| Place | Africa: South Africa |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/08540 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Headdress |
| Physical description | Cardboard, Cotton, Leather, Superfine wool |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War) |
Chaplains peaked cap: Honorary Chaplain Major E C Beck, A Battery, Royal Australian Artillery
Description
Black superfine wool peaked cap with rounded leather peak. A black lace wraps around the lower half of the cap, with a embroided chaplains badge attached to the lace at the front. Centre of crown is decorated with black braided loops around a central black button.
History / Summary
Worn by Honorary Chaplain Major Ernest Claude Beck, while serving with A Battery, Royal Australian Artillery in South Africa. Beck was born in England in 1858, studied at King's College before serving as a curate in London until 1885, when he migrated to Sydney. Beck served as Rector at St. Clement's in Mosman, while from 1890 also serving as the chaplain to the NSW forces stationed at the batteries on the north side of Sydney. In 1899 he was chosen to serve as chaplain to the 2nd NSW contingent to South Africa, attached to A Battery, Royal Australian Artillery. Upon return to Australia Beck was made a canon of St John's in Darlinghurst. Beck died in 1939.