Historical information

This shirt is part of a General Purpose Uniform issued by the Australian Airforce to Bernard Farley during service. This uniform type was developed in 2014 and replaced camouflage as the uniform worn during general base duties and in non-warlike environments. Although a camouflage pattern, this design is not intended for use as camouflage.

Significance

This item has social significance, as an item of uniform worn by Warrnambool RSL community member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. The item is a representative example of current Airforce General Purpose Uniform and is in excellent condition. As a set, the uniform has aesthetic significance in it’s design, incorporating GPU uniform design from the Army alongside the colours and motifs of the Australian Airforce.

Physical description

General Purpose Uniform (GPU) shirt in Airforce colours of blue and grey in camouflage pattern. Long sleeve with 6 buttons up the front, two chest pockets with zippered verticle openings along the button seam; two button down pockets on both the left and right shoulder with velcro patches sewn to outside flap for attachment of patches. Above the chest pockets are two patches with embroidered inscriptions in white thread on navy backing. Shirt cuffs have adjustable velcro fasteners.

Inscriptions & markings

Inscription on interior label is worn and illegible, halfway down the tag reads “PM KEYS NO.” Throughout (on shoulder seams, above left pocket and on back of collar) is the Australian Airforce badge/motif which features a circle with the words ‘Royal Australian Air Force', the Imperial Crown, and a Wedge-Tailed Eagle in flight though this detail is inferred not physically visible. Two embroidered patches above the chest pockets read “AIR FORCE” and “FARLEY.”