48th Infantry Regiment Officer - Pre World War 1

[slick_mick]

You don't see many pictures of officers wearing numerals for a hat badge.

Picture of 2nd Lieutenant (2nd Lieut) William Snelling John Pryce Heslop, of Wonthaggi, Vic. 2nd Lieut Heslop is wearing a militia uniform, including a 48th Infantry hat badge and a Sam Browne belt with shoulder straps.

Prior to his enlistment in the AIF he served with the AMF in the 45th Infantry for one year, the 48th Infantry for three years and the 45th Infantry for eight months. He was appointed 2nd Lieutenant on 30 January 1915 and was promoted to lieutenant on 1 July 1915.

During this period of service in the AMF he attended numerous military training camps including the No 6 Officers' School, from May until June 1915, at Broadmeadows, Vic. He enlisted in the AIF and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant (honorary lieutenant) on 1 May 1917. 2nd Lieut (Hon Lieut) Heslop embarked aboard HMAT Suevic, as a member of the Australian Flying Corps (July 1917 Reinforcements), in Melbourne, on 21 June 1917. On 26 February 1918 he was appointed as a Flying Officer (Observer). On 26 May 1918 he was promoted to lieutenant. He returned to Australia on 1 November 1919.



Enjoy!

Mick