His Excellency the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, by and with the advice of the Executive Council thereof, in exercise of the powers conferred by the undermentioned State Acts, namely -
State Act
New South Wales..........The Military and Naval Forces Regulation Act; and the Volunteer
.......................................Force Regulation Act 1867.
Victoria...........................The Defences and Discipline Acts.
Queensland...................The Defence Acts 1884 to 1896.
South Australia..............The Defence Act 1895.
Western Australia...........The Defence Forces act 1894.
Tasmania.........................The Dfence Act 1885, The Defence Act 1889, and The defence Act 1893;
and by the Constitution of the Commonwealth, has been pleased to approve of the introduction of a Commonwealth Uniform for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth (in accordance with the following instructions). Complete Regulations for dress of Officers will be published hereafter:-
INTRODUCTION OF SERVICE DRESS
1. The Commonwealth Uniform will consist of a General Service Dress, which will, by the addition of aiguillettes, breast-lines, and girdles, be convertable into Full Dress. It will be observed, therefore, that by this means a single uniform coat will be provided which shall meet the requirements of a Fatigue or Service Jacket, and by the addition of lace attachments, etc, be readily converted into Ceremonial or Full Dress. Great economy in the provision of uniform, both from Government funds and at the hands of Officers, will be insured by this means. This is specially necessary in the case of Officers who have in the past found it difficult to supply themselves with the expensive and varied uniforms both for Full dress and Undress.
2. The following instructions are promulgated for the guidance of all concerned:-
In accordance with the principle indicated in para. 1, the soldier will be provided as follows:-
(a) A service Uniform for general use.
(b) A Full or Ceremonial dress, by the addition of aiguillettes or breast-lines, girdle, etc, to the Service Uniform.
3. (a) The Service Uniform will be adopted from the 1st July next for all purposes, by all branches of the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, except upon ceremonial parades, or upon occasions when Full Dress is directed to be worn. It will be gradually brought into wear as the existing uniform becomes worn out and unserviceable.
(b) The Full or Ceremonial dress, ie service Uniform with the addition of aiguilettes or breast-lines, etc, will be adopted from the 1st July next, and will be gradually brought into wear as funds admit by all those units unprovided with Full Dress. It may be adopted also by other units upon the expiry of the period for which their present Full Dress Uniform is required to last.
(c) In cases of Corps who have at present a duly-authorised Full Dress, and who desire to retain the same, no change will take place. The Full dress, according to existing sealed patterns, shall, in these cases, continue.
4. Officers gazetted to commissions after this date will be required to provide themselves only with the uniform mentioned in para. 2.
Regimental Officers, on the issue of the Service Uniform to the rank and file of their unit, or if previously requiring to renew their Undress Uniform, will provide themselves with the Service Uniform mentioned in para 2(a), and in the case of Corps adopting the Full Dress mentioned in para. 2(b), with the necessary additions for Full dress.
5. Service Uniform. The following is a general description of the various articles for warrent and Non-commissioned Officers and Men, of which sealed patterns will be supplied for general guidance:-
(a) Jacket - made of a special khaki-coloured serge, single-breasted, with yoke back, turned-down collar, fastened with two hooks and eyes; two patch breast-pockets with pleats, and three pointed flaps; pointed cuffs:-
Gorget patches will be worn on the collar - cloth colour as follows:
Staff...................................................Scarlet
Light Horse.........................................White, with red line down centre
Artillery................................................Blue, with red line down centre and brass grenade
Engineers............................................Red, with blue line down centre
Infantry (Militia and Partly Paid)...........Dark-green, with red line down centre
Army Service Corps.............................White, with blue line down centre
Army Medical Corps.............................Chocolate (Militia and Partly Paid) with red line down centre
Army Ordnance Corps..........................Dark blue
Army Veterinary department.................Maroon
Voluteer Troops.....................................Scarlet, omitting coloured central line.
(note: for further information on cuff piping, eppaulettes, etc please scroll down to end of this page)
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Department of Defence
Melbourne, 15th December, 1903
COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES
DRESS REGULATIONS FOR OFFICERS OF THE STAFF, MILITIA, PARTIALLY PAID, AND VOLUNTEER MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
AS PERTAINING TO THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
STAFF, DEFINITION OF
The term “Staff” in these Dress Regulations applies only to Officers of the Head-Quarters Staff, Personal Staff of the General Officer Commanding, District Head-Quarters Staff, and Staff of Departments, and not to Officers of the Instructional Staff, who are specifically provided for.
AIGUILLETTES AND SHOULDER PADS.
STAFF – Cord ½ inch gold and red orris basket, with plait and cord loop in front and same at back, the plaits ending in plain gold with gilt metal tags. The plaits and cords front and back are joined together by a short scarlet cloth strap in which is worked a button hole. The aiguillette is attached to the shoulder of the jacket or frock coat by a button placed under the outer end of the shoulder cord. The long cord is looped up on the top or front cord, the front cord and the short and long plaits are fastened together, and a small gold braid loop is fixed thereon to attach to the top button of tunic, and to lower hook on neck of the frock coat. On the latter, on the side on which the aiguillette is worn, the arm is passed between the front plait and cord and the back or long plait and cord.
SHOULDER PAD
GENERAL OFFICERS – Plaited gold wire basket cord 3/16 inch in diameter, small gold gimp down the centre, strap of the shoulder knot 2 ¼ inches wide, terminating in a small 4 inch wing. Eyelet hole at the end next to the collar for small gilt button. The under side lined with scarlet cloth, and has a gilt or gilding metal fastening below.
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS - Same pattern as Staff, but of silver, with chocolate silk thread worked in. and that the aiguillette is sewn on to the left shoulder pad, and attached to the jacket by passing the bottom strap through a loop on shoulder of jacket, fastened at upper end with screw button.
Small silver braid loop to attach to the top button of jacket.
Shoulder pad of twisted round silver cord, universal pattern. Small button at the top.
BADGES OF RANK
The rank of Officers is shown by badges as under:-
Badges of rank will be worn on shoulder straps of great coats, frock coats, and staff frocks only. They will be in gilt or gilding metal.
The crossed sword is 2 inches full, and the baton 1/8 inch shorter. The crowns when laid on shoulder cords or shoulder straps are 1 inch broad and 1 inch in height; the stars are 1 inch between opposite points.
General Officers’ badges are worn in pairs, point of sword to the front and edge of blade outwards or towards the arm.
With the Service and Drab Serge Full Dress, rings of ½ inch chevron lace and tracing braid will be worn round the cuff according to rank.
Second Lieutenant and Lieutenant – One row of chevron lace.
Captain – Two rows of chevron lace.
Major – Three rows of chevron lace and two rows of tracing braid between them.
Lieutenant-Colonel - Three rows of chevron lace and four rows of tracing braid between them alternately.
Colonel - Four rows of chevron lace and five rows of tracing braid between them alternately.
General Officer – Plain pointed cuffs.
Badges of rank similar to those worn on the shoulder straps, but in worsted embroidery, will be worn on the flaps of the cuffs.
BADGES – COLLAR
Collar badges, where worn, will be of metal.
When worn with stand-up collar, to be fixed with, the centre of the badge 2 inches from the opening of the collar. On the Service jacket the collar badge is to be worn in centre of gorget patch. Collar badges may be worn on Mess jackets also.
Note – No badges of a special character are allowed to be worn, except those authorized.
BOOTS
When wearing the frock coat, or Staff frock, on mounted duties, knee boots of black leather will be worn, and black spur leathers and steel chains.
On dismounted duties, black Wellington boots, with boxes for spurs. These boots are only worn with trousers:-
With Service Dress –
Officers of the Staff will wear, and Officers of the Mounted Services and Mounted Officers of Dismounted Services may wear in lieu of puttees and black boots – Brown boots (hunting pattern) or brown Stowasser leggings, and brown ankle boots. Spur leathers, brown or black, as case may be.
Dismounted Officers – Black ankle boots and puttees.
All Officers of any Unit to have the same pattern of boots.
NOTES – The knee boots will be cut square at the top; the height will depend upon the length of the leg. The boot should reach to about 4 inches from the top of the knee. The leg of the boot should be jacked sufficiently to prevent it sinking. A spur rest at least 2 inches above the top edge of the heel to keep the spur horizontal.
The ankle boots are to be plain fronted, i.e., without fancy stitching, and worn tightly round the ankle, with broad tread and straight flat heel.
The Wellington boots are not to come above the bottom of the calf of the leg, and must fir the leg.
BUTTONS
Commonwealth pattern. To be equal distances apart unless otherwise specified.
