The Rising Sun
The Rising Sun hat badge is a symbol of pride and honour within the Australian Army, with its origins steeped in history. The origin of the badge stems from when Australia adopted its own unique uniform design, which featured the rising sun as part of its distinctive pattern. This was due to the fact that Australia had been a British colony prior to 1901 and it was deemed that it was time to create a uniform which represented the country's own identity.
The Rising Sun hat badge has since become a symbol of Australia's military prowess, and is worn by personnel in all branches of the Australian Army today. The badge features an image of a golden rising sun above a red background, with eight points around it representing each state and territory within Australia. The badge is believed to represent the country's commitment to defending its home and preserving peace throughout the nation.
The Rising Sun hat badge continues to be a strong symbol of pride for all members of the Australian Army, and has become an important part of our culture and history. Its presence on uniforms around the world serves as a reminder that we are part of something bigger, and that our country has a proud history of military service.
The distinctive shape of the Rising Sun badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of Anzac. Proudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the 'Rising Sun' badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition.
The badge was originally called the General Service Badge, but is now officially labelled the Australian Army Badge. It will, however, always be referred to as the Rising Sun Badge.
There are seven patterns of the Rising Sun. The Rising Sun has evolved over time and today Australian Army soldiers wear the seventh pattern.
The February 1902 Rising Sun Hat Badge, originally issued to mounted troops in the Boer War, featured a King's Crown with the word "AUSTRALIA" arched above it.
The second Rising Sun Hat badge from April 1902 added a scroll with the words 'Commonwealth Horse' and changed 'Australia' to 'Australian'. This badge was a modified version for the Commonwealth Horse.
The third Rising Sun badge from May 1904 carried a scroll inscribed with the words 'Australian Commonwealth Military Forces' and was worn throughout both World Wars. There were, however, a number of variations of the badge; a special version was struck for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 and there were badges of the Commonwealth Horse and the Australian Instructional Corps, each with its respective title on the scrolls. This pattern badge formed the template for all subsequent General Service badges.
The fourth Rising Sun Hat Badge is from 1949 when Corps and Regimental Badges were reintroduced into service. The wording on the scroll on the Rising Sun badge was changed to read Australian Military Forces.
The fifth Rising Sun Hat Badge is from 1954 when the badge was changed to incorporate the Queen's crown with the ascension of Elizabeth II.
The sixth Rising Sun Hat Badge from 1969 was modified to incorporate the Federation Star and Torse Wreath from the original 1902 version of the badge and the scroll wording changed to Australia.
The current design Rising Sun Badge from 1991 was produced with 'The Australian Army' on the scroll and the removal of the Federation Star and heraldic wreath. The Rising Sun Badge was originally called the General Service Badge, but it is now officially labelled the Australian Army Badge. It will, however, always be referred to as the Rising Sun Badge.