Historical information

The black tin helmet case is an object owned by Major-General Gellibrand who motivated Legatee Stan Savige to found Legacy.
Major-General Sir John Gellibrand KCB, DSO and Bar, D. de G(Fr), DSM (US), was born in Tasmania in 1874. After schooling in England and Germany he entered then Royal Military College, Sandhurst, taking the Sword of Honour in 1893. Commissioned into the South Lancashire Regiment, he saw service in the Boer War, 1900. This case which would carry a service cap, a dress cap and a pith helmet dates from that period. Moving to the Manchester Regiment in 1902, Captain Gellibrand then attended Staff College, Camberley 1906-7 and was posted DAA and QMG Ceylon. In 1912 he retired and returned to Tasmania. He joined the AIF as a Captain in 1914, served in 24th Battalion and commanded 6th Brigade and then 3rd Division. He motivated his erstwhile Staff Captain Stan Savige to get together the Melbourne men who founded Legacy in 1923.
This Hat Box was generously donated by Mr W C Steele of Wangaratta. Former Captain AIF.
Melbourne Legacy keeps the case on display in the main reception foyer.

Significance

The helmet case being on prominent display at Melbourne Legacy shows the respect Legacy holds for Major-General Gellibrand.

Physical description

Black tin case that contained Major-General Gellibrand's Cap and Helmet. Has two compartments separated by a flap that can lift.

Inscriptions & markings

Typed label in plastic sleeve attached by green twine.