| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Amiens Harbonnieres Area, Villers-Bretonneux Area |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM00864 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Headdress |
| Physical description | Wool felt |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1918: Villers Bretonneaux |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | France |
| Date made | c.1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Red Zouave Cap: Major Calogne, 3rd Zouaves, French Army
Description
Red French Army Zouave cap made from wool felt.
History / Summary
It was given to Lieutenant Colonel Reginald John Albert Travers (along with an Aiguilette) by Major Calogne of the 3rd Zouaves while occupying one of the 'International Posts' at the junction of the British and French armies between April and July 1918.
From April to July 1918 the Australian Corps held the extreme right flank of the British armies in France, making contact with the French south of Villers-Bretonneux. To secure satisfactory liaison, posts at the point of the junction were garrisoned with both Australian and French sentries and were known as 'International Posts'. Language difficulties were solved by the evolution of a peculiar common vernacular. Great cordiality existed between the soldiers of the two nations and the Australians often swapped their issue of jam for the French wine ration, or exchanged hats and pieces of equipment as mementoes. It was in this manner that these hats and aiguillettes of the 3rd Zouave Regimental came into the possession of the 13th and 26th Battalions.