COLLARS AND NECKTIES
White linen collars are to be worn, buttoned on to the collar of the jacket so as to show 1/8 inch above. With Mess waistcoats, open in front, or kamarbands, straight stand-up collars and black silk or satin neckties 1 inch wide are to be worn.
FORAGE CAP
Staff pattern – Blue cloth, with three cloth welts, 3 ¼ inches total depth; diameter across the top 9 ¾ inches for a cap fitting 21 ¾ inches in circumference, the top to be 1/8 inch larger or smaller in diameter for every ¼ inch the cap may vary in size of head above or below the above-mentioned standard, e.g., a cap 22 ¼ inches in circumference, diameter across the top 8 ½ inches; cap 21 inches in circumference, diameter 7 7/8 inches. The sides to be made in four pieces, and to be 1 1/8 inches deep between the welts, a scarlet cloth band 1 ¾ inches wide placed between the two lower welts.
Principal Medical Officers on District Staffs will wear a band of black mohair braid, similar width, oakleaf pattern, in lieu of scarlet.
The cap set up on a band of stiff leather, or other material, 1 ¾ inches deep.
Chin-strap of black patent leather 3/8 inch wide, buttoned on to two gorget buttons placed immediately behind the corners of the peak.
A white cap cover is worn in summer, with the frock coat and serge frock, and a khaki cover with the Service Dress.
PEAK
General Officers – Patent leather, and embroidered all round with oak leaves in gold, ¾ inch wide.
Field Officers of the Staff – The same as for General Officers, but embroidered on the front edge only.
Other Officers of the Staff – Patent leather without embroidery.
(a) The peak to drop at an angle of 45 degrees, and to be 2 inches deep in the middle where worn with embroidery, and 1 ¾ inches when plain.
(b) Service pattern – Same shape as Staff pattern, but of material and colour to match the Service Dress; plain wide peak of black leather (embroidered with plain gold ½ inch wide on front edge for Field Officers, for others plain), set at an angle of about 60 degrees and carried well back to protect the temples; brown leather chin strap, 3/8 inch wide, buttoned on to two brown bone buttons placed immediately behind the corners of the peak with badge in front. Cloth band, 1 ¾ inches wide, colour of gorget patch, placed between the lower welts.
Such caps will be worn straight on the head.
FEATHERS (TO BE WORN WITH SERVICE HAT)
Army Medical Corps – Plume – Chocolate ostrich feathers, banded at base with chocolate vulture feathers, bottom in a metal corded ball socket, plain pattern, with embossed Geneva cross on side, three upright flames; height of the plume, 7 inches, and departmental badge.
GORGET PATCH
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS – Chocolate cloth, 4 ½ inches long to point with red line down centre of silk cord, 3/20 inch in diameter, along the centre, with a button 1 inch from the end.
GLOVES
Brown dogskin or buckskin, plain backs, with Service Undress. White doeskin or buff on other occasions.
GREAT COAT
Cloth, drab mixture, milled, and waterproofed; double-breasted, to reach within a foot of the ground; stand and fall collar 5 inches deep (2 inch stand and 3 inch fall), fastening with two hooks and eyes; cloth tab and button; a 2 ¼ inch inverted expanding pleat down the centre of the back, from the collar to the waist, terminating under the back strap; loose turn-back cuffs of single material, 6 inches deep; two slits at side, 10inches long, jetted in with button catch for pocket mouth; two large patch pockets inside, of same cloth; one button and hole to each pocket mouth; the left pocket mouth to answer for the sword slit; a pocket in the breast placed vertically between the second and third button; two rows of buttons down the front, four in each row, about 6 ½ inches apart; the rows 8 inches apart at the top and 4 inches at the bottom; these measurements are not to be exceeded; two tabs and buttons to slit in back seam; a 2 inch cloth back strap fastened with three holes and buttons; skirt to fasten with two tabs and buttons inside, and to run squarely all round; coat lined on shoulder and sleeve only; shoulder straps as for Service Dress jacket; badges of rank in gilt or gilded metal on shoulder straps.
For Mounted Officers the coat is cut below the waist with spring to form 16 inch lap, or 8 inches on from centre line. The slit at the back should be of suitable length for riding.
HAVERSACK
Brown canvas; one large pocket; at the back of the pocket two smaller pockets, and loops for knife, fork, and spoon; flap fastened with small button of Commonwealth pattern; canvas strap, 2 inches wide, with brass metal fittings.
HAT
Khaki felt, same colour as the jacket; looped up on the left side with hook and eye; socket for plume or feathers; regimental badge on outside of rim looped up; leather chin-strap, 5/8 inch broad, with adjusting buckle; the chin-strap to be fastened well back on left side of hat.
HELMET
A helmet of the following description is worn with the frock coat by the Staff:-
Cork, covered with white cloth in six seams, bound with buff leather at the bottom; above the peak and going round the helmet a buff leather band, 1 inch wide, stitched top and bottom. The head-piece let in with zig-zag ventilator; back peak to centre of crown, 12 inches; front peak to centre of crown, 10 3/4 inches; side to centre of crown, 9 inches; side hooks, curb chain, the links 3/8 inch wide, the chain lined with white leather. At top of helmet a collet riveted on to a collar 3/8 inch wide, to receive feathers and base. A hook at the side, to which the chin chain is attached when not required to be worn under the chin. A brown leather chin strap, 3/8 inchbroad, is worn in all orders of dress except review order. Helmet badge will not be worn.
White puggaree and red and white swan feathers are worn at all times with the helmet. Furniture in gilt or gilding metal.
The cocked hat at present in use will continue to be worn by the Staff when specifically ordered. The helmet will ordinarily be worn.
JACKET
Special drab mixture serge, single-breasted, yoke back, a hook on each side at the waist; stand and fall collar, to fasten with two hooks and eyes, 2 inches fall in the front and 2 inches at the back, collar edges to run V shape, showing top button between; two cross-patch outside breast pockets, 6 ¼ inches wide and 8 inches deep to the top of the flap, 1 ½ inch pleat in the centre, and expanding pleat on outer side, three-pointed flap with button-hole, to cover pockets, 2 ¾ inches deep at the points, 6 3/8 inches wide; the top of the pocket to be in line with the second button of the jacket; two expanding pockets below the waist (pleats at the sides), 9 ¼ inches wide at the top, 10 ½ inches at the bottom, 8 inches deep to the top of the pocket, fastened at the top with a small button; flap with buttonhole, to cover pockets, 3 ½ inches deep, 10 ¾ inches wide, sewn into bottom edge of waist-band. The top of the pockets should be sewn down at the corners in such a manner that on service the pocket can be expanded at top also; five large buttons down the front, small button to fasten flap of each pocket. Shoulder straps, 2 inches wide at the base, of same colour as the garment, attached to the jacket by an underpiece passed through a loop on the lower part of the shoulder and fastened at the top by a small button which passes through both underpiece and shoulder strap; the top of the strap is triangular, which should reach to bottom edge of collar, the sides being about 1 ½ inches deep at the back. (Colour of edging vide para. 33). Sleeves with round cuffs and three-pointed flap; the flaps edged with ½ inch worsted braid; badges of rank (vide para. 4). On the collar, sewn on to each side in front and meeting at the fastening, gorget patches pointed at the outer end; the gorget patches to be of cloth of regimental colour (vide para. 11), 4 ½ inches long to point for Staff, and showing 3/16 inch light above and below patch; 3 inches long for others; regimental badge in centre of gorget patch.
KAMARBANDS – MESS DRESS
Silk of regimental colour, i.e., colour of gorget patch, and suitable length to wind round the waist.
LEGGINGS
Brown leather, Stowasser pattern; to be worn by Officers of the Staff, with Service Dress, when hunting pattern boots are not worn.
Officers of Mounted Services, and Mounted Officers of Dismounted Services, may similarly wear these leggings.
All Officers of a unit to be dressed alike.
MEDALS AND DECORATIONS
Military medals will be worn on the left breast when in Full Dress or Review Order, in the order of the dates of the campaigns for which they have been conferred; the first decoration or medal obtained being placed farthest from the left shoulder.
They are to be worn in a horizontal line, suspended from a single bar (of which the buckle is not to be seen), or stitched to the garment.
In the Lancer Regiment they will be worn on the plastron.
MOURNING BAND
Black crape 3 ¼ inches wide, worn on the left arm above the elbow.
MESS DRESS
THE MESS JACKET – Infantry pattern, roll collar without piping, buttons, gold lace or braiding; pointed cuffs, 6 inches deep at the point and 2 ¾ inches deep, a slit of 1 inch to the left behind; cloth shoulder straps sewn down, the collar and cuffs to be as described. Regimental badges will be worn on the roll collar, and regulation badges of rank in embroidery on the shoulder straps.
