The two uniforms presented here belonged to Arthur Donald (Donald) Watson (1889–1934) and his daughter Patricia Elizabeth Watson (1920–2003) respectively and cover both World Wars with the ribbons, patches and badges detailing their service and rank. Donald’s service is a story in two parts. After serving with the 9th Regiment of the 1st Australian Light […]
Thomas Satchell Knight (1873-1944) from Broughton Village, in the Berry district, was one of a hundred NSW Lancers who travelled to Aldershot, England in February 1899 wearing this very uniform. As the contingent prepared to return home following six months of training, war broke out in South Africa. Volunteers were sought to disembark at Cape […]
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 […]
When Norman Victor Reid went to join the AIF at Sydney on 11 February 1915 he was still 11 months short of the minimum age for enlistment (19). So, he took with him a letter from his father giving him permission to join the Army Medical Corps and go to the front. Norman was accepted […]
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 […]
Standing on the deck of the Orpheus as it rounded into Port Jackson, Cambridge-born Lieutenant Jonathan Warner (1786-1843) first saw his exotic new posting. It was a Spring day in 1826, and as the Sydney weather was not yet too hot, he may have felt quite comfortable in the full military uniform he was wearing. […]
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