. .18 Cardboard Postcard with a photographic picture of The Park & Bandstand, Melton Mowbray. Addressed to Pte. S. W. Ellis No. 640. .19 Y.M.C.A. Newspaper "The Rising Sun" Vol. 1 No. 14. .20 Thin paper from Y.M.C.A. addressed to 423 Pte. Schofield E.J. .21 Cardboard folded in two, a calendar for 1918, and small Map of Aldwych, reverse side is Y.M.C.A. in London details. Printed in red and black. .22 Cut out from a newspaper of a Funeral notice of Mrs. Thompson. .23 Thin Brown Paper with a note in pencil containing a written recipe for an ointment measured amounts of the ingredients. .24 Two copies of paper pamphlets. To the Officers & men of Australian Imperial Force dated 14th November 1918, .25 A paper pamphlet "The Diggers" by Capt. William Denny -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Leave Pass, No 1268 J.L. McIntyre dated 11Jul 1919
No 1268 B Leave Pass issued to J.L.Mcintyre on the 11th July 1919WW1 Leave Pass issuedRectangular in shape, Off White in colour.Leave Pass - Staff Office for Invalids and Returned Soldiers - No 1268 J.L. McIntyre dated 11Jul 1919 -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Belt, Leather Belt
This belt belonged to a WW1 Australian Anzac who most probably, because of the buttons and badges, served on the Western Front. Records destroyed in 1969 bush fires at Lara means we are unable to determine who owned this in the RSL. The belts is called a 'stable belt' and the one you have acquired is an early example with a leather pocket. It became common in WW1 for both, leather belts (especially that from the 1903 bandolier equipment as worn by those in the Boer War), and stable belts to be used to hold badges collected from fellow soldiers and for that reason it was often known as a 'souvenir belt'. The evolution of the stable belt: It seems that stable belts began to become popular across the Army as a whole around the turn of the 20th century, although they probably originated with the cavalry a little earlier sometime in the 1880s/1890s. All units at that time had horses on their establishment and those soldiers told off to attend them reported for Stable Parade in Stable Dress which consisted of very high waisted and pocket less breeches, or trousers, held up by braces and collarless, woollen flannel shirts with sleeves rolled up. This was to facilitate the rigorous physical effort and flexibility of movement necessary for mucking out and grooming. Braces at that time had no elastic as rubber was expensive, they were made of cotton with no 'give' whatsoever and so soldiers commonly allowed the braces to flop down from the waist so that they could bend over freely. For trousers that fitted loosely (due to the high waist) this meant that they tended to slip down and at first soldiers cinched them in with leather belts. Later on the regimental saddlers began to make belts from the same, plain canvas or wool strapping used for the horses Surcingle and utilising the same double leather strap and buckle arrangement for security (if one strap broke the other would hold and prevent the saddle from coming unseated). One particular feature of these early stable belts was a sewn on (or in) pocket, secured by a stud or clip, within which loose change could be kept, or a pocket watch, as there were no pockets in the breeches. As you might imagine these became very popular as the pocket was useful and the extra breadth afforded by the canvas strapping made them very comfortable. Around about the turn of the 20th century it began to be popular for officers to wear neckties in regimental colours both for sport and less formal, country dress. This habit probably began with the Queens Household troops and Line Cavalry, but quickly spread throughout the Army and it appears as if this use of regimental colours spread to the canvas or wool strapping used to make stable belts. For this reason the stable belts invariably followed the same colour scheme (but not always the same pattern arrangement) of regimental neck ties. This belt is an example of what Australian troops collected when on the Western Front during WW1 and when on leave.Leather Belt with 31 Badges and Buttons from WW1 attachedSee Mediaww1, world war 1, australian army, badges, button, belt, stable belt -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Belt, Webbing Belt
This belt belonged to a WW1 Australian Anzac who most probably, because of the buttons and badges, served on the Western Front. Records destroyed in 1969 bush fires at Lara means we are unable to determine who owned this in the RSL. The belts is called a 'stable belt' and the one you have acquired is an early example with a leather pocket. It became common in WW1 for both, leather belts (especially that from the 1903 bandolier equipment as worn by those in the Boer War), and stable belts to be used to hold badges collected from fellow soldiers and for that reason it was often known as a 'souvenir belt'. The evolution of the stable belt: It seems that stable belts began to become popular across the Army as a whole around the turn of the 20th century, although they probably originated with the cavalry a little earlier sometime in the 1880s/1890s. All units at that time had horses on their establishment and those soldiers told off to attend them reported for Stable Parade in Stable Dress which consisted of very high waisted and pocket less breeches, or trousers, held up by braces and collarless, woollen flannel shirts with sleeves rolled up. This was to facilitate the rigorous physical effort and flexibility of movement necessary for mucking out and grooming. Braces at that time had no elastic as rubber was expensive, they were made of cotton with no 'give' whatsoever and so soldiers commonly allowed the braces to flop down from the waist so that they could bend over freely. For trousers that fitted loosely (due to the high waist) this meant that they tended to slip down and at first soldiers cinched them in with leather belts. Later on the regimental saddlers began to make belts from the same, plain canvas or wool strapping used for the horses Surcingle and utilising the same double leather strap and buckle arrangement for security (if one strap broke the other would hold and prevent the saddle from coming unseated). One particular feature of these early stable belts was a sewn on (or in) pocket, secured by a stud or clip, within which loose change could be kept, or a pocket watch, as there were no pockets in the breeches. As you might imagine these became very popular as the pocket was useful and the extra breadth afforded by the canvas strapping made them very comfortable. Around about the turn of the 20th century it began to be popular for officers to wear neckties in regimental colours both for sport and less formal, country dress. This habit probably began with the Queens Household troops and Line Cavalry, but quickly spread throughout the Army and it appears as if this use of regimental colours spread to the canvas or wool strapping used to make stable belts. For this reason the stable belts invariably followed the same colour scheme (but not always the same pattern arrangement) of regimental neck ties.This belt is an example of what Australian troops collected when on the Western Front during WW1 and when on leave.Webbing Belt with Badges and Buttons WW1See Mediaarmy, australian army, western front, aif, s.w.ellis, service number 640, 2 m.g.c., buttons, badges, belt, stable belt