WAISTCOATS in all cases will be without piping, braiding, or gold lace; open at front and without collar, to be fastened with four small Commonwealth buttons. A white shirt, with white stand-up collar 1 ½ to 1 ¾ inches high, and a black silk or satin tie will be worn in Mess Dress.
TROUSERS for Mess Dress will be as described below.
The colour of the Mess jacket and waistcoat and trousers will be as described.
PANTALOONS (WHEN WORN WITH FROCK COAT OR FROCK)
STAFF PATTERN – Blue cloth, with scarlet cloth stripe down side seams; width of stripes, for General Officers, 2 ½ inches; other Staff Officers, 1 ¾ inches.
Pantaloons should be cut loose in the thigh and tight at the knee. Ample length from the hip to the knee is essential, so that the wearer can have the necessary freedom in mounting and dismounting. They should have buckskin strapping at the knee, and if made for hard wear seat strapping also. The pockets should be cut across. A waist-strap and buckle should be fitted.
PUTTEES
Woollen, 3 yards long, colour to match the Service Dress; two tapes of 1 inch braid of the same colour as material.
PLUMES
To be worn with helmet and cocked hat.
STAFF – DIRECTOR-GENERAL MEDICAL SERVICES – of black swan feathers, drooping outwards 10 inches long; red feathers long enough to reach the ends of the white ones; feathered stem 3 inches long.
PUGGAREE
Seven folds, 2 ½ inches at sides and 1 ½ inches back and front, the centre fold to be of chocolate brown.
REVOLVER, CASE, AND POUCH
A revolver forms part of an Officer’s equipment, and is only worn on parades when specifically ordered. No pattern has been sealed, but the weapon must carry Government ammunition.
All Officers of a unit must have the same pattern.
“SAM BROWNE” BELTS
Mark II., of the following general description but made of lighter material throughout. The waist-belt also is narrower and the frog smaller:-
The belts, complete, consist of a waist-belt, two shoulder-belts, a sword-frog, an ammunition-pouch, and a pistol-case; the whole made of brown bridle leather.
The waist-belt is 2 3/8 inches wide, and of a length to suit the wearer. It is fitted with a double-tongued brass buckle, and has four brass dees for the shoulder-belts (two at the back and one on each side), a running loop for the free end of the belt, two brass rings for attachment of the frog, and a hook for hooking it up. The waist-belt is lined with faced basil.
The shoulder-belts are plain straps (crossed at the back through a loop). They are 1 ½ inches wide. The patterns are about 35 inches long over all, without chapes. The length, however, may be varied to suit the wearer. They are fitted with studs for attachment to the dees at the back of the waist-belt. A chape, with stud and a buckle, is provided for each, for attachment to the dees at the sides of the belt.
In Mounted Services the strap over the left shoulder need not be worn, except when it is required to support the revolver.
The frog is fitted with two straps, which are to be passed through the rings on the lower part of the belt. Each strap is secured by a stud. The frog has a small brass dee at the top, to go over the hook on the belt when “hooking up”. A small strap passes through the front and back for securing the sword scabbard. A stud is fitted on the front of the frog, upon which the tab of the scabbard supporter may be fastened. The scabbard will be of brown leather, improved pattern. A small strap for steadying the sword hilt is attached to the rear ring of the frog, holes being made in the strap to pass over a stud on the belt above the front ring.
The ammunition-pouch and pistol-case are fitted with loops on the back for attachment to the waist-belt; also with stud and tab fastenings. The loop on the pistol-case is furnished with a small brass hook, which should pass through a hole to be made for the purpose in the belt to suit the wearer, in order to secure the case and keep it in position.
The pattern of pistol-case is to be regarded as typical only, as its dimensions must suit the particular pattern of pistil carried.
SHOULDER STRAPS (DETACHABLE) – SERVICE JACKET
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS – Edging ¼ inch chocolate cloth. Loop of scarlet braid from the shoulder seam round upper end of the button-hole, the sides of loop ¼ inch apart.
SASH
STAFF – Gold and crimson silk net, 2 ¼ inches wide; two crimson stripes 3/8 inch wide, the rest gold; round loose gold bullion fringe tassels, with crimson threads, 9 inches long, round heads. The sash fastened with buckles round the waist, the tassels hanging from the left side on the hip, the ends not to reach lower than the bottom of the skirt of the jacket.
DIRECTOR-GENERAL MEDICAL SERVICES – Similar to above, substituting black silk net for crimson silk net.
Staff Officers of and above the rank of Colonel will wear this sash with the frock coat. Officers with rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and under will wear a waist-belt, and not a sash.
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS - Golden silk net, 2 ½ inches wide; round loose golden silk fringe tassels, 9 inches long, round heads; fastened as for Staff with chocolate silk threads in tassels.
SWORDS
Swords will only be worn with the “Sam Browne” belt when ordered. In Full Dress the sword with steel scabbard will be worn, suspended by two morocco leather slings from beneath the waist-sash, or waist-belt, except where otherwise ordered.
The sword slings to be of similar colour to the silk threads of tassels in sash.
SWORD BELTS
“Sam Browne” pattern (see para. 32), with two braces for Dismounted Services and single brace for Staff and Mounted Services. Revolver-case, ammunition-pouch, frog, and brown leather scabbard are to be worn when ordered in all branches of the Service.
Sword belt of Russia leather 1 ½ inches wide, with slings 1 inch wide; two strips of gold embroidery on belt and slings; a hook to hook up the sword; gilt lion-head buckles for Staff Officers under the rank of Colonel will be worn over the frock coat.
Web belts 1 ¾ inches wide, furnished with loops, chapes, and dees, loops and chapes of morocco leather, and the furniture of gilding metal will be worn by General Officers, Colonels on the Staff, and all others wearing sash or girdle when wearing frock coat and Full Dress.
SWORD KNOTS
(a) Cord and acorn of gold and silver, either plain or with coloured thread worked in, of same pattern as laid down for cord of aiguillettes, or Breast lines of Staff, Regiments, or Departments. For General Officers, of special pattern.
(b) The sword knot to be used with the “Sam Browne” belt is the universal pattern of brown leather. It is a plain strap, made of pigskin, best bridle leather, or calf, the ends being secured into an “acorn” having plaited leather covering. It is furnished with a sliding keeper.
Length of strap in the double, 15 inches; width of strap, 5/8 inch; length of acorn, 2 ½ inches.
TROUSERS
(a) For all Mounted Officers – Trousers should be cut straight, and from 1 ½ inches to 2 inches longer than ordinary trousers. They should be strapped firmly down to the boot, and fit closely over the spur; they are of the same material as the Service jacket.
(b) Service Trousers – Special mixture of serge of same material as the Service jacket; cross pockets; plain welt down the side seams; loose in the breech and at the knee, cut narrow as they approach the ankle. For Light Horse as above, with two white stripes with welted edges 11/16 inch wide and 1/8 inch apart down side seams.
(c) Trousers, Staff pattern – Blue cloth. Scarlet cloth stripes down side seams, 2 ½ inches wide for General Officers and 1 ¾ inches for others.
TROUSERS – MESS (See tabulated form, para.23)
Trousers to be closely strapped on to patent leather Wellington boots; Mounted Officers to wear steel box spurs.
WATERBOTTLE
Of pattern approved for rank and file equipment.
CEREMONIAL DRESS
Frock Coat –
(1) General Officers – Blue cloth, double-breasted, with blue velvet collar and cuffs; the cuffs round, 3 inches deep. Plain flaps at the plaits behind, 1 ½ inches wide, and (for an Officer 5ft 9in in height) 11 inches long; two rows of large buttons down the front; eight in each row, the rows 8 inches apart at the top and 4 inches at the waist; two large buttons at the waist behind, and one at the bottom of each skirt flap; the skirts lined with black; gold shoulder cords of plaited gold wire basket cord, 3/16 inch in diameter, small gold gimp down the centre, strap of the shoulder cord 2 ¼ inches wide, terminating in a small 4 inch wing.
(2) Other Officers – Blue cloth, double-breasted, with collar and cuffs of the same material as the coat, the cuffs round, 3 inches deep, a flap and three small buttons on each sleeve (the buttons to be plugged through the flap only). Plain flaps at the plaits behind, 1 ½ inches wide, and (for an Officer 5ft 9in in height) ) 11 inches long; two rows of large buttons down the front; eight in each row, the rows 8 inches apart at the top and 4 inches at the waist; two large buttons at the waist behind, and one at the bottom of each skirt flap; the skirts lined with black. Twisted round gold shoulder cords, universal pattern, lined with scarlet; a small button at the top.
