Historical information

This is the badge of the Australian Commonwealth Horse which was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army established during the Second Boer War in 1902. It was the first expeditionary force established by the Commonwealth of Australia following Federation in 1901 and the first to wear the Rising Sun Badge, a design chosen by the British Commander in Chief of the Australian Forces, Sir Edward Hutton. This Rising Sun Badge was the second version of a military badge used by Australian soldiers in 1902.

Significance

This badge is of great interest as the hat badge worn by the Australian Commonwealth Horse in the Boer War. It is not known if it has any local significance.

Physical description

Brass semi-circular badge in the shape of the rising sun with slightly curved bottom edge. There is text along the bottom edge with "Australia" in a semi-circle above a crown in low relief.two hooks on the back of the badge.

Inscriptions & markings

"Commonwealth Horse" in scroll alonf bottom of badge. "Australia " in semicircle below the rays of the sun.