Historical information

This is a complete uniform of the Warrnambool Urban Fire Brigade in the mid 20th century. The Warrnambool Fire Brigade, located today in Mortlake Road, Warrnambool, was established in 1863. The formation was prompted by a fire at the Flying Buck Hotel in Liebig Street. The Warrnambool Fire Brigade has a long proud history of service to the people of Warrnambool and district for over 150 years. The uniform belonged to John (Jack) Sizeland, a firefighter for over 37 years. He retired in 1977.

Significance

This uniform is of some significance as it shows the type of uniform worn by Warrnambool firefighters in the mid 20th century. It is also of importance because it belonged to a local firefighter, Jack Sizeland.

Physical description

This is a Warrnambool Fire Brigade uniform consisting of:-
.1 A black cloth single-breasted jacket lined with black and white material. It has four silver metal buttons down the front and two on the top pocket lapels. The buttons have the inscription ‘Country Fire Authority Victoria’. There are two red and black cloth tabs stitched on the top of the sleeves (‘Warrnambool Urban Fire Brigade’). The belt is stitched at the back and loose at the front.
.2 Black cloth trousers with a red braid stripe down each leg.
.3 Black leather belt with a silver-coloured buckle.
.4 Black officer-type hat with red plastic lining, a plastic peaked front with a green backing, a red and black braid around the rim with two metal buttons and a silver-coloured metal badge of the Country Fire Authority.
.5 Black cloth (polyester) tie with orange lining.

Inscriptions & markings

Trousers: ‘C.F.A., I. L. Wise’
Tie: ‘Mark Andrew Made in Australia’
Hat: ‘Emerco, Melbourne, Registered Trademark, This is Your Guarantee for Quality, Made in Australia’