BLUE UNDRESS
Frock –
General Officers – Blue angola, or tartan, or serge according to climate; full in chest, cut with broad back, slits at sides, five regulation buttons down the front. Two breast patch pockets outside, 6 ¼ inches wide and 8 inches deep to the top of the flap, the top edge of the pocket in line with the second button, three-pointed , small regulation button and hole, loose plait on rear side of pocket; two similar outside patch pockets below, with three-pointed flap. Two inside breast pockets, up and down, with hole and button. Black alpaca lining. Shoulder-straps of same material as the frock, fastened with a small regulation button. Stand and fall collar, fastened with one hook and eye. On the collar, sewn on to each side in front and meeting at the fastening, gorget patches, pointed at the outer end. The gorget patches to be of scarlet cloth, 4 ½ inches long, and showing a 3/16 inch blue light above and below the patch, a loop of gold oak-leaf embroidery along the centre, with a button ½ inch from the point. Sleeves with pointed cuffs, 6 inches high, with 2 ¼ inch slit, two small buttons and button-holes.
Other Officers - Blue angola, or tartan, or serge according to climate; full in chest, cut with broad back, slits at sides, five regulation buttons down the front. Two breast patch pockets outside, 6 ¼ inches wide and 8 inches deep to the top of the flap, the top edge of the pocket in line with the second button, three-pointed , small regulation button and hole, loose plait on rear side of pocket; two similar outside patch pockets below, with three-pointed flap. Two inside breast pockets, up and down, with hole and button. Black alpaca lining. Shoulder-straps of same material as the frock, fastened with a small regulation button. Stand-up collar, from 1 ¼ to 1 ¾ inches high. Sleeves with pointed cuffs, 6 inches high, with 2 ¼ inch slit, two small buttons and button-holes.
NOTE – Gorget patches in blue undress will only be worn by Officers who have been gazetted “Colonels on the Staff”.
DIRECTOR-GENERAL MEDICAL SERVICES, with the following exceptions, will wear the uniform laid down for the Staff:-
Sword Slings – As laid down for Surgeon-General, Imperial Service.
Sword Knot (as in 37.) - As laid down for Surgeon-General, Imperial Service.
Plumes, Helmet - As laid down for Surgeon-General, Imperial Service.
Forage Cap - As laid down for Surgeon-General, Imperial Service.
Frock Coat – As for General Officers, but with black velvet collar and cuffs.
Frock – Shoulder straps of black velvet.
Sash – Of same pattern as Staff, but of black and gold.
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
FULL DRESS
Jacket – As described in “Jacket”.
Aiguillettes and Shoulder-pads – As described above.
Sash – As described above.
Breeches – As described above.
Trousers - As described above when dismounted.
Boots – May wear in lieu of puttees and black boots – Brown boots (hunting pattern) or brown Stowasser leggings, and brown ankle boots. Spur leathers, brown or black, as case may be (same as for Light Horse).
NOTES – The knee boots will be cut square at the top; the height will depend upon the length of the leg. The boot should reach to about 4 inches from the top of the knee. The leg of the boot should be jacked sufficiently to prevent it sinking. A spur rest at least 2 inches above the top edge of the heel to keep the spur horizontal.Spurs – As described in para. 38.
Hat – As described above, with feathers as in 10.
Puggaree – As described above, with feather plume as in 10.
Badge – Of authorized pattern.
Gloves – As described above.
Sword and Scabbard – As described above.
Sash and Sword-knot As described above
Plume - for hat As described above.
UNDRESS
Jacket – As described a/a.
Shoulder Straps - As described above.
Breeches, Boots, Spurs, Hat, Puggaree, Badge, Gloves, and Saddlery – The same as Full dress.
Sword-belt – “Sam Browne” pattern, As described above.
Sword – The same as for Full Dress (when ordered to be worn).
Sword-knot - As described above.
Scabbard – Brown leather .
Cap – As described above, when worn.
Great Coat – As described above
Cane – The same as for Staff.
Plume – As for Full Dress.
MESS DRESS
As described above.
ORDERS OF DRESS AND EQUIPMENT
1. ORDERS OF DRESS AND EQUIPMENT
1.* Review Order or Full Dress.
Drill Order or Undress.
Service or Marching Order.
4.* Mess Dress.
5.* Church Parade Order.
6.* Levee Order.
Review and rill Order as laid down in Appendix “A”.
Service or Marching Order will be “Drill” or “Undress” Order, with following additions:-
Haversack.
Waterbottle.
Field Glasses, case and strap.
Revolver and case (when specifically ordered).
Ammunition Pouch (when specifically ordered).
“Church Parade” and “Levee Order” will be as for “Review Order”, except that trousers, Wellington boots, and box spurs will be worn.
Boards and Courts of Inquiry – “Drill Order” will be worn.
Courts-Martial – “Review Order” will be worn, unless otherwise ordered.
* White kid or buff gloves will also be worn in these Orders.
WEARING OF UNIFORM
(a) State Occasions, and when specifically ordered upon other official occasions – “Review Order”.
(b) Dinners and entertainments of a semi-official character other than above – “Mess”.
(c) Dinners and entertainments, which are not of above character or indicated in (a) or (b) – Plain evening dress with miniature orders and medals when His Excellency the Governor-General or a State Governor is present.
(d) Officers attending public balls at which His Excellency the Governor-General or a State Governor is present, or which partake of a State or official character – “Mess” unless “Review” or “Levee” Order is specifically directed.
(e) All other evening entertainments of a public character – Plain evening dress when His Excellency the Governor-General or a State Governor is present, with miniature orders and medals unless otherwise ordered.
(f) When Mess Dress is directed to be worn, Officers not in possession of Mess Cress will appear in Levee Order.
(g) Officers attending inspections or general parades as spectators will appear in the same order of dress as the troops assembled.
Officers on probation, whose commissions are not confirmed are only to provide themselves with undress uniform. They are permitted to appear in the evening at entertainments, &c., in plain clothes when Full Dress uniform is ordered to be worn.
When Officers (dismounted) draw their swords the scabbards are to be carried in the left hand, except when sword is worn with Sam Browne belt.
Sword-knots – Must be worn with swords. In Mounted Services will be worn at full length. Others rolled around basket or hilt.
Spurs – Steel spurs are worn by all Officers of the Staff, Mounted Regiments, and by Mounted Officers of Dismounted Regiments. Care is to be taken that jack spurs are so strapped as to sit at right angles to the heel and about 2 inches above it.
Haversack – Worn over the right shoulder in “Service or Marching” Order, and when otherwise specially ordered. When empty it will be rolled, and in all cases under the belts.
Medals and Decorations – Will be worn strictly in accordance with para. 21.
Mourning Band – Officers in uniform, when in mourning or attending funerals, are to wear the band prescribed in para. 22.
This is the only mourning to be worn in uniform unless otherwise specially ordered. I will never be worn at levees or drawing-rooms except when the Court is in mourning.
Mess – Waistcoats should be cut just to show centre shirt stud. Low shoes or pumps are not to be worn in Mess Dress. Mess Dress will never be worn under canvas.
Puggarees – As in para. 29, to be worn at all times on helmet and hat.
Puttees – Should be wound from the inside of the leg outwards. They should finish off about 3 inches below the knee in the centre of the outside of the leg.
Revolver – Will only be worn in “Service or Marching” Order when specially directed. The case or pouch will not be worn unless the revolver is carried.
Trousers – Mess pattern will be worn in Mess dress in lieu of breeches or pantaloons. On dismounted duties generally, Mounted Officers will wear the trousers described in para. 40.
Waterproof Cloaks – Worn as ordered, but not compulsorily, at discretion of Commanding Officers.
Watch Chains and Trinkets are not to be worn outside the uniform.
State Act
New South Wales..........The Military and Naval Forces Regulation Act; and the Volunteer
.......................................Force Regulation Act 1867.
Victoria...........................The Defences and Discipline Acts.
Queensland...................The Defence Acts 1884 to 1896.
South Australia..............The Defence Act 1895.
Western Australia...........The Defence Forces act 1894.
Tasmania.........................The Dfence Act 1885, The Defence Act 1889, and The defence Act 1893;
and by the Constitution of the Commonwealth, has been pleased to approve of the introduction of a Commonwealth Uniform for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth (in accordance with the following instructions). Complete Regulations for dress of Officers will be published hereafter:-
INTRODUCTION OF SERVICE DRESS
1. The Commonwealth Uniform will consist of a General Service Dress, which will, by the addition of aiguillettes, breast-lines, and girdles, be convertable into Full Dress. It will be observed, therefore, that by this means a single uniform coat will be provided which shall meet the requirements of a Fatigue or Service Jacket, and by the addition of lace attachments, etc, be readily converted into Ceremonial or Full Dress. Great economy in the provision of uniform, both from Government funds and at the hands of Officers, will be insured by this means. This is specially necessary in the case of Officers who have in the past found it difficult to supply themselves with the expensive and varied uniforms both for Full dress and Undress.
