The basic impression used by our unit is that of a standard Australian Infantryman in 1918. To take the field you must posses the correct uniform, head gear, equipment and weapon. A very good rule to follow is to never purchase an item with out consulting the unit commander, or one of the NCO’s. There is a lot of junk out there that can fool you. Also, items that work for a British or Canadian impression may not be correct for an Australian. The basic impression consists of:
The Australian Tunic- The Aussie tunic is not the same as the British tunic, and the Brit one will not substitute. It is a five button, five (4 exterior, 1 interior) pocket 180z, twill weave wool tunic. Original tunics are preferred (The WWII early pattern is identical to the WWI version). AIF Quartermasters produces a reproduction.
Pants- Pants are the same materials in the coat. Two patterns exist, one a breeches style, and one straight legged pants. AIF Quartermasters has the correct Breeches. There are several reproductions of the British SD trousers, which will substitute. There are many surplus pants from WWI on that can also fit the bill. We will work with you to find a correct pair of pants.
Puttees- 9 feet of wool leg wrap. Originals and reproductions are out there. One solution is to take 4 of the Australian WWII puttees (readily available) and make a pair.
Head Gear- We need 2 items, a helmet and a slouch hat. The helmet is the standard WWI Brit issue. Brit WWII helmet will not substitute. The slouch hat is the stereotypical Aussie style with the raised left side, however it was turned down in field. It is made of greenish wool. The pugaree should be plain blanket wool 1-1/2 wide. The Khaki pleated model was very rarely seen, if you have a pleated pug you can just leave it off. We have a contact in Australia to get them, you also find them at surplus store, guns shows, etc.
Shoes- Brown Leather ankle boots with a leather sole and hobnails. Black (British Ammo Boot) style can substitute, as late in the war the Aussie were sometimes supplied directly from British stocks. Check AIF Quartermasters for a great selection of boots.
Gas Mask- Standard British Box respirator, with Brass furniture and snaps. Clothe PH style can be used for an early war impression.
Web/ Leather Gear- The preferred item is a set of original British Pattern 1908 Webbing, consisting of:
Waist belt
2 cross straps
Right and Left Ammo Pouches (they are different)
Small pack
Canteen Carrier
Canteen
Bayonet Frog
Helve Holder and Helve
Entrenching Tool Carrier
2 "D" rings for the Small Pack to be placed in the Battle order position
08/15 Leather equipment is acceptable. The unit reproduces 08/15 and is in contact with a potential source for reproduction 08 webbing equipment.
Weapons- #1 Mark III Lee-Enfield or #1 Mark III*. Pre-1918 dates and Lithgow Arsenal produced preferred, but not required. Standard Mk 3 type Bayonet with correct leather scabbard.
NOTE: Due to the extensive period spent training the Americans in 1917-1918, certain American items (Such as gas masks and leggings) can be part of a 1918 Australian impression. These items may be worn with the permission of the unit commander. The propensity of the Australians to trade, steal, or gamble away items from allies should never be forgotten. The official histories and other books detail this.
This constitutes the bare minimum to fight in the trenches with us. There are many additions that make a complete kit. Really, you should never stop improving. The unit commander and members are more than willing to share experience and research. From them, you will learn the extras to build a really good Australian impression. We can provide guidance and tips on where to find correct items. Again, a new member should not purchase anything with out consulting the unit commander. You don’t want to waste money on a bad or unusable item.
