German infantry soldier's field cap : 439 Private H P Gidley, 35 Battalion, AIF

Field grey cap (feldmutze) with scarlet band and piping. Stamped on inside with manufacturer's stamp 'K.B.A.IV'.

Associated with 439 Private Herbert Paul Gidley who enlisted on 21 November 1915 and served with 35 Battalion, AIF. Whilst in action in Belgium Private Gidley was rendered uncounscious by shell concussion and was taken prisoner with another five or six from his battalion. During their journey to the church in which they were later held, Gidley picked up the cap of a dead German soldier to provide himself with extra warmth. They were held in the crypt of the church and left there without supplies when the Germans withdrew in response to the British offensive. They were discovered four days later by a group of nuns returning to the church. Two of the wounded prisoners had by this time died. Private Gidley returned to Australia on 5 march 1919.