2. The following instructions are promulgated for the guidance of all concerned:-
In accordance with the principle indicated in para. 1, the soldier will be provided as follows:-
(a) A service Uniform for general use.
(b) A Full or Ceremonial dress, by the addition of aiguillettes or breast-lines, girdle, etc, to the Service Uniform.
3. (a) The Service Uniform will be adopted from the 1st July next for all purposes, by all branches of the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, except upon ceremonial parades, or upon occasions when Full Dress is directed to be worn. It will be gradually brought into wear as the existing uniform becomes worn out and unserviceable.
(b) The Full or Ceremonial dress, ie service Uniform with the addition of aiguilettes or breast-lines, etc, will be adopted from the 1st July next, and will be gradually brought into wear as funds admit by all those units unprovided with Full Dress. It may be adopted also by other units upon the expiry of the period for which their present Full Dress Uniform is required to last.
(c) In cases of Corps who have at present a duly-authorised Full Dress, and who desire to retain the same, no change will take place. The Full dress, according to existing sealed patterns, shall, in these cases, continue.
4. Officers gazetted to commissions after this date will be required to provide themselves only with the uniform mentioned in para. 2.
Regimental Officers, on the issue of the Service Uniform to the rank and file of their unit, or if previously requiring to renew their Undress Uniform, will provide themselves with the Service Uniform mentioned in para 2(a), and in the case of Corps adopting the Full Dress mentioned in para. 2(b), with the necessary additions for Full dress.
5. Service Uniform. The following is a general description of the various articles for warrent and Non-commissioned Officers and Men, of which sealed patterns will be supplied for general guidance:-
(a) Jacket - made of a special khaki-coloured serge, single-breasted, with yoke back, turned-down collar, fastened with two hooks and eyes; two patch breast-pockets with pleats, and three pointed flaps; pointed cuffs:-
Gorget patches will be worn on the collar - cloth colour as follows:
Staff...................................................Scarlet
Light Horse.........................................White, with red line down centre
Artillery................................................Blue, with red line down centre and brass grenade
Engineers............................................Red, with blue line down centre
Infantry (Militia and Partly Paid)...........Dark-green, with red line down centre
Army Service Corps.............................White, with blue line down centre
Army Medical Corps.............................Chocolate (Militia and Partly Paid) with red line down centre
Army Ordnance Corps..........................Dark blue
Army Veterinary department.................Maroon
Voluteer Troops.....................................Scarlet, omitting coloured central line.
(note: for further information on cuff piping, eppaulettes, etc please scroll down to end of this page)
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Department of Defence
Melbourne, 15th December, 1903
COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES
DRESS REGULATIONS FOR OFFICERS OF THE STAFF, MILITIA, PARTIALLY PAID, AND VOLUNTEER MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
AS PERTAINING TO THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
STAFF, DEFINITION OF
The term “Staff” in these Dress Regulations applies only to Officers of the Head-Quarters Staff, Personal Staff of the General Officer Commanding, District Head-Quarters Staff, and Staff of Departments, and not to Officers of the Instructional Staff, who are specifically provided for.
AIGUILLETTES AND SHOULDER PADS.
STAFF – Cord ½ inch gold and red orris basket, with plait and cord loop in front and same at back, the plaits ending in plain gold with gilt metal tags. The plaits and cords front and back are joined together by a short scarlet cloth strap in which is worked a button hole. The aiguillette is attached to the shoulder of the jacket or frock coat by a button placed under the outer end of the shoulder cord. The long cord is looped up on the top or front cord, the front cord and the short and long plaits are fastened together, and a small gold braid loop is fixed thereon to attach to the top button of tunic, and to lower hook on neck of the frock coat. On the latter, on the side on which the aiguillette is worn, the arm is passed between the front plait and cord and the back or long plait and cord.
SHOULDER PAD
GENERAL OFFICERS – Plaited gold wire basket cord 3/16 inch in diameter, small gold gimp down the centre, strap of the shoulder knot 2 ¼ inches wide, terminating in a small 4 inch wing. Eyelet hole at the end next to the collar for small gilt button. The under side lined with scarlet cloth, and has a gilt or gilding metal fastening below.
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS - Same pattern as Staff, but of silver, with chocolate silk thread worked in. and that the aiguillette is sewn on to the left shoulder pad, and attached to the jacket by passing the bottom strap through a loop on shoulder of jacket, fastened at upper end with screw button.
Small silver braid loop to attach to the top button of jacket.
Shoulder pad of twisted round silver cord, universal pattern. Small button at the top.
BADGES OF RANK
The rank of Officers is shown by badges as under:-
- Major-General Crossed sword and baton, with star above
- Brigadier-General Crossed sword and baton
- Colonel Crown, and two stars below
- Lieutenant-Colonel Crown and one star below
- Major Crown
- Captain Three stars
- Lieutenant Two stars
- Second Lieutenant One star
Badges of rank will be worn on shoulder straps of great coats, frock coats, and staff frocks only. They will be in gilt or gilding metal.
The crossed sword is 2 inches full, and the baton 1/8 inch shorter. The crowns when laid on shoulder cords or shoulder straps are 1 inch broad and 1 inch in height; the stars are 1 inch between opposite points.
General Officers’ badges are worn in pairs, point of sword to the front and edge of blade outwards or towards the arm.
With the Service and Drab Serge Full Dress, rings of ½ inch chevron lace and tracing braid will be worn round the cuff according to rank.
Second Lieutenant and Lieutenant – One row of chevron lace.
Captain – Two rows of chevron lace.
Major – Three rows of chevron lace and two rows of tracing braid between them.
Lieutenant-Colonel - Three rows of chevron lace and four rows of tracing braid between them alternately.
Colonel - Four rows of chevron lace and five rows of tracing braid between them alternately.
General Officer – Plain pointed cuffs.
Badges of rank similar to those worn on the shoulder straps, but in worsted embroidery, will be worn on the flaps of the cuffs.
BADGES – COLLAR
Collar badges, where worn, will be of metal.
When worn with stand-up collar, to be fixed with, the centre of the badge 2 inches from the opening of the collar. On the Service jacket the collar badge is to be worn in centre of gorget patch. Collar badges may be worn on Mess jackets also.
Note – No badges of a special character are allowed to be worn, except those authorized.
BOOTS
When wearing the frock coat, or Staff frock, on mounted duties, knee boots of black leather will be worn, and black spur leathers and steel chains.
On dismounted duties, black Wellington boots, with boxes for spurs. These boots are only worn with trousers:-
With Service Dress –
Officers of the Staff will wear, and Officers of the Mounted Services and Mounted Officers of Dismounted Services may wear in lieu of puttees and black boots – Brown boots (hunting pattern) or brown Stowasser leggings, and brown ankle boots. Spur leathers, brown or black, as case may be.
Dismounted Officers – Black ankle boots and puttees.
All Officers of any Unit to have the same pattern of boots.
NOTES – The knee boots will be cut square at the top; the height will depend upon the length of the leg. The boot should reach to about 4 inches from the top of the knee. The leg of the boot should be jacked sufficiently to prevent it sinking. A spur rest at least 2 inches above the top edge of the heel to keep the spur horizontal.
The ankle boots are to be plain fronted, i.e., without fancy stitching, and worn tightly round the ankle, with broad tread and straight flat heel.
The Wellington boots are not to come above the bottom of the calf of the leg, and must fir the leg.
BUTTONS
Commonwealth pattern. To be equal distances apart unless otherwise specified.
COLLARS AND NECKTIES
White linen collars are to be worn, buttoned on to the collar of the jacket so as to show 1/8 inch above. With Mess waistcoats, open in front, or kamarbands, straight stand-up collars and black silk or satin neckties 1 inch wide are to be worn.
FORAGE CAP
Staff pattern – Blue cloth, with three cloth welts, 3 ¼ inches total depth; diameter across the top 9 ¾ inches for a cap fitting 21 ¾ inches in circumference, the top to be 1/8 inch larger or smaller in diameter for every ¼ inch the cap may vary in size of head above or below the above-mentioned standard, e.g., a cap 22 ¼ inches in circumference, diameter across the top 8 ½ inches; cap 21 inches in circumference, diameter 7 7/8 inches. The sides to be made in four pieces, and to be 1 1/8 inches deep between the welts, a scarlet cloth band 1 ¾ inches wide placed between the two lower welts.
Principal Medical Officers on District Staffs will wear a band of black mohair braid, similar width, oakleaf pattern, in lieu of scarlet.
