Turkish other ranks belt buckle : Private J D Mack, 8 Light Horse Regiment, AIF

Turkish army rectangular brass other ranks belt buckle with attached white metal circular badge. The white metal badge shows, in relief on a pebbled background, a crescent moon, the upward facing horns of which enclose a five pointed star. The crescent contains the Arabic script for 'Asakr-I Shahaneh' meaning 'Imperial Army'. The underside of the buckle is missing the rotating brass rod that is used to attach the buckle to the belt. There are two metal prongs with small holes designed to fit the rod. A square brass loop is attached to the back of the buckle to accommodate a leather belt.

Collected by 524 Private John Dodd Mack. Mack was born in Lismore, NSW and was educated at Geelong College, Victoria. He worked as a Station Manager in Berry Bank, Victoria before enlisting in 8 Light Horse Regiment, AIF, on 6 January 1915. He was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on 3 December 1917. Mack was wounded in action at Es Salt, Palestine on 3 May 1918. He embarked for return to Australia on 11 June 1919 aboard the troopship 'Dorset' and he was discharged on 10 August 1919.