| Place | Europe: Western Front |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM01115 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Uniform |
| Physical description | Wool |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1917: 3rd Battle of Ypres |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c July 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Arm band : Major Generals J Monash and J Gellibrand, 3rd Australian Division, AIF
Description
Red woollen armband secured around the upper arm with a buckle attachment. Embroidered in black in the centre with the symbol of the 3rd Australian Division, a numeral within a Rising Sun.
History / Summary
Coloured armbands identified staff from headquarters, with red indicating a 'division' and blue indicating a 'brigade'. This armband was worn by Major General John Monash from July 1916 to May 1918 while he was in command of the 3rd Australian Division. On 30 May 1918, the Australian government announced that all senior commands were to be held by Australians. Accordingly, in June Monash was appointed to command the Australian Corps and Major General John Gellibrand was selected to take over Monash's command of the 3rd Division. Monash passed on his distinctive armband to Gellibrand at the same time.