The cap set up on a band of stiff leather, or other material, 1 ¾ inches deep.
Chin-strap of black patent leather 3/8 inch wide, buttoned on to two gorget buttons placed immediately behind the corners of the peak.
A white cap cover is worn in summer, with the frock coat and serge frock, and a khaki cover with the Service Dress.
PEAK
General Officers – Patent leather, and embroidered all round with oak leaves in gold, ¾ inch wide.
Field Officers of the Staff – The same as for General Officers, but embroidered on the front edge only.
Other Officers of the Staff – Patent leather without embroidery.
(a) The peak to drop at an angle of 45 degrees, and to be 2 inches deep in the middle where worn with embroidery, and 1 ¾ inches when plain.
(b) Service pattern – Same shape as Staff pattern, but of material and colour to match the Service Dress; plain wide peak of black leather (embroidered with plain gold ½ inch wide on front edge for Field Officers, for others plain), set at an angle of about 60 degrees and carried well back to protect the temples; brown leather chin strap, 3/8 inch wide, buttoned on to two brown bone buttons placed immediately behind the corners of the peak with badge in front. Cloth band, 1 ¾ inches wide, colour of gorget patch, placed between the lower welts.
Such caps will be worn straight on the head.
FEATHERS (TO BE WORN WITH SERVICE HAT)
Army Medical Corps – Plume – Chocolate ostrich feathers, banded at base with chocolate vulture feathers, bottom in a metal corded ball socket, plain pattern, with embossed Geneva cross on side, three upright flames; height of the plume, 7 inches, and departmental badge.
GORGET PATCH
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS – Chocolate cloth, 4 ½ inches long to point with red line down centre of silk cord, 3/20 inch in diameter, along the centre, with a button 1 inch from the end.
GLOVES
Brown dogskin or buckskin, plain backs, with Service Undress. White doeskin or buff on other occasions.
GREAT COAT
Cloth, drab mixture, milled, and waterproofed; double-breasted, to reach within a foot of the ground; stand and fall collar 5 inches deep (2 inch stand and 3 inch fall), fastening with two hooks and eyes; cloth tab and button; a 2 ¼ inch inverted expanding pleat down the centre of the back, from the collar to the waist, terminating under the back strap; loose turn-back cuffs of single material, 6 inches deep; two slits at side, 10inches long, jetted in with button catch for pocket mouth; two large patch pockets inside, of same cloth; one button and hole to each pocket mouth; the left pocket mouth to answer for the sword slit; a pocket in the breast placed vertically between the second and third button; two rows of buttons down the front, four in each row, about 6 ½ inches apart; the rows 8 inches apart at the top and 4 inches at the bottom; these measurements are not to be exceeded; two tabs and buttons to slit in back seam; a 2 inch cloth back strap fastened with three holes and buttons; skirt to fasten with two tabs and buttons inside, and to run squarely all round; coat lined on shoulder and sleeve only; shoulder straps as for Service Dress jacket; badges of rank in gilt or gilded metal on shoulder straps.
For Mounted Officers the coat is cut below the waist with spring to form 16 inch lap, or 8 inches on from centre line. The slit at the back should be of suitable length for riding.
HAVERSACK
Brown canvas; one large pocket; at the back of the pocket two smaller pockets, and loops for knife, fork, and spoon; flap fastened with small button of Commonwealth pattern; canvas strap, 2 inches wide, with brass metal fittings.
HAT
Khaki felt, same colour as the jacket; looped up on the left side with hook and eye; socket for plume or feathers; regimental badge on outside of rim looped up; leather chin-strap, 5/8 inch broad, with adjusting buckle; the chin-strap to be fastened well back on left side of hat.
HELMET
A helmet of the following description is worn with the frock coat by the Staff:-
Cork, covered with white cloth in six seams, bound with buff leather at the bottom; above the peak and going round the helmet a buff leather band, 1 inch wide, stitched top and bottom. The head-piece let in with zig-zag ventilator; back peak to centre of crown, 12 inches; front peak to centre of crown, 10 3/4 inches; side to centre of crown, 9 inches; side hooks, curb chain, the links 3/8 inch wide, the chain lined with white leather. At top of helmet a collet riveted on to a collar 3/8 inch wide, to receive feathers and base. A hook at the side, to which the chin chain is attached when not required to be worn under the chin. A brown leather chin strap, 3/8 inchbroad, is worn in all orders of dress except review order. Helmet badge will not be worn.
White puggaree and red and white swan feathers are worn at all times with the helmet. Furniture in gilt or gilding metal.
The cocked hat at present in use will continue to be worn by the Staff when specifically ordered. The helmet will ordinarily be worn.
JACKET
Special drab mixture serge, single-breasted, yoke back, a hook on each side at the waist; stand and fall collar, to fasten with two hooks and eyes, 2 inches fall in the front and 2 inches at the back, collar edges to run V shape, showing top button between; two cross-patch outside breast pockets, 6 ¼ inches wide and 8 inches deep to the top of the flap, 1 ½ inch pleat in the centre, and expanding pleat on outer side, three-pointed flap with button-hole, to cover pockets, 2 ¾ inches deep at the points, 6 3/8 inches wide; the top of the pocket to be in line with the second button of the jacket; two expanding pockets below the waist (pleats at the sides), 9 ¼ inches wide at the top, 10 ½ inches at the bottom, 8 inches deep to the top of the pocket, fastened at the top with a small button; flap with buttonhole, to cover pockets, 3 ½ inches deep, 10 ¾ inches wide, sewn into bottom edge of waist-band. The top of the pockets should be sewn down at the corners in such a manner that on service the pocket can be expanded at top also; five large buttons down the front, small button to fasten flap of each pocket. Shoulder straps, 2 inches wide at the base, of same colour as the garment, attached to the jacket by an underpiece passed through a loop on the lower part of the shoulder and fastened at the top by a small button which passes through both underpiece and shoulder strap; the top of the strap is triangular, which should reach to bottom edge of collar, the sides being about 1 ½ inches deep at the back. (Colour of edging vide para. 33). Sleeves with round cuffs and three-pointed flap; the flaps edged with ½ inch worsted braid; badges of rank (vide para. 4). On the collar, sewn on to each side in front and meeting at the fastening, gorget patches pointed at the outer end; the gorget patches to be of cloth of regimental colour (vide para. 11), 4 ½ inches long to point for Staff, and showing 3/16 inch light above and below patch; 3 inches long for others; regimental badge in centre of gorget patch.
KAMARBANDS – MESS DRESS
Silk of regimental colour, i.e., colour of gorget patch, and suitable length to wind round the waist.
LEGGINGS
Brown leather, Stowasser pattern; to be worn by Officers of the Staff, with Service Dress, when hunting pattern boots are not worn.
Officers of Mounted Services, and Mounted Officers of Dismounted Services, may similarly wear these leggings.
All Officers of a unit to be dressed alike.
MEDALS AND DECORATIONS
Military medals will be worn on the left breast when in Full Dress or Review Order, in the order of the dates of the campaigns for which they have been conferred; the first decoration or medal obtained being placed farthest from the left shoulder.
They are to be worn in a horizontal line, suspended from a single bar (of which the buckle is not to be seen), or stitched to the garment.
In the Lancer Regiment they will be worn on the plastron.
MOURNING BAND
Black crape 3 ¼ inches wide, worn on the left arm above the elbow.
MESS DRESS
THE MESS JACKET – Infantry pattern, roll collar without piping, buttons, gold lace or braiding; pointed cuffs, 6 inches deep at the point and 2 ¾ inches deep, a slit of 1 inch to the left behind; cloth shoulder straps sewn down, the collar and cuffs to be as described. Regimental badges will be worn on the roll collar, and regulation badges of rank in embroidery on the shoulder straps.
WAISTCOATS in all cases will be without piping, braiding, or gold lace; open at front and without collar, to be fastened with four small Commonwealth buttons. A white shirt, with white stand-up collar 1 ½ to 1 ¾ inches high, and a black silk or satin tie will be worn in Mess Dress.
TROUSERS for Mess Dress will be as described below.
The colour of the Mess jacket and waistcoat and trousers will be as described.
PANTALOONS (WHEN WORN WITH FROCK COAT OR FROCK)
STAFF PATTERN – Blue cloth, with scarlet cloth stripe down side seams; width of stripes, for General Officers, 2 ½ inches; other Staff Officers, 1 ¾ inches.
Pantaloons should be cut loose in the thigh and tight at the knee. Ample length from the hip to the knee is essential, so that the wearer can have the necessary freedom in mounting and dismounting. They should have buckskin strapping at the knee, and if made for hard wear seat strapping also. The pockets should be cut across. A waist-strap and buckle should be fitted.
