Hello All,
This is a follow-up post, on the topic of rank and trade insignia used on Australian Army uniforms (post 1953). On this occasion, we provide several new images of Scottish Dress items worn by Band personnel in Australian Army Units which have formal links with Units of the British Army. The first of the images (shown below), is of a Piper in full Highland Dress. The 3rd image is of a Bandsman in Scottish Dress. As many of you willl recognise, the images have been taken from an earlier (approx. 2013) edition of the Australian Army’s Standing Orders for Dress (ASODs).
Note 1 There is a considerable differenence in the position of the over-sized RAR Badge when worn on the feather bonnet (with red and black hackle), as distinct from the position of the same headdress badge when worn on the glengarry.
Note 2 The cross-belt is worn over the right shoulder (as would be expected)… and the metal fittings for that belt are of traditional celtic design, shape and scale.
Note 3 The above images show that the pipers’ plaid badge is worn high on the left shoulder, in order to pin the upper tartan in a gather and fall, at the point of the shoulder.
Note 4 The metal cantle on the sporran, also shows an NCO’s grade badge from the Scots Guards Regiment, while regimental buttons are also taken from that Regiment of the British Army.
We trust that images of these fairly uncommon Australian Army Band insignia, will be useful to collectors and military historians alike.
Yours in research and collecting
The Authors
“Metal Uniform Embellishments of the Australian Army”
Post 1953 (the ‘QEII’ era) Volumes 1 and 2
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To quote an old friend:
“If you are able to read this, thank a teacher.
If you are able to read this in English, thank a soldier.”
charliebravobooks 