Sydney University Regiment – White Metal Band Hat Badge 1930 – 42

Description

Description: Sydney University Regiment – White Metal Band Hat Badge 1930 – 42

Maker’s Name: N/A

Condition: Very Good

Comments: Sydney University Regiment – White Metal Band Hat Badge 1930 – 42. Missing both lugs however a scarce badge worn by members of the SUR band.

Sydney University Regiment (SUR) is an officer-training regiment of the Australian Army Reserve. Its predecessor, the University Volunteer Rifle Corps, was raised in 1900 as a unit of the colonial New South Wales Defence Force.

The University Volunteer Rifle Corps (UVRC) was raised on the 17 November 1900, as part of the colonial military forces of New South Wales. The University of Sydney was the colony’s only university at the time, and two of its professors, T. W. Edgeworth-David and J. T. Wilson. VD, a former officer of the East Surrey Regiment, and employed as a teacher of physics at the university, encouraged the formation of a volunteer military unit.

Military training commenced in early 1901 with one hundred volunteers. The volunteers held their first parade in uniform later that year, when visited by the Duke of York, later to become George V. The UVRC appeared in public for the first time at a review ceremony in Centennial Park on the occasion of the coronation of Edward VII.

In 1903, the UVRC changed its name to the Sydney University Scouts (SUS) and the establishment had by then doubled to two rifle companies. When “universal” boyhood conscription was introduced in 1911, the Scouts’ numbers increased, since all eligible undergraduates of the university were drafted into it and it became a militia battalion. At this time it also became responsible for the training of boy soldiers, the forerunner of today’s Australian Cadet Corps, during their attendance at camps.

On the outbreak of the World War I, over sixty percent of the Scouts enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Members of the Scouts served widely within the AIF. In mid-1918 a university company was recruited from students at the University of Sydney for active service in the AIF. The war ended before it mobilised for service.

A regimental band of pipes and drums was formed in 1925. In 1927 the University Scouts were renamed the Sydney University Regiment (SUR). In recognition of its members’ service in the Great War, Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Chauvel presented the regiment with its first King’s and regimental colours. A display was presented by the regiment’s artillery unit.

In 1929, King George V approved the SUR’s affiliation with the 60th Regiment, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) and consequently the regiment’s embellishments and badges of rank became black with a red felt backing. These distinctive arrangements continue and are unique in the Australian Army. This alliance was maintained with The Royal Green Jackets of the British Army, the successor regiment to the KRRC until its amalgamation.