Officer Photo.

[Mike]

Picked this photo up on UK ebay the other day.

Is this a rising sun badge? Something about it doesn't look right? or is it just me?
Any possible way to ID him if he actually is Australian? - there is a pencil signature but it's defeated me!

[Sonofacqms]

Mike, is he wearing an other ranks collar badge as a cap badge?

Rob

[slick_mick]

Looks like an Australian officer (the collar badge was worn on their caps) and it looks like he also has a curved AUSTRALIA title and what appears a 2nd LT's pip.

The only other badge that looks similar would be an unofficial camel corps badge.

The belt is an early pattern Sam Browne - probably circa 1914.

Mick

[Mike]

Ah right, knew something didn't compute - badge size. Didn't know they wore collars in caps, interesting, thank you.


If I was forced to guess what the pencil scrawl says I would go for "Barry" but that doesn't produce anyone likely at the Australian War Memorial site. (as a christian or family name)

[wright241]

Originally Posted by Mike

Ah right, knew something didn't compute - badge size. Didn't know they wore collars in caps, interesting, thank you.


If I was forced to guess what the pencil scrawl says I would go for "Barry" but that doesn't produce anyone likely at the Australian War Memorial site. (as a christian or family name)

Mike,
How about 'Barries'?
david

[Mike]

Originally Posted by wright241

Mike,
How about 'Barries'?
david

Not a single listing with 'Barries'. Think he's destined to remain unknown.

[Mike Jackson]

Is there a clue to be derived from his belt. As far as I know only a few British regiments adopted this arrangement - I can think of the Oxf Bucks LI and the Cameronians (SR). So could he be a member of a regiment (CMF?)with some "Rifles" or LI heritage? And I bet not many Australian officers of the period sported such an impeccable Brigade of Guards moustache.

[LONGSHANKS]

I thought that too. Very British look about him.

Simon.

[slick_mick]

Guys,

He is probably an infantry officer and this was probably taken around late 1914/early 1915.

He wears the early pattern double brace Sam Browne and has no colour patch (issued after Gallipoli).

The Rising Sun badges indicates this was taken after the war started.

Mick

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by slick_mick

Guys,

He is probably an infantry officer and this was probably taken around late 1914/early 1915.

He wears the early pattern double brace Sam Browne and has no colour patch (issued after Gallipoli).

The Rising Sun badges indicates this was taken after the war started.

Mick

Are the AUSTRALIA titles (if that is what they are) confirmation of his AIF status?

[slick_mick]

That and the Rising Sun badge!

The militia units wore there own regimental/corps badge prior to the start of the war (and even during the war).

This guy is early war and most likely before Gallipoli.

Mick

[lettman]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

Is there a clue to be derived from his belt. As far as I know only a few British regiments adopted this arrangement - I can think of the Oxf Bucks LI and the Cameronians (SR). So could he be a member of a regiment (CMF?)with some "Rifles" or LI heritage? And I bet not many Australian officers of the period sported such an impeccable Brigade of Guards moustache.

There's nothing special about the belt set-up. It was very common among AIF officers at the outbreak of WW1.