Breeches : Chaplain C H Edwards, AIF

Pair of Bedford cord service breeches which have been reinforced on the inside legs with suede. The breeches have a six-button concealed fly. There are also six plastic buttons located around the outside of the waistband for the attachment of braces. Below the knee, the breeches are fastened by six pairs of hand reinforced eyelets with cotton khaki laces. There is a small bone button stitched to the bottom of the suede panel. A slash pocket is located on each side of the fly at the waist. Both pockets are lined with white cotton plain weave fabric. The high waist and cuffs are lined with khaki cotton twill with a small area of linen lining near the fly. The breeches have been darned and repaired by hand near the crotch and inner legs.

These breeches were worn by Chaplain Cecil Howard Edwards, born 21 March 1877. He initially enlisted on 1 September 1915 as a troop ship chaplain 4th class. He served in this capacity on HMAT A8 Argyllshire, accompanying the troops to Suez, then returning to Australia. He embarked again on the 5 June 1916 on the HMAT A30 Borda, then served with various field Artillery Brigades (FAB) and the attached Divisional Ammunition Columns (DAC) for four years. When Chaplain Edwards donated his jacket he explained in a covering letter that,
'...The colour patch is that of the Army Brigades of Artillery, familiarly known to the 'Diggers' at the 'Mobile Mob'. They were Corps Field Artillery Troops, sent wherever fighting was to be done, and were seldom out of action. They consisted of three brigades, the 3rd, 6th and 12th. The Brigade was designated by a spot, at the top for 12, at the side for 3, and at the bottom for 6. As I belonged to all three Brigades, I wore no spot, thus having the unique distinction of having a colour patch to my self.' He was promoted to 3rd class on the 1 June 1918, and returned to Australia on 25 September 191 on the HMAT A73 Commonwealth, attached to 3 Casualty Clearing Station.