seanus

The first volunteer units in Australia were the Loyal Associations of Sydney & Parramatta. They were formed due to fear of a French invasion and the possibility of a revolt by Irish convicts. They wore whatever they had or received from the NSW Corps and only lasted a couple of years. There were various attempts to raise other corps over the next 40-odd years but to no avail. There was a militia in South Australia, but its said this had more officers than men. Then fear of an expansionist Russia led to the formation of a number of corps in Victoria, NSW and South Australia. The colonial forces in Australia waxed and waned as fear and apathy caused the number of volunteers to rise and fall. By federation each colony had a reasonable force that included permanent artillery supported by militia cavalry and infantry. Their uniforms were very distinctive along with their name and role in some cases, like the NSW Railway Volunteer Rifles, the Victorian Railways Volunteer Rifles, St George's English Volunteer Rifle Corps, and the highlanders in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. And then you have Lancers in NSW and South Australia, Mounted Rifles in all colonies. Some small illustrations of their uniforms can be seen at www.uniformsotw.com/products.htm The CDs include brief histories of the forces, badges, and in some cases dress regulations. Attached is an illustration of an officer of the St George's English VR from the mid 1890s, hope you enjoy it Sean

The picture is that of a British Officer of one of the Malayan police forces between the wars. There were a number of different forces including the Straits Settlements, Federated Malay States and other smaller concerns. Most were officered by 'British' personnel. The badge should tell which force he belongs to, but I haven't got my books handy. The puggaree is a combination of blue, white and/or silver. They were paramilitary organisations with the ability to undertake armed action, hence the rifle style cross belt. Hope this helps www.uniformsotw.co.uk

Hi, I believe it is the uniform of a Private in the Army Service Corps prior to the introduction of the khaki service dress of 1902. In walking out dress. The cap has a white band with central blue stripe, something no arms corps unit had. The facings are all white as are the trouser stripes. The Corps was mounted hence the cap and riding crop. Plenty of Commonwealth and unusual uniform information available at my website www.uniformsotw.co.uk

I heard heard about the Mackenzie equipment being used in India and Africa, and have some illustrations. Can anyone shown pictures of the equipment or point me to a website or book that details the equipment and its history? Thanks

Check out a new site on uniforms. Quite a lot on Commonwealth uniforms. Some CDs for sale 100 pics for GBP10 isn't bad. KAR, RWAFF, early Australian, British 1950s, unusual Gurkhas. http://www.uniformsotw.co.uk

I know this is an old thread, but what happened to the list of postcards? These are fantastic cards and well worth a look. A list would be excellent, please.