PUTTEES
Woollen, 3 yards long, colour to match the Service Dress; two tapes of 1 inch braid of the same colour as material.
PLUMES
To be worn with helmet and cocked hat.
STAFF – DIRECTOR-GENERAL MEDICAL SERVICES – of black swan feathers, drooping outwards 10 inches long; red feathers long enough to reach the ends of the white ones; feathered stem 3 inches long.
PUGGAREE
Seven folds, 2 ½ inches at sides and 1 ½ inches back and front, the centre fold to be of chocolate brown.
REVOLVER, CASE, AND POUCH
A revolver forms part of an Officer’s equipment, and is only worn on parades when specifically ordered. No pattern has been sealed, but the weapon must carry Government ammunition.
All Officers of a unit must have the same pattern.
“SAM BROWNE” BELTS
Mark II., of the following general description but made of lighter material throughout. The waist-belt also is narrower and the frog smaller:-
The belts, complete, consist of a waist-belt, two shoulder-belts, a sword-frog, an ammunition-pouch, and a pistol-case; the whole made of brown bridle leather.
The waist-belt is 2 3/8 inches wide, and of a length to suit the wearer. It is fitted with a double-tongued brass buckle, and has four brass dees for the shoulder-belts (two at the back and one on each side), a running loop for the free end of the belt, two brass rings for attachment of the frog, and a hook for hooking it up. The waist-belt is lined with faced basil.
The shoulder-belts are plain straps (crossed at the back through a loop). They are 1 ½ inches wide. The patterns are about 35 inches long over all, without chapes. The length, however, may be varied to suit the wearer. They are fitted with studs for attachment to the dees at the back of the waist-belt. A chape, with stud and a buckle, is provided for each, for attachment to the dees at the sides of the belt.
In Mounted Services the strap over the left shoulder need not be worn, except when it is required to support the revolver.
The frog is fitted with two straps, which are to be passed through the rings on the lower part of the belt. Each strap is secured by a stud. The frog has a small brass dee at the top, to go over the hook on the belt when “hooking up”. A small strap passes through the front and back for securing the sword scabbard. A stud is fitted on the front of the frog, upon which the tab of the scabbard supporter may be fastened. The scabbard will be of brown leather, improved pattern. A small strap for steadying the sword hilt is attached to the rear ring of the frog, holes being made in the strap to pass over a stud on the belt above the front ring.
The ammunition-pouch and pistol-case are fitted with loops on the back for attachment to the waist-belt; also with stud and tab fastenings. The loop on the pistol-case is furnished with a small brass hook, which should pass through a hole to be made for the purpose in the belt to suit the wearer, in order to secure the case and keep it in position.
The pattern of pistol-case is to be regarded as typical only, as its dimensions must suit the particular pattern of pistil carried.
SHOULDER STRAPS (DETACHABLE) – SERVICE JACKET
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS – Edging ¼ inch chocolate cloth. Loop of scarlet braid from the shoulder seam round upper end of the button-hole, the sides of loop ¼ inch apart.
SASH
STAFF – Gold and crimson silk net, 2 ¼ inches wide; two crimson stripes 3/8 inch wide, the rest gold; round loose gold bullion fringe tassels, with crimson threads, 9 inches long, round heads. The sash fastened with buckles round the waist, the tassels hanging from the left side on the hip, the ends not to reach lower than the bottom of the skirt of the jacket.
DIRECTOR-GENERAL MEDICAL SERVICES – Similar to above, substituting black silk net for crimson silk net.
Staff Officers of and above the rank of Colonel will wear this sash with the frock coat. Officers with rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and under will wear a waist-belt, and not a sash.
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS - Golden silk net, 2 ½ inches wide; round loose golden silk fringe tassels, 9 inches long, round heads; fastened as for Staff with chocolate silk threads in tassels.
SWORDS
Swords will only be worn with the “Sam Browne” belt when ordered. In Full Dress the sword with steel scabbard will be worn, suspended by two morocco leather slings from beneath the waist-sash, or waist-belt, except where otherwise ordered.
The sword slings to be of similar colour to the silk threads of tassels in sash.
SWORD BELTS
“Sam Browne” pattern (see para. 32), with two braces for Dismounted Services and single brace for Staff and Mounted Services. Revolver-case, ammunition-pouch, frog, and brown leather scabbard are to be worn when ordered in all branches of the Service.
Sword belt of Russia leather 1 ½ inches wide, with slings 1 inch wide; two strips of gold embroidery on belt and slings; a hook to hook up the sword; gilt lion-head buckles for Staff Officers under the rank of Colonel will be worn over the frock coat.
Web belts 1 ¾ inches wide, furnished with loops, chapes, and dees, loops and chapes of morocco leather, and the furniture of gilding metal will be worn by General Officers, Colonels on the Staff, and all others wearing sash or girdle when wearing frock coat and Full Dress.
SWORD KNOTS
(a) Cord and acorn of gold and silver, either plain or with coloured thread worked in, of same pattern as laid down for cord of aiguillettes, or Breast lines of Staff, Regiments, or Departments. For General Officers, of special pattern.
(b) The sword knot to be used with the “Sam Browne” belt is the universal pattern of brown leather. It is a plain strap, made of pigskin, best bridle leather, or calf, the ends being secured into an “acorn” having plaited leather covering. It is furnished with a sliding keeper.
Length of strap in the double, 15 inches; width of strap, 5/8 inch; length of acorn, 2 ½ inches.
TROUSERS
(a) For all Mounted Officers – Trousers should be cut straight, and from 1 ½ inches to 2 inches longer than ordinary trousers. They should be strapped firmly down to the boot, and fit closely over the spur; they are of the same material as the Service jacket.
(b) Service Trousers – Special mixture of serge of same material as the Service jacket; cross pockets; plain welt down the side seams; loose in the breech and at the knee, cut narrow as they approach the ankle. For Light Horse as above, with two white stripes with welted edges 11/16 inch wide and 1/8 inch apart down side seams.
(c) Trousers, Staff pattern – Blue cloth. Scarlet cloth stripes down side seams, 2 ½ inches wide for General Officers and 1 ¾ inches for others.
TROUSERS – MESS (See tabulated form, para.23)
Trousers to be closely strapped on to patent leather Wellington boots; Mounted Officers to wear steel box spurs.
WATERBOTTLE
Of pattern approved for rank and file equipment.
CEREMONIAL DRESS
Frock Coat –
(1) General Officers – Blue cloth, double-breasted, with blue velvet collar and cuffs; the cuffs round, 3 inches deep. Plain flaps at the plaits behind, 1 ½ inches wide, and (for an Officer 5ft 9in in height) 11 inches long; two rows of large buttons down the front; eight in each row, the rows 8 inches apart at the top and 4 inches at the waist; two large buttons at the waist behind, and one at the bottom of each skirt flap; the skirts lined with black; gold shoulder cords of plaited gold wire basket cord, 3/16 inch in diameter, small gold gimp down the centre, strap of the shoulder cord 2 ¼ inches wide, terminating in a small 4 inch wing.
(2) Other Officers – Blue cloth, double-breasted, with collar and cuffs of the same material as the coat, the cuffs round, 3 inches deep, a flap and three small buttons on each sleeve (the buttons to be plugged through the flap only). Plain flaps at the plaits behind, 1 ½ inches wide, and (for an Officer 5ft 9in in height) ) 11 inches long; two rows of large buttons down the front; eight in each row, the rows 8 inches apart at the top and 4 inches at the waist; two large buttons at the waist behind, and one at the bottom of each skirt flap; the skirts lined with black. Twisted round gold shoulder cords, universal pattern, lined with scarlet; a small button at the top.
BLUE UNDRESS
Frock –
General Officers – Blue angola, or tartan, or serge according to climate; full in chest, cut with broad back, slits at sides, five regulation buttons down the front. Two breast patch pockets outside, 6 ¼ inches wide and 8 inches deep to the top of the flap, the top edge of the pocket in line with the second button, three-pointed , small regulation button and hole, loose plait on rear side of pocket; two similar outside patch pockets below, with three-pointed flap. Two inside breast pockets, up and down, with hole and button. Black alpaca lining. Shoulder-straps of same material as the frock, fastened with a small regulation button. Stand and fall collar, fastened with one hook and eye. On the collar, sewn on to each side in front and meeting at the fastening, gorget patches, pointed at the outer end. The gorget patches to be of scarlet cloth, 4 ½ inches long, and showing a 3/16 inch blue light above and below the patch, a loop of gold oak-leaf embroidery along the centre, with a button ½ inch from the point. Sleeves with pointed cuffs, 6 inches high, with 2 ¼ inch slit, two small buttons and button-holes.
