Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a wonderful assortment of uniform items as worn by members of the Australian Imperial Force during WWI. The uniform items appear to be in unissued condition with minor storage wear and moth nips, making this an excellent offering. The uniforms of the Australian Army have changed significantly over the past century, although the accouterments worn over this period have remained relatively similar.

The forces of the Australian colonies and the early forces of the Commonwealth post-Federation in 1901 closely followed the uniforms of the British Army. Since then it has continued to be influenced by British but also US styles, as well as including some distinctly Australian designs, reflecting local conditions and trends.

The pre-war Australian Army uniform formed the basis of that worn by the AIF, which adopted the broad-brimmed slouch hat and rising sun badge. Peak caps were initially also worn by the infantry, while light horsemen often wore a distinctive emu plume in their slouch hats. A standard khaki puggaree was worn by all arms. From 1916 steel helmets and gas masks were issued for use by infantry on the Western Front. A loose-fitting four-pocket service dress jacket was worn like the P17 example here, along with baggy knee breeches which are also present, puttees that are present, and tan ankle-boots. A heavy woolen greatcoat was worn during cold weather, identical to the one included in this group.

The uniform was a drab "pea soup" or khaki color, while all buttons and badges were oxidized to prevent shine, unlike these ones which were blackened. All personnel wore a shoulder title bearing the word "Australia" though no devices are present on the uniform items.

Rank insignia followed the British Army pattern and were worn on the upper arms (or shoulders for officers). Identical hat and collar badges were worn by all units, which were initially only distinguished by small metal numerals and letters on the shoulder straps (or collars for officers).

All items are in wonderful condition and would be a welcomed addition to any caliber WWI uniform collections.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:
Overcoat: Size 10

Jacket
Collar to shoulder: 9"
Shoulder to sleeve: 25”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15”
Chest width: 20"
Waist width: 17"
Hip width: 22"
Front length: 30"

Pants:
Waist: 16.5"
Inseam: 31.5"

The First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) was the main expeditionary force of the Australian Army during the First World War. It was formed as the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) following Britain's declaration of war on Germany on 15 August 1914, with an initial strength of one infantry division and one light horse brigade. The infantry division subsequently fought at Gallipoli between April and December 1915, with a newly raised second division, as well as three light horse brigades, reinforcing the committed units.

After being evacuated to Egypt, the AIF was expanded to five infantry divisions, which were committed to the fighting in France and Belgium along the Western Front in March 1916. A sixth infantry division was partially raised in 1917 in the United Kingdom, but was broken up and used as reinforcements following heavy casualties on the Western Front. Meanwhile, two mounted divisions remained in the Middle East to fight against Turkish forces in the Sinai and Palestine.The AIF included the Australian Flying Corps (AFC), the predecessor to the Royal Australian Air Force, which consisted of four combat and four training squadrons that were deployed to the United Kingdom, the Western Front and the Middle East throughout the war.

An all volunteer force, by the end of the war the AIF had gained a reputation as being a well-trained and highly effective military force, playing a significant role in the final Allied victory. However, this reputation came at a heavy cost with a casualty rate among the highest of any belligerent for the war. The remaining troops were repatriated until the disbandment of the 1st AIF between 1919 and 1921. After the war, the achievements of the AIF and its soldiers, known colloquially as "Diggers", became central to the national mythology of the "Anzac legend". Generally known at the time as the AIF, it is today referred to as the 1st AIF to distinguish it from the Second Australian Imperial Force raised during World War II.