Militaria Recently Sold
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.
The Australian Flag The Australian Flag has been marked by controversy and a 'call for change' by some Australians for many years. Whilst it is not the intention of this website to enter into Political debate - before Australians call for a flag reform; they should look back at history. The Australian flag had its 'baptism under fire' as it flew over the Administrator's Office in Darwin on the 19th of February, 1942. It was strafed by Japanese aircraft and bore the scars of battle. This original flag now takes pride of place at the Australian War Memorial. The Australian Flag was raised over the village of Kokoda in New Guinea on the 3rd of November, 1942 after the Japanese were pushed back...at the cost of many Australian lives. And to quote from Sergeant Bede TONGS M.M. of the 3rd Militia Battalion, when he entered Kokoda on the 6th of November "We saw the Australian flag and a spontaneous cheer went up". The appearance of the flag "is still one of the greatest sights I can picture in my mind". A home made version of this flag, made by Prisoners Of War was raised over Changi Prison when it was liberated in 1945. Perhaps the modern generation should remember these things, when they ask themselves the question "What have I done - to earn the right to change this flag". Australian Flag Raising During World War 2 An Australian Flag being raised 'in the field' during the Second World War. This particular image was taken in November of 1942 at Kokoda Station (on the Kokoda Plateau) after the village was liberated from the Japanese. The actual flag was said to have been dropped to the Australian troops when an American P40 flew low over the Kokoda Airstrip. Wish to learn more about this particular moment in history? PLEASE CLICK HERE The actual flag that was raised on that particular day was "souveniered" by Kokoda legend Bert Kienzle in 1942 and is now in the safe custody of his son, Soc Kienzle. Wish to know more about this flag? PLEASE CLICK HERE Do you wish to walk the Kokoda Track and stand on the actual ground; where this significant incident took place? Kokoda Historical can take you there! PLEASE CLICK HERE for information on treks and tours on the Kokoda Track. Australian 'Rising Sun' General Service Hat Badge.jpg "<img src='/gallery/rising-sun(1).jpg'/>") The Australian 'Rising Sun' General Service Hat Badge dates back to the First World War when it was chosen for the First AIF. But for Australians, it is now more than just a hat badge; it has become a representation of Australia's Military past and a symbol of nationalistic pride. Adorned with the words "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces", this badge remains in service - although there has been a couple of variations in the wording since first incepted. WW2 Australian Slouch Hat The Australian Slouch Hat is one of the most iconic and recognizable items of Military Headgear worldwide. Along with the Rising Sun badge, it has come to symbolise Australia's involvement in two world wars and is still worn by the Australian Army to this day. This particular hat was made in a factory situated in New South Wales during 1942. This photo courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection. |
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