| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM05441 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Headdress |
| Physical description | Brass, Copper, Cotton, Leather, Wool |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1918: Villers Bretonneaux |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 Army organisation period 1903-1912 |
Slouch hat and puggaree: Brigadier General H E Elliott, 15th Brigade, AIF
Description
Slouch hat complete with khaki cotton puggaree, brown leather chinstrap and copper Rising Sun badge. The puggaree has an emu plume - as issued to Australian Light Horse units - attached to it. The hat shows damage in parts. The puggaree is very worn with breaks and losses along all fold lines. The hat is heavily insect grazed under brim with minor grazing above and the chin strap is frail and has become detatched. The chin strap buttons and sweatband are missing. There is a hole at front of crown with insect holes at back proper right.
History / Summary
Slouch hat worn by Brigadier General Harold Edward 'Pompey' Elliot. The puggaree was issued to Elliot during his pre- First World War service with the Essendon Rifles and transferred from hat to hat as a mascot throughout the War.
Elliott was a senior First World War officer, businessman, and politician. He was born on 19 June 1879 at West Charlton, Victoria. Elliott joined the University of Melbourne's officer corps while a student but left to enlist in the 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen Contingent and fight in the Boer War.
Elliott proved himself a skilled and courageous soldier and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Mentioned in Despatches, and once received Lord Kitchener's congratulations for his defence of a post. By 1913 he had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel and was given command of the 58th Battalion.
When the First World War began Elliott was given command of the 7th Battalion and dubbed 'Pompey', a name that stuck for the rest of his life. He landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, was shot in the foot, evacuated and did not return until June. Once back he quickly gained a reputation for courage and leadership - four of the seven Victoria Crosses awarded at Lone Pine went to Elliott's battalion.
A short-lived command of the 1st Brigade was followed in March 1916 by promotion to brigadier general and command of the 15th Brigade in time for the disastrous Battle of Fromelles in July.
In 1927 Elliott was promoted to major general and given command of the 3rd Division. In March 1931 he committed suicide.