Plate 3

Transition in Ceremonial Uniforms

 

 

 

 

Sergeant, Summer Drill Order Ceremonial, 1950s-60s

The basic army summer uniform of the 1950s was khaki drill shirt and trousers, a reversion from the later World War II green drill of the tropics, to reflect the Australian Army's perceived role as being once again in the Middle East. In days before the army caught the Vietnam-era American prejudice of regarding rolled long sleeves as yobbo standard, neatly folded sleeves were well accepted as utilitarian and well dressed. Boots were of the long-standing ankle length, now dyed black from the traditional tan, and worn with 1937 pattern web anklets. For ceremonial parades and sword drill the sam browne belt with infantry sword was used, and the single concession to the officer cadet's status as an officer candidate was the officer pattern cap, initially with the gilt Australian Military Forces rising sun hat badge, then from 1956 the OCS silver and gilt badge.

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Officer Cadet, Winter Drill Order, 1950s-80s

The basic army winter uniform was the battledress, an Australian version of the British one of over ten years earlier, and replacing the Service Dress which had seen service in both World Wars. It was worn with collar and tie, and either slouch hat or officer pattern cap with rising sun and later OCS badge. Web equipment was initially blancoed, then boot polish blackened 1937 belt and Australian pattern gaiters. White gorget patches indicated officer cadet status, as badges were not worn on battledress lapels; a khaki lanyard depicted junior class, red the seniors. The rifle changed from the short magazine Lee-Enfield rifle to self loading rifle in 1960.

 

 

 

 

 

......Senior Under Officer, Summer Ceremonial Dress, late 1970s-80s

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Under Officer, Summer Ceremonial Dress, late 1970s-80s

White terylene jackets replaced the blue jacket for summer ceremonial wear in 1977. It was worn with the blue trousers, and either whitened 1937 pattern web belt and rifle or 1887 pattern white leather belt and furniture with stainless steel scabbard and infantry sword, the latter replacing the sam browne equipment for ceremonial parades. Badges of rank were standard warrant and non-commissioned officer gold and embroidered insignia, as were specialist skill badges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Corporal, Winter Ceremonial Dress, mid 1970s-80s

Patrol collar blues had become standard for commissioned and warrant officers in 1970, and although the other ranks blues were no longer an issue uniform, the latter continued in use at Portsea until 1977. They doubled as winter mess dress and ceremonial, the latter with the addition of whitened 1937 pattern web belt and officer pattern blues cap. Badges of rank and specialist insignia were normal gold/embroidered issue.