World War 1, Western Australia, Perth, Saddle Flap, 44 Battalion, 1916

The 1912 Universal Pattern was the standard issue saddle used by British and Australian mounted, artillery and transport units from 1912 until 1941. Universal Pattern saddles were designed to have interchangeable parts, making them easy to repair. The 1912 British Universal Pattern saddle represented a key development in military equestrian equipment, combining durability, load distribution, and rider comfort.

The Commonwealth Government Harness Factory (C.G.H.F.) played a significant role during World War I, primarily in manufacturing harnesses, saddlery, and leather accoutrements. It was initially the Australian Process Shoe Company before becoming a government factory During World War 1, it also addressed a webbing shortage by producing its version of the Pattern 1908 equipment. Equipment from the factory is marked with "C.G.H.F."

The 44th Battalion was an infantry unit of the Australian Army. Raised at Claremont, Western Australia, in February 1916, the battalion formed part of the 11th Brigade, which was part of the 3rd Division, which was formed as part of an expansion of the all-volunteer Australian Imperial Force (AIF). The battalion fought in the trenches along the Western Front in France and Belgium between late 1916 and 1918, before disbanding at the conclusion of hostilities.