The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
American Army pile cap as issued to Australian forces during the Korean War. The cap is made of olive green cotton poplin, and has a crown lining of woollen fabric. The fold-up brim and ear pieces are lined with olive green synthetic fur, and the earpieces can be secured beneath the chin by a cotton cord. The same cord is used to fasten the earflaps on top of the crown when not in use. A white cotton label inside the left hand crown is printed in black with the words 'CAP, FIELD, PILE (1) Earlaps on top of cap - slip cord from left earlap through loop of right earlap and tie. (2) Adjust liner headband to fit over cap before helmet is needed.' The name 'BRENNAN REX' is also written on the label in blue ink.
The US Army issue 'Cap, Field, Pile' was designed to provide protection against extremes of cold and wind, and could be worn alone or under the US M-1 steel helmet (in which case it was necessary to lower the earflaps and visor). They were issued in large numbers to Australians in Korea, who often personalised them by the addition of 'Rising Sun' badges and/or 'AUSTRALIA' shoulder titles. This cap was worn by A2407 Sergeant Rex Brennan during his service in Korea. Brennan joined the RAAF in May 1945, and later volunteered to serve with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, arriving in Japan to join 81 Wing in June 1947. He helped to form, and later manage, a service radio broadcasting unit which received the US call sign WKLU, and after the outbreak of the war in Korea produced a number of recorded broadcasts from the frontline around Taegu, at the limit of the North Korean advance. These broadcasts were later heard in Australia on radio 2CH as 'Report from Korea'. Rex Brennan returned to Australia in January 1951.
American Army M-1943 heavyweight olive green cotton twill field jacket as issued to Australian forces during the Korean War. The jacket has a concealed six button front closure with a further four but
American Army M-1943 heavyweight olive green cotton twill field jacket as issued to Australian forces during the Korean War. The jacket has a concealed six button front closure with a further four but
US Army issue field pile cap. Attached to the front peak of the cap is an oxidised brass rising sun collar badge and 'AUSTRALIA' shoulder title. The pile cap is made of cotton poplin, synthetic fur on
US Army olive drab winter garrison cap, with red piping indicating artillery. The cap has a brown leather sweatband and is lined with green polished cotton. Garrison cap as worn by enlisted men of t
American Army pile field jacket as issued to Australian forces during the Korean War. The jacket is made of olive green cotton poplin with machine knitted woollen cuffs and collar. The body is lined w
RAF blue wool Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) cap with a soft pleated crown, turned up brim at the back, and a black leather peak lined with green leatherette. The cap has a black mohair band, blac
Officer's olive drab service dress peaked cap with brown leather peak, brown plastic chin strap, woven olive green band and gilt officer's badge and buttons. Stamped twice inside crown `E.W. CHISTENSE