Sergeant, 2nd Battalion, Adelaide Rifles, 1902.jpg

There had been an attempt to raise an Irish rifle company in Adelaide in the 1860s, but this does not appear to have taken hold. By the end of the century a Scottish Corps was in the process so the Irishmen decided to try again, and they were successful. This company of the reserve battalion of the Rifles did not hold its national identity for long. In 1903 the colonial forces combined to become the Australian Military Forces and the Irish character of the company waned and then disappeared. Headdress – Khaki cloth covered sun helmet. The green puggaree is of the type used in South Australia and is noted in contemporary newspapers as a probable feature of the uniform promised by the General Officer Commanding (GOC). The spike, mount and chin chain were brass. Jacket - Khaki serge of the pattern adopted by the South Australian military. The collar, shoulder straps and cuffs are covered with green facing cloth. The pockets all have pointed flaps, but only the lower variants have pleats. On the right sleeve are the three gilt lace chevrons of his rank. The green sash was another national feature promised by the then GOC, in place of the more usual crimson. Imperial crowns were attached to the collar ends. Legwear – Serge trousers with a thin green welt down the side seams, worn with ankle boots. Equipment – White leather waist belt with brass union buckle.