Rising Sun hat badge : Australian Tank Corps

Places
Accession Number REL39039
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Badge
Physical description Silver-plated brass
Maker Unknown
Place made Australia
Date made c 1930s
Conflict Army organisation period 1930-1942
Description

Non-standard issue Rising Sun hat badge. A tank is centrally located in the badge with the word 'PARATUS' [ready] in the scroll located at the bottom of the badge. There are two lugs soldered onto the reverse but no split pin to secure the badge to the hat.

History / Summary

Australia's armoured units were established during the 1930s with the creation of the Australian Tank Corps. The corps comprised two light tank companies. The 1st Light Tank Company was formed in November 1937 from the 1st Tank Section (Medium) and was based in Randwick, NSW. The 2nd Light Tank Company (Caulfield, Victoria) was raised in March 1939. The two companies were each equipped with five Vickers Mark VIA Light tanks, which were purchased from Great Britain in 1938-1939.