Officer's peaked cap : Lieutenant L A Harris, 28 Battalion, AIF

Place Europe: France
Accession Number REL32862.001
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Headdress
Physical description Leather, Wool
Maker Bates
Date made c 1915
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Australian Army Officer's khaki wool peaked cap with 'Rising Sun' badge on the front. The inside lining shows an impression where a map was stored. On the inside of the crown is printed in black ink 'EXTRA QUALITY' above a circular manufacturer's logo. The logo has 'Bates Hatter / 91 Jermyn Street / St James / London' within a circle. The external chinstrap for the hat, which is normally worn on the front under the AIF badge, is stored inside the leather headband.

History / Summary

Lawrie (also spelt Laurie) Arthur Harris enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 18 February 1915 and served with 27 Battalion AIF. After serving at Gallipoli for a few months he was evacuated in December 1915. In March 1916 he embarked for Europe. In October 1916 he was sent to Sandhurst Military College in the United Kingdom for Officer training. Upon graduation he was promoted to second lieutenant and posted to 28 Battalion AIF where he saw action on the Western Front. On 3 May 1917 he was wounded at the Hindenburg Line, east of Bullecourt, but remained on duty. Although he was wounded early, he led two bombing parties and he later carried on his back a badly wounded officer when they were leaving the line. He was awarded the Military Cross in July 1917 for his actions at the Hindenburg Line. He was wounded again in October 1917 with a gunshot wound to his left leg and was admitted to hospital. He returned to Australia on 9 January 1919.