Other Officers - Blue angola, or tartan, or serge according to climate; full in chest, cut with broad back, slits at sides, five regulation buttons down the front. Two breast patch pockets outside, 6 ¼ inches wide and 8 inches deep to the top of the flap, the top edge of the pocket in line with the second button, three-pointed , small regulation button and hole, loose plait on rear side of pocket; two similar outside patch pockets below, with three-pointed flap. Two inside breast pockets, up and down, with hole and button. Black alpaca lining. Shoulder-straps of same material as the frock, fastened with a small regulation button. Stand-up collar, from 1 ¼ to 1 ¾ inches high. Sleeves with pointed cuffs, 6 inches high, with 2 ¼ inch slit, two small buttons and button-holes.
NOTE – Gorget patches in blue undress will only be worn by Officers who have been gazetted “Colonels on the Staff”.
DIRECTOR-GENERAL MEDICAL SERVICES, with the following exceptions, will wear the uniform laid down for the Staff:-
Sword Slings – As laid down for Surgeon-General, Imperial Service.
Sword Knot (as in 37.) - As laid down for Surgeon-General, Imperial Service.
Plumes, Helmet - As laid down for Surgeon-General, Imperial Service.
Forage Cap - As laid down for Surgeon-General, Imperial Service.
Frock Coat – As for General Officers, but with black velvet collar and cuffs.
Frock – Shoulder straps of black velvet.
Sash – Of same pattern as Staff, but of black and gold.
ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
FULL DRESS
Jacket – As described in “Jacket”.
Aiguillettes and Shoulder-pads – As described above.
Sash – As described above.
Breeches – As described above.
Trousers - As described above when dismounted.
Boots – May wear in lieu of puttees and black boots – Brown boots (hunting pattern) or brown Stowasser leggings, and brown ankle boots. Spur leathers, brown or black, as case may be (same as for Light Horse).
NOTES – The knee boots will be cut square at the top; the height will depend upon the length of the leg. The boot should reach to about 4 inches from the top of the knee. The leg of the boot should be jacked sufficiently to prevent it sinking. A spur rest at least 2 inches above the top edge of the heel to keep the spur horizontal.Spurs – As described in para. 38.
Hat – As described above, with feathers as in 10.
Puggaree – As described above, with feather plume as in 10.
Badge – Of authorized pattern.
Gloves – As described above.
Sword and Scabbard – As described above.
Sash and Sword-knot As described above
Plume - for hat As described above.
UNDRESS
Jacket – As described a/a.
Shoulder Straps - As described above.
Breeches, Boots, Spurs, Hat, Puggaree, Badge, Gloves, and Saddlery – The same as Full dress.
Sword-belt – “Sam Browne” pattern, As described above.
Sword – The same as for Full Dress (when ordered to be worn).
Sword-knot - As described above.
Scabbard – Brown leather .
Cap – As described above, when worn.
Great Coat – As described above
Cane – The same as for Staff.
Plume – As for Full Dress.
MESS DRESS
As described above.
ORDERS OF DRESS AND EQUIPMENT
1. ORDERS OF DRESS AND EQUIPMENT
1.* Review Order or Full Dress.
Drill Order or Undress.
Service or Marching Order.
4.* Mess Dress.
5.* Church Parade Order.
6.* Levee Order.
Review and rill Order as laid down in Appendix “A”.
Service or Marching Order will be “Drill” or “Undress” Order, with following additions:-
Haversack.
Waterbottle.
Field Glasses, case and strap.
Revolver and case (when specifically ordered).
Ammunition Pouch (when specifically ordered).
“Church Parade” and “Levee Order” will be as for “Review Order”, except that trousers, Wellington boots, and box spurs will be worn.
Boards and Courts of Inquiry – “Drill Order” will be worn.
Courts-Martial – “Review Order” will be worn, unless otherwise ordered.
* White kid or buff gloves will also be worn in these Orders.
WEARING OF UNIFORM
(a) State Occasions, and when specifically ordered upon other official occasions – “Review Order”.
(b) Dinners and entertainments of a semi-official character other than above – “Mess”.
(c) Dinners and entertainments, which are not of above character or indicated in (a) or (b) – Plain evening dress with miniature orders and medals when His Excellency the Governor-General or a State Governor is present.
(d) Officers attending public balls at which His Excellency the Governor-General or a State Governor is present, or which partake of a State or official character – “Mess” unless “Review” or “Levee” Order is specifically directed.
(e) All other evening entertainments of a public character – Plain evening dress when His Excellency the Governor-General or a State Governor is present, with miniature orders and medals unless otherwise ordered.
(f) When Mess Dress is directed to be worn, Officers not in possession of Mess Cress will appear in Levee Order.
(g) Officers attending inspections or general parades as spectators will appear in the same order of dress as the troops assembled.
Officers on probation, whose commissions are not confirmed are only to provide themselves with undress uniform. They are permitted to appear in the evening at entertainments, &c., in plain clothes when Full Dress uniform is ordered to be worn.
When Officers (dismounted) draw their swords the scabbards are to be carried in the left hand, except when sword is worn with Sam Browne belt.
Sword-knots – Must be worn with swords. In Mounted Services will be worn at full length. Others rolled around basket or hilt.
Spurs – Steel spurs are worn by all Officers of the Staff, Mounted Regiments, and by Mounted Officers of Dismounted Regiments. Care is to be taken that jack spurs are so strapped as to sit at right angles to the heel and about 2 inches above it.
Haversack – Worn over the right shoulder in “Service or Marching” Order, and when otherwise specially ordered. When empty it will be rolled, and in all cases under the belts.
Medals and Decorations – Will be worn strictly in accordance with para. 21.
Mourning Band – Officers in uniform, when in mourning or attending funerals, are to wear the band prescribed in para. 22.
This is the only mourning to be worn in uniform unless otherwise specially ordered. I will never be worn at levees or drawing-rooms except when the Court is in mourning.
Mess – Waistcoats should be cut just to show centre shirt stud. Low shoes or pumps are not to be worn in Mess Dress. Mess Dress will never be worn under canvas.
Puggarees – As in para. 29, to be worn at all times on helmet and hat.
Puttees – Should be wound from the inside of the leg outwards. They should finish off about 3 inches below the knee in the centre of the outside of the leg.
Revolver – Will only be worn in “Service or Marching” Order when specially directed. The case or pouch will not be worn unless the revolver is carried.
Trousers – Mess pattern will be worn in Mess dress in lieu of breeches or pantaloons. On dismounted duties generally, Mounted Officers will wear the trousers described in para. 40.
Waterproof Cloaks – Worn as ordered, but not compulsorily, at discretion of Commanding Officers.
Watch Chains and Trinkets are not to be worn outside the uniform.
Regimental Medical Officers posted to other Corps.
These 1903 Dress Regulations do not specifically mention the Dress for Medical Officers posted to other Corps/Units as RMOs. It is unclear then what was worn when Medical Officers served with such units as Light Horse or Infantry Units but it is likely that it follows the later Dress Regulations of 1935 (?) - namely: 'Regimental Medical Officers of the Light Horse and Infantry will be provided with A.A.M.C. dress but may wear the S.D. Cap, jacket and trousers authorised for officers of the Units with which they are serving, provided no expense to the public is incurred. The blue forage cap with a drab cap cover may be worn in lieu of a S.D. Cap.' see 1935 Dress Regulations
If this be the case then the following Service Uniform would be worn at the RMOs expense:
OTHER RANKS UNIFORM
Squadron or Company letters or numerals are to be worn by Non-commissioned Officers and Men on shoulder-straps and pads.
TITLES OF UNITS - The Titles of Regiments and Corps will be embroidered on a curved strip of the same material as the garment, and will be worn on the upper arms of Jackets and Great Coats, about 1 inch from the arm-seam of the former, and just clear of the shoulder-flap on the Great Coat. The number of the Regiment, embriodered in the same colours as the title, will be worn over the title:-
Army Medical Corps..................embroidered in Chocolate letters
Note that I am unsure if Officers had this Title on their Jackets or Great Coats but it appears that this Title was for Other Ranks (NCOs? or SNCO?) ??
TITLES OF UNITS - The Titles of Regiments and Corps will be embroidered on a curved strip of the same material as the garment, and will be worn on the upper arms of Jackets and Great Coats, about 1 inch from the arm-seam of the former, and just clear of the shoulder-flap on the Great Coat. The number of the Regiment, embriodered in the same colours as the title, will be worn over the title:-
Army Medical Corps..................embroidered in Chocolate letters
Note that I am unsure if Officers had this Title on their Jackets or Great Coats but it appears that this Title was for Other Ranks (NCOs? or SNCO?) ??
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