Historical information

The Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) was an Australian part time volunteer military force of World War 11 modeled on the British Home Guard. The VDC was established in July 1940 by the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) and was initially composed of distinguished ex-servicemen who had served in World War 1, but were too old for frontline service. This jacket was worn by Mr Les Gaudion in the 1940's.

Physical description

A WW 11 single-breasted green khaki cotton drill dress Volunteer Defence Force Corps jacket. It has 4 pockets featuring two pleated patch pockets on the chest (with pointed flaps) and two lower bellows hip pockets, button down shoulder epaulettes, five buttons down the front, and one on each cuff. Fitted with oxidized brass buttons bearing the Commonwealth/Australian Military Forces pattern, "Rising Sun" collar badges. All round jacket badges have an insignia on them and a map of Australia. One plain brown plastic button is at the top front of the neck. At the back in the middle is a long pleat. Inside there is a pocket as well as stitched reinforcing for all the outer pockets.

Inscriptions & markings

The buttons for the jacket have a map of Australia and a crown on top, with 'Australian Military Forces'. The two 'Rising Sun' collar badges have 'Australian Military Forces'.