Historical information

The 1st Australian Armoured Car Squadron was raised at Puckapunyal, Victoria in January 1946 from 4th Armoured Brigade volunteers. Following two months training it deployed to Japan as part of the occupation force joining the Australian 34th Brigade. The squadron was equipped with Canadian Scout Cars and Staghound Armoured Cars. The latter were found to be unsuitable for patrol duties on Japanese roads and replaced with additional scout cars. The 1st Armoured Car Squadron returned to Australia in December 1948 and became the basis for the 1st Armoured Regiment.

Significance

This object is well provenance and, in its condition and completeness, is a fine example of unusual headgear worn by Australian armoured corps soldiers in the immediate post-World War 2 (39-45) period.

Physical description

Khaki heavy cloth beret with 'Rising Sun' badge and colour patch of the 1st Australian Armoured Car Squadron.