Pre 1914 - Colonial Pattern Helmet, Geraldton Rifle Volunteers
Collonial pattern sun helmet with chain, base and spike and helmet plate of Geraldton Rifle Volunteers
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.
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
Details
The Colonial Pattern helmet was officially introduced for use by the British Army in 1877 1 although it had been worn in India several years prior to that date. The helmet was initially white but was often camouflaged on active service by the use of tea, mud, coffee grounds, in fact anything which would lessen its visibility. Later, khaki covers would be used, followed by an all khaki version. Wealthier officers often had both a white and a khaki version.
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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