Prior to Federation, the six colonies were truly separate entities, each with borders maintained by their own small militia. But small permanent forces supported by volunteers and British naval patrols were not going to cut it long-term. The fallibility of these forces was broadly understood and so the formation of the Commonwealth of Australia in […]
The slouch hat is a widely recognised Australian military icon. It’s distinctive design originated with the Victorian Mounted Rifles, whose soldiers wore an ordinary bush felt hat turned up on the right side. This prevented the brim from obstructing movement during drills, when a long firearm was transferred from the ground position to the shoulder […]
This style of gaiters were best known for being part of the uniform for Australia’s famed WWI Light Horse troops, but they were also worn by Australians in artillery, medical and transport units. Francis Stowasser and George Winter patented this design in the UK and US in the late nineteenth century. But only Stowasser’s name […]
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