Australian Army uniforms; Page 11

Boer War Officers Uniform

c. 1901. Captain Neville Reginald Howse VC, New South Wales Army Medical Corps in the Boer War uniform.

Note the
- "bash" in the slouch hat,
- the heavy belting of the Sam Browne belt,
- the high necked tunic, and
- the brown leather gloves.

This is here for it's uniform details. More details about Howse VC and his exploits on other pages.

The Australian Army Infantry Corps adopted the scarlet sash worn by Warrant Officers Class 2 and senior NCOs from the British Army, which has been wearing it since the 17th century. Some were worn around the waist, whilst others were worn over the shoulder.

The sashes were used as badges of rank. However, it is said that they also had a practical purpose, originally being used to drag the wounded from the battlefield. Legend also has it that because they became blood stained it was decided that they would be coloured scarlet so as to 'hide' the blood stains.

The British Regiments of Foot had officers wearing silken sashes over the left shoulder and senior NCOs wore worsted sashes over the right shoulder.

Today in the Australian Army General Officers and Officers holding certain appointments wear sashes around their waist when dressed in Ceremonial Dress.

for an example

Infantry Warrant Officers Class 2, senior NCOs and Senior Cadets at the Royal Military College Duntroon, wear the scarlet sash when on parade, in mess dress and when carrying out Regimental duties.

There are many tall stories told in messes about the scarlet sash and its cords (or tassels). Stories of the cords range from their representing British Army campaigns or Army line regiments to their use for counting casualties on the battle field.

None of these are true and are often used to leg-pull the newly promoted sergeant.


Mark I yellow based Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) shirt with brassard and rank slides. The shirt has long sleeves with reinforcing between elbow and wrist with a second layer of fabric. They are adjustable at the cuff by a fabric tab and three buttons. The shirt is closed by five buttons and all but the top button are concealed. The four expanding pockets are closed by two buttons concealed under flaps. The two breast pockets are angled downwards from the shoulder. Above the left hand breast pocket is a velcro strip for the attachment of a name tape. Shoulder straps are secured at the shoulder by a single button. Each shoulder strap has a black embroidered major's rank slide attached. A brassard with a black embroidered 'rising sun' badge of the Australian Army, and an Australian flag is attached to the right arm.	Mark II grey based Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) shirt with brassard and rank slides. The shirt has long sleeves with reinforcing between elbow and wrist with a second layer of fabric. They are adjustable at the cuff by a fabric tab and three buttons. The shirt is closed by five buttons and all but the top button are concealed. The four expanding pockets are closed by two buttons concealed under flaps. The two breast pockets are angled downwards from the shoulder. Above the left hand breast pocket is a velcro strip for the attachment of a name tape. Shoulder straps are secured at the shoulder by a single button. Each shoulder strap has a black embroidered major's rank slide attached. A brassard with a black embroidered 'rising sun' badge of the Australian Army, and an Australian flag is attached to the right arm.
	Brassard in Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) fabric with a woven Australian national flag cloth patch attached. The diameter of the brassard can be adjusted by a pair of velcro strips, and attaches to the left hand epaulette of the uniform shirt through a reinforced slit 4 cm below the top.

Grants tunic

This jacket was worn by Brigadier General William Grant, AIF. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in December 1916.

He was given command of 4th Light Horse Brigade in September 1917 and soon afterwards led his unit in the attack on Beersheba.

He was personally decorated with a bar to the Distinguished Service Order by General Allenby the day after the charge.

He was appointed to the Order of the Nile 3rd class in 1918, and CMG in 1919.

"The fighting Leanes of Prospect" circa 1916 -

The five Leane brothers, who all served in the First AIF.
- From Left to Right, standing:
  - Major Ben Leane (48th Battalion, Killed in Action 10 April 1917),
  - Lieutenant Colonel Ray Leane (CO of the 48th Battalion),
  - WO I Ernest Leane (27th Battalion).
- Sitting:
  - Major Edwin Leane D.A.D.O.S. 2nd Australian Division),
  - Major Allan Leane (CO of the 28th Battalion, Killed in Action 4 January 1917)

Australian War Memorial: P02136.001