Colour Patches : Brigadier General H E Elliott, AIF

Two pairs of colour patches for Australian infantry units. The units represented are 15 Infantry Brigade AIF (red vertically aligned rectangle) and 58 Infantry Battalion, AIF (vertically aligned rectangle, divided vertically into halves of purple and red). The patches do not appear to have been used.

Associated with the service of Harold 'Pompey' Elliott, a senior First World War officer, a 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) Contingent and fight in the Boer War.

Elliott proved himself a skilled and courageous soldier; he 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 was Elliott promoted to major general and given command of the 3rd Division. In March 1931 he committed suicide.

These colour patches were found in the pockets of REL/00051.002