Running this web site has allowed me to make friends all over the world. Rob Thomas from Australia kindly describes the difference between Australian and British tack.

Commonwealth forces wearing a standard jacket is a little misleading, the only similarity between the British Tunic and the Australian Service Dress Jacket is that they were made of wool and they were a similar colour, even the weight of the fabric is different.

The Australian Light Horse were mounted infantry and did not use rifle buckets or swords (3rd, 4th & 5th Brigades were issued with them in June 1918) 1st Brigade and 2nd Brigade were never issued with them during W.W.I.

13th Light Horse Regiment was the Corp Cavalry for the Australian forces in France, and was also not equipped with swords at all. The use of puttees was not normal and was certainly not allowed for parade dress.

Leather leggings were the standard issue item and were worn at most times in the field. The Bandoleer was modified from the 1903 pattern in 1905, although in many cases it was still referred to as a 1903.

The Bandoleer used around the horses neck was a standard, 90 round, 9 pouch item. The 5 pouch 50 round was issued to Artillery. The field dress for the A.I.F. included 2 x15 round and 2x10 round pouches on the waist belt.

Steve Murray contacted us & wished to say "13th light horse was not the only light horse unit to serve in France, the 4th light horse less B sq. staying in Palestine and was reformed. the 4th light horse has two colour patches light blue over dark blue, or red over white was the unit that was in France. and yes thy were issue swards and rifle buckets".

Steve Murray, Darling Downs, Australia.