Corporal, Geelong Volunteer Rifle Corps, 1856.jpg

From an 1854 newspaper - The Geelong Rifle Club is being actively organised. They have held a field day, and the results are duly blazoned in the papers, with the number of shots, hits, &c. The members do not at present appear to be first-rate marksmen. The uniform, is to be black cloth trousers, having the military stripe in black silk braid. The jacket of the same material with golden shoulder ornament, and probably some fancy embroidery in braid on the back. This latter is, as yet, undecided though it was strongly recommended by a youthful wag of fifty, who suggested that the Russians would have a better mark to fire at, being uncharitably conceived that the rear of the corps would be most seen by the enemy. The above dress surmounted by a black leather foraging cap, a cartouche box slung over his shoulder, and a rifle by his side, will give an idea of a Geelong rifle-man.

From a newspaper of 1854 - The Geelong Volunteers. Formation of Corps.-The corps to be formed of one or more companies. Each company to be composed of lcaptain,2 lieu-tenants, 1 standard-bearer or ensign, 1 sergeant major, 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, 51 rank and file. '1 but there be one regimental or drill sergeant major for the club or corps, and one acting and one consulting surgeon, and one secretary. When the club consists of two or more companies, it is necessary a major and adjutant be appointed.

Officers.-To make themselves perfectly acquainted with the drill and exercises in accordance with the regulations laid down, and observe the following specified rules for their guidance:

Major.- To have the chief command of tho corps until an officer of higher grade is appointed; when on actual service, or called out or general inspection.

Adjutant- To superintend drill and exercise, and field movements and formations, to superintend the returns, and. communicate the orders of tho field officer,

Captain.- To have command of companies, but object to the direction of the field-officer, when on actual service or general Inspection.

Lieutenants.- To lead divisions in accordance with the commands of their captains, and aid in tho perfection of tho discipline of (he corps.

Secretary.- To conduct all correspondence, subject to the direction of the commanding officers.

Standard-Bearer or Ensign.- The senior standard. bearer or ensign to have charge of the regimental colours, and bear them on state occasions, and act In accordance with the commands of their superior officers. .

Sergeant-Major.- To form company's parade, call muster-roll, inspect arms, clothing, and accoutrements, and see that they are properly cleaned and adjusted.

Sergeants and Corporals.- To assist the sergeants-major in their duties.

Private Members.- To be punctual in their attendance on parade, maintain strict silence in the ranks, to obey tho commands of their superior officers, and on all occasions appear in proper uniform, agreeable to the regulations.

And it is particularly requested that strict attention be paid daring drill.

Uniforms.

Major.- Invisible green frock coat, with four silver stars on each side of collar of coat, bullion epaulets, grey or Queen's mixture trousers, with silver lace stripes; black glazed cap, with hone, hair plume, sash and side-arms. Forage cap with silver band.

Captains and Surgeons.- The same as above, with three stars and silver cord epaulets.

Lieutenants.- The same as above, with two stars

Lieutenants.- The same as above, with two stars.

Adjutant.- The same as above.

Standard-Bearer Ensign, Drill Sergeant-Major and Sergeants-Major.- Frock coat, with white cord or narrow silver lace round the collar of the coat, and three stripes on each wrist, and silver sword, knot; mixture trousers, with black stripe, glazed cap and plume, and side arms. Plain forage cap.

Sergeants.- As above, with two stripes .on tho wrist Rifle and side arms.

Corporals.- Same as above, with one stripe only on the wrists.

Private Members.- The same as above, but without lace.

Orders of Uniform, i.e.

Review Order,-Full uniform-rifle and side arms.

Field-day Order.-Full uniform, but with forage caps-during the summer months in white trousers.

Full Dress for Dinners, Balls, etc.-Complete uniform, but with side arms only.

Geelong Volunteer Rifle Corps 8 Jan 1855 Rules and Regulations

XI The dress shall be according to the sealed pattern, from which no deviation will on any account be permitted.

XII The distinguishing badge between officers and NCOs and privates to be that the officers shall wear a sword with steel hilt and scabbard, black patent leather sling belt, black patent leather pouch belt and pouch, with silver whistle and chain, worn over the shoulder; in addition to which the field officers shall wear 4 stars on the collar, the Captains 3 stars, the Lieutenants 2 stars and second lieutenants one star.

From a newspaper of February, 1855 - The Geelong Rifle CORPS.--yesterday this corps held its usual grand monthly meeting when Dr Barlie, who is major, appeared, for the first time, mounted, and clothed in a magnificent uniform, being the dark green dress of the corps trimmed with silver. The epaulets, cartouche-box, sword-belt, sabretache, &e., were of the handsomest description, and a more showy uniform could nit possibly have been obtained.

From an 1854 newspaper - The German Volunteer Rifle Corps. This body, though limited in number, also made a very creditable appearance. Their uniform was of that dark green with black braid facings, usual amongst rile corps, as affording the least conspicuous mark to an enemy in skirmishing. The arms of the corps consisted of the rifle and the short sword, which is used in place of the bayonet by troops of this armament.

From a newspaper of June, 1855 - The uniforms have been made by Mr. Bray, of Market-square, and Mir. Murray, of Kardinia-street, and it may not be uninteresting to our readers to give some slight description of it. The colour is invisible green, and the coat is a frock one, that of the officers being ornamented with braid on the breast, and the cuffs and collar being of black velvet. The trousers are of tile same colour, with a braid stripe down them. The belt holding the cartouche box of tile officers is ornamented with silver. The cap is a plain cap of the same colour as the suit, and ornamented with a silver bugle. The dress of the privates differs from the officers in that it is merely edged with braid ; the collar and cuffs not being of velvet; the belt and cartouche box merely being of enamelled leather. The privates wear a short sword, which, when fixed to the piece, answers the purpose of a bayonet. The full uniform of the Sergeant-Major is particularly handsome, being turned up with gold lace.

The number of uniforms which have been already made, are only between 70 and 80, and when the Ashby Company is formed, there will not be above some 110 really working members who attend to the drills. The uniforms have been made by Mr. Bray, of Market-square, and Mir. Murray, of Kardinia-street, and it may not be uninteresting to our readers to give some slight description of it. The color is invisible green, and the coat is a frock one, that of the officers being ornamented with braid on the breast, and the cuffs and collar being of black velvet. The trousers are of tile same color, with a braid stripe down them. The belt holding the cartouche box of tile officers is ornamented with silver. The cap is a plain cap of the same color as the suit, and ornamented with a silver bugle. The dress of the privates differs from the officers in that it is merely edged with braid; the collar and cuffs not being of velvet; the belt and cartouche box merely being of enamelled leather. The privates wear a short sword, which, when fixed to the piece, answers the purpose of a bayonet. The full uniform of the Sergeant-Major 'is particularly handsome, being turned up with gold lace.

From a newspaper of August, 1855 - Previous to the arrival of His Excellency, the brigade was formed in line at one side of the door of Mack's Hotel, the other side being similarly occupied by the German Volunteer Rifle Corps. This body, though limited in number, also made a very creditable appearance. Their uniform was of that dark green colour, with black braid facings, usual amongst rile corps, as affording the least conspicuous mark to an enemy in skirmishing. The arms of the corps consisted of the rifle and the short sword, which is used in pl ace of the bayonet by troops of this armament.