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Pre 1914, Cross Belt JOSE, Geraldton Volunteer Rifles

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Overview

Cross or shoulder belt worn by Lieutenant W Jose as a member of the Geraldton Rifle Volunteers. Lieutenant W Jose, was recorded as a member of the unit from 11 August 1886.

Historical information

Approval to form a Volunteer Infantry corps in the Champion Bay district appeared in the Government Gazette of 10 October 1876. The new corps was designated the "Geraldton Rifle Volunteers", with Headquarters at Geraldton. Capt. J.N. Hillman was appointed to Command.
The corps was administratively independent and in all matters dealt direct with the Military Commandant. Names on the roll totalled 60 in 1876, 48 in 1883, 67 in 1892, and 51 in 1895.
Lieutenant W Jose, was recorded as a member of the unit from 11 August 1886.

Apart from its deeds of prowess on the rifle range (which were outstanding) there is little on record concerning the activities of this corps: it was located so far from the others that particularly in the earlier years it could not participate with them in the higher forms of training. A small camp of training was held in the vicinity of Geraldton in 1884 - this was the first held by the corps. A detachment, with Lieutenant S. Mitchell in Command, was raised at Northampton in 1885. On 8 October 1900, the corps was included with those of Guildford, Bunbury, and York to form the 3rd Battalion Western Australian Infantry Brigade.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-54-466

Inscriptions and markings

The pouch carries the bugle symbol of Light Infantry or Rifles. While most regiments fought in tight formation, allowing easy administration of orders; with light infantry working in small groups, in advance of the main line, complicated bugle calls were developed to pass orders.[19] Because of the use of the bugle, rather than the standard line infantry drum, the bugle horn had been the badge of light infantry regiments since 1770, From the early 1800s light cavalry and rifles officers in the British Army adopted the practice of wearing single belts across the chest and back, holding a pouch on the right hip The pouch was subsequently moved to the back and the leather belt was decorated with gold or silver braiding varying according to regimental practice.

Contextual Information

This Cross Belt is displayed in the Pre 1914 Gallery at the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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