[Chrisr]

Jo,

Mick is correct on both counts. The 13th ALH is considered an unofficial badge made during the war.

There were two Australian armies during the Great War. The part time force (Australian Military Forces) that came into being post Federation. In 1911/12 it was extensively re-organised and compulsory military service was introduced, although by law it could not serve outside of Australia.

Then there was the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) raised from volunteers for overseas service in 1914. It remained a volunteer force throughout the war as conscription for overseas service was never introduced into Australia during the war, despite two referendums on the matter.

Most of the infantry and light horse units in the AMF did not have their own unit badges after the 1911/12 re-organisation. They wore a brass numeral on the front of their hats and the General Service Badge titled "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" on the turned up brim. It was this badge that was issued to the AIF .

I understand that those few that did have their own badge were unofficial but I am not sure of this. The other theory is they were the only ones that applied for a unit badge, which may be correct given the compulsory nature of service in the AMF.

There was quite a debate about the nature of the AMF prior to the re-organisation of 1911/12; between those who believed it should provide a component of the British Army in time of war and those who thought it should be a National Army raised only for the defence of Australia and who were against having a compulsorily recruited force to pursue British Imperial goals. The National Force group won out, although plans were put in place to prepare and equip an Imperial Force in the event of war overseas which is why the AIF was raised, clothed and equipped so quickly.

Cheers
Chris