| Accession Number | REL30045.009 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Rubberised Cotton; Brass; Plastic |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | c 1950-1960 |
| Conflict |
Period 1950-1959 |
Gas cape ground sheet : Light Horse units
Description
Khaki rubberised cotton gas cape, with stand and fall collar, brown plastic buttons and brass rivetted holes along four sides. The capes could also be used as a ground sheet or a rain shelter. The cape is secured to the saddle wallets by two leather straps, each with a split double buckle attachment.
History / Summary
Most light horsemen carried a standard rectangular groundsheet. It was folded and strapped over the saddle wallets. Towards the end of the First World War rubberised gas capes became more widely available and were often substituted for the standard groundsheet, as they could be worn as a protective cape as well. The pattern for the gas cape did not alter until it ceased to be issued in the 1960s. These types of gas cape/ground sheets were still in use for weapons lesson ground sheets in Australian Army training establishments in the mid to late 1990's.