Summary
Australian Light Horse Uniform, worn by Col. J. Rex Hall O. B. E. The uniform comprises a khaki drill jacket, breeches, boots with wooden jacks, two pairs of spurs, lace up leggings, hat with emu plume and riding crop with leather grip. Identified as World War II, but source of identification not recorded.
Joseph Rex Hall was a 19-year-old accountant when he enlisted on 18 August 1914 (just two weeks after war was declared by Britain). He had already served for 2 1/2 years in the military forces (28th Australian Army Medical Corps). His service number was 63, reflecting the early date of his enlistment. He served in the Light Horse and Camel Corps in the Middle East (with a period in Gallipoli), escaping injury although experiencing illness. He returned to Australia in July 1919.
Hall's involvement with the military continued, and in May 1921 he was a candidate for a commission in the 2nd Cavalry Division. He served again in World War II, enlisting 6 Aug 1942 at East Malvern (service number VX80978 (V24238)). He was discharged on 13 Dec 1946 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the 23/21 Australian Infantry Battalion.
Physical Description
Jacket, khaki drill, colonels insignia, medal ribbons attached. Breeches, khaki cord. Boots, with wooden jacks. Spurs, two pair. Leggings, lace up. Hat with emu plume. Puggaree has two scarlet folds. Riding crop, cane with leather grip. Identified as World War II, but source of identification not recorded.
More Information
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Collection Names
Returned and Services League (RSL) Collection, Military Memorabilia Collection
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Victorian Branch, Returned & Services League of Australia Limited (RSL), 24 Feb 1986
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Past Owner
Colonel Joseph R. Hall OBE, Malvern, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1939-1945
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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References
National Archives series B2455/1, barcode 3007726, Hall Joseph Rex. World War II Nominal Roll [Link 1] accessed 8/1/2010. Information on corps and brigades in which Hall served from Australian War Memorial web site, accessed 8/1/2010. Image P04474.002, held by the Australian War Memorial, shows Col. Hall wearing this or a similar hat.
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Keywords
Australian Army, Militaria: Australian, Military Uniforms, World War II, 1939-1945, World War I, 1914-1918