| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM17291.004 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Uniform |
| Physical description | Cotton twill, Linen, Plastic, Wool 'Bedford Cord' |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c 1916-1919 |
| Conflict |
Period 1910-1919 Period 1960-1969 First World War, 1914-1918 |
Other Ranks breeches : Private P L Hughes, No. 3 Squadron Australian Flying Corps
Description
Australian Flying Corps (AFC) Other Ranks Mounted Service pattern khaki woollen Bedford cord breeches. A straight pocket has been let into the front of both hips with the outer corners secured by a brown plastic button. The concealed fly is fastened with three small buttons and there are seven larger buttons around the waistband to attach suspenders. These plastic buttons are assorted colours and designs. Panels of additional reinforcing fabric have been sewn onto both inner legs. On the outward facing side of both leg cuffs are series of nine paired holes which have been finished by hand. These are laced with the remains of khaki woven cotton laces. The bottom edge of both leg cuffs is trimmed with a thin band of khaki cotton fabric, which extends at both ends into tabs that can be tied together across the laced slit to secure the cuff. There is a belt loop on both sides of the waistband, and a buckled tab adjustment across the back. A slit pocket with a triangular buttoned flap has been let into the right side seat of the breeches. The waist is lined with khaki cotton twill and the pockets are lined with linen.
History / Summary
These breeches were worn by 916 Private (Air Mechanic Second Class) Patrick Leo Hughes, No. 3 Squadron Australian Flying Corps. Hughes Enlisted in the AIF on 2 July 1916 and initially served with 12 (Army) Brigade, Australian Field Artillery. He transferred to No. 71 (Aust) Sqn, RFC on 2 April 1917 and trained as a wireless operator. Hughes proceeded overseas to France to join the British Expeditionary Force on 20 August and was attached to No. 1 Aircraft Depot. He was attached to No. 69 (Aust) Sqn RFC on 21 December until 7 February 1918 when he joined 12th Army Brigade, AFA. Hughes was attached to No. 3 Sqn AFC on 19 August and remained with this unit until the end of the war. He wore the tunic at his wedding ceremony ( married Christine Cooper) in England on July 27 1919 , and during the 50th anniversary ANZAC Day march in Sydney in 1965.