With the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, local industries were well placed to supply the new Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Additionally, the federal Defence Department had built four factories in the previous three years to provide armaments, ammunition, clothing and equipment. The result was a distinctly Australian look that valued function over form. As Charles Bean describes "The Australian uniform, like everything else connected with the force, was designed entirely for work".
The Australians at Gallipoli quickly learned to adapt their uniforms and equipment to suit conditions. When the hotter months arrived, trousers were turned into shorts and tunics were altered or simply dispensed with. Caps issued in Egypt were an obvious target for Turkish snipers, so the Australians removed the wire hoop inside the hats to flatten them. Improvised equipment, such as the periscope, was constructed and personal effects were created from all manner of battlefield debris.
