 The pre @-@ war Australian Army uniform formed the basis of that worn by the AIF , which adopted the broad @-@ brimmed slouch hat and rising sun badge . Peak caps were initially also worn by the infantry , while light horsemen often wore a distinctive emu plume in their slouch hats . A standard khaki <unk> was worn by all arms . From 1916 steel helmets and gas masks were issued for use by infantry on the Western Front . A loose @-@ fitting four @-@ pocket service dress jacket was worn , along with baggy knee breeches , <unk> , and tan ankle @-@ boots . A heavy woollen greatcoat was worn during cold weather . The uniform was a drab " pea soup " or khaki colour , while all buttons and badges were oxidised to prevent shine . All personnel wore a shoulder title bearing the word " Australia " . Rank insignia followed the British Army pattern and were worn on the upper arms ( or shoulders for officers ) . Identical hat and collar badges were worn by all units , which were initially only distinguished by small metal numerals and letters on the shoulder straps ( or collars for officers ) . However , in 1915 a system of Unit Colour Patches was adopted , worn on the upper arm of a soldier 's jacket . Wound stripes of gold braid were also authorised to be worn to denote each wound received . Other distinguishing badges included a brass letter " A " which was worn on the colour patch by men and nurses who had served at Gallipoli , blue chevrons representing each year of overseas service , and a red chevron to represent enlistment during the first year of the war . Uniforms worn by the AFC were similar to those of the rest of the AIF , although some officers wore the double @-@ breasted " maternity jacket " which had been worn at the pre @-@ war Central Flying School . AFC " wings " were worn on the left breast , while an AFC colour patch and standard rising sun badges were also worn . 
