Aussie
Digger WW1 |
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1914 -1919 Australian soldier:
Great coat, haversack, Slouch hat, goggles and 'Runners' arm band.
The great coat belonged to Pvt. Albert Vinall, of Kapunda in South Australia, he was formerly of C-Coy, 32nd Battalion, regimental number 3635, in the 5th Australian Division of the first Australian Imperial Forces. He served on the western front and was involved in the push over the Hindenburg Line in 1918. For his actions and diligence to duty he was awarded a local unit citation. The citation was for gallantry in the field, between the 29th of September and the 1st of October, 1918*.
The great-coat is British made,
to a pattern that seems to be specific to only Australian troops, the pattern
follows, to some degree the pattern of a British mounted pattern coat,
It is, however, plainer in cut and shape. The material is a thick 'blanket'
wool, and it has a white 'blanket' material liner. It is fully lined, and
is marked with British acceptance marks in the left rear shoulder. The
coat is double breasted with Australian brass buttons, of unknown origin.
The buttons are brass with a poor representation of the map of Australia,
there are no makers marks to the rear. The coat was literally hanging on
a nail on the inside of an old shed's door in 1995 (April), and the coat
is in surprisingly good condition. There is sporadic mothing to the coat,
around the pocket flap areas, and it has some old damage that appears to
have had some contemporary repairs. On the left breast and left upper shoulder
are two holes (repaired) that were identified as an entry and exit hole
of a German MG bullet, apparently nearly spent, that on its way through
still caused considerable damage to a wallet, numerous papers and photographs
and a French steel mirror.
On the sleeve is a red 2 inch material band. This band identifies the wearer as a runner in the Battalion. This was also worn by Albert Vinall. There are contemporary photos of him wearing the band over his tunic. A simple three pronged chromed buckle holds it in place.
The goggles on the slouch hat are made of steel and glass with an elastic head band, these were also part of the collection of items found in Albert Vinall's estate. The glass of the lenses is coloured amber.
The slouch hat, the standard head wear of the Australian troops of WW1 (and other conflicts) was usually made locally, of rabbit fur. This example does not appear to be Australian made, only because the press stud on the left hand side of the hat is made in Canada. It is surmised that the hat may have been British made. There is no sweatband in side the hat, so there can be no accurate assessment of its origins. The puggaree is a piece of 2" wide tunic material. The hat badge is the standard Australian rising sun, of Australian manufacture.
* 'Australian Corps Routine Order No. 265 of 3/11/18' refers
Grant
Napier
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