Unofficial collar badges: 10th Light Horse

[Donny B.]

In his book "Australian Army Badges, Part 2, 1900 - 1930", Cossum illustrates a pair of 10th Light Horse collar badges on page 54 of the "Unofficial A.I.F. 1912 - 1918" section. A similar badge is sketched on the Australian Light Horse Association website and is described as "Unofficial 1914".

Is anyone able to give any background information on these "unofficial" collar badges. How and why were they distributed? When were they worn? Were they in fact worn in 1914 instead of or as well as the General Service badge. Is there an "unofficial" hat badge that goes with these collar badges. I believe the same collar badge is illustrated in the book "Westralian Cavalry" or some similar book.

Any information would be appreciated.

Donny B.