With the departure of British Regular soldiers from Western Australia in 1868, the colony had to provide for its own immediate defence. Initially this was constituted through the Pensioner Guards. Beginning in the early 1870s there was considerable enthusiasm for Volunteer units. With prosperity associated with the Gold Rush and the granting of responsible government in 1890, Volunteers transitioned to units in the Western Australian Defence Force. With Federation, these units were incorporated within the Commonwealth Military Forces. Resources varied over the period from bare necessities to the latest in weaponry. Uniforms varied from basic and functional to unique and elaborate ceremonial designs. This collection records glimpses of that era from 1870 to 1914.
