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.

 

W.PEATT - 1940 Australian Army Boots

A pair of Australian Army Boots made by W.PEATT in 1940. When Australia mobilised for war and formed the Second AIF (Australian Imperial Force) - the industrial capability of this country was drawn upon, to outfit this new army. Bearing in mind that Australia already had a small Militia force in service; by late 1939 - both the AIF and the Militia were expanding rapidly to meet defence needs. Government owned factories simply could not fulfill the contract of supplying all boots for the two armies. Subsequently, the production of Australian Army Boots was outsourced to private companies. This particular pair of boots was manufactured by the WILLIAM PEATT BOOT COMPANY which was situated at 55 Langridge Street, Collingwood (Victoria).


Wish to learn more about Australian Army Boots, worn by troops on the Kokoda Track?  Please Click Here

Metal Heel Plate - Australian Army Boots

The underside of the Australian Army Boots, made by W.PEATT during 1940. The metal heel plate (shaped like a 'horse shoe') is evident on the actual heel of the boot. An extract from the army pamphlet 'CARE OF THE FEET - NOTES FOR FOOT ORDERLIES' printed during 1942 states:- "Iron heel-tips protect the heel; in the sole, studs give give grip and save the leather from excessive wear. THE HEEL. The heel of the boot serves two main purposes. 1. In marching, it enables a man, without undue strain on the calf muscles, to reach the position of maximum purchase sooner than he woudl otherwise be alble to do. 2. It provides a flat, wide surface for contact with the ground. The heel should therefore be firm, broad and level. its actual depth overall, including iron tip, is 1 1/4 inches - almost exactly 3/4 inch more than the thickness of the sole". 


Wish to learn more about Australian Army Boots, worn by troops on the Kokoda Track ?  Please Click Here

Boot Comparison - WW1 & WW2 Boots

A comparison between the boots issued to the First AIF during World War One and those issued to the Second AIF and Militia Battalions during the Second World War. The pair of boots on the left are dated 1919 and are an extremely rare item. From a collector's perspective, the fact that they have survived at all, constitutes a small miracle. As with all surplus military items, if it could be adapted to civillian use after the war - then it was used as a cheap alternative to 'non-military' manufactured clothing and footwear. Items such as this pair of boots were basically worn until they 'fell apart'. Hence their rarity in this modern era. The pair of boots on the right are the items which were manufactured in 1941 and feature in the previous listing. Despite the fact that the First World War boots are "well-worn" and show signs of extensive usage; they still retain their shape and are virtually identical to the boots manufactured in 1941. For those with an attention to fine detail, the 1919 boots have seven eyelets; and the 1941 boots have eight eyelets. This may simply be a result of a minor variation by two different manufacturers; working to the same pattern.

Australian Army Boots (Pattern 10085)

Second World War pattern ankle boots with 'jungle cleats'. This pattern of boot is the type that is more associated with the Second AIF, from a collector's perspective. The official army stores designation is "Army Boot - Pattern 10085" and the toe cap with stitching is clearly evident. In an army pamphlet dated 1942, the characteristics of the army boot are quoted as follows; "The ankle boot has been selected as the most generally useful type. Knee boots give good protection but are expensive in comparison and are much more difficlt to fit. Shoes give relatively little protection". The pam goes on to describe the fitting and description of the components which make up the Australian Army Boot. For further information, see the listing "CARE OF THE FEET - NOTES FOR FOOT ORDERLIES - 1942". This photo courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection.

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