UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE AIF DURING WW2

This pictorial library is devoted to the recording of "Uniform and Kit" issued to an Australian Soldier of any corps, during the Second World War. Consider it a virtual "Q" Store in Australian militaria. It is not exhaustive and will be added to over time. Any reader who wishes to contribute photographs and text will be recognised and credited with such information. I also invite collectors of other nation's militaria to forward content (please see our other countries listed on the drop down menu) - so that a comprehensive list of "Axis" and "Allies" uniform/kit is detailed.

 

Emergency First Aid Bandage

Emergency First Aid Bandage box containing 4 bandages. This item was manufactured by 'Johnson & Johnson' in the United States of America prior to World War Two. It was distributed by DAVIS CO. INCORPORATED. As the American Forces built up in Australia from 1942 onwards, it was not uncommon for U.S. stores to be issued to Austrlian troops. This is evident by the Department of Defence (D - broad arrow - D) stamped on the outside of the box on display; indicating that this particular item was entered into the Australian Stores. Subsequently, this item is also listed in the U.S. inventory.

Davis Emergency First Aid Bandage

An opened box of Davis Emergency First Aid Bandages. This box contains four x 2" Emergency compresses which are cotton filled. The rear of the cardboard box shows a diagram which details how the bandage compresses are applied. Manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in the United States, they were distributed by Davis Company Incorporated and issued to Australian Troops (as evidenced by the Department of Defence Government Stamp on the front of the box).

First Field Dressing

A First Field Dressing, made by Johnson & Johnson Pty Ltd, Sydney in October, 1944. The instructions read:- Tear apart the uncemented corner as indicated by the arrow and remove the paper. Take the folded ends of the bandage in each hand, and keeping the bandage taut, apply the gauze pad to the wound and fix the bandage. In the case of head wounds when respirators have to been worn, care should be taken to adjust the pad so that it does not interfere with the fit of the face piece. DO NOT HANDLE THE GAUZE OR WOUND

S.M.L.E. No. 1 Mk. 111* - (Lithgow Manufacture) .303 Calibre

The S.M.L.E. (Short - Magazine Lee-Enfield) rifle equipped the Commonwealth Forces during two World Wars, right through to Korea in the early 1950's. The original structure of this weapon was subject to alteration and modification in one way or another - for well over forty years. The S.M.L.E drew it's parentage from the .303 Magazine Rifle Mark 1; which was approved on the 22nd of December, 1888. The commission of the 'Magazine Rifle, Lee-Metford' in April of 1891 was another step forward in the provision of a reliable infantry rifle. So when the No. 1 Mk. 111* came into existence during 1916, a discerning eye could still identify some type of resemblance to it's bolt action predecessors that equipped the British Army during the Boer War. The "star" term relates to the asterix that appears at the end of the numerals in Mk 111* and this means that the rifle is devoid of certain components, deemed to be no longer necessary. Such accessories removed from the manufacturing process; include the long range volley sight and magazine cut off. These items were omitted, so as to reduce cost and assist in the mass production of the rifle. A common mistake made by novices regarding the title of this rifle, relates to the word "short" in the SMLE title. It is not the 'magazine' that has been shortened, but the overall length of the rifle. This was done to provide a 'Universal pattern' of rifle that could be issued to both Mounted Troops and Infantry. The detachable box magazine had a 10 round capacity.


Sergeant Jim COWEY of the 39th Militia Battalion was ambushed by a Japanese Machine Gun when escaping from Kokoda during 1942.  He brought his .303 rifle up and shot the Japanese gunner; then proceeded to shoot every Japanese soldier who jumped behind the gun.  Wish to read more about Jim COWEY and his amazing actions?  PLEASE CLICK HERE

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