Did you know? In the late 1970s a SASR officer met with allied counter terrorist units overseas in an effort to ascertain the most suitable vehicle for the fledgling Australian Counter Terrorist Force to adopt. The overwhelming recommendation was the Range Rover. Australian Army procurement officers however disagreed with the recommendation, opting instead for in-service F100 vehicles configured as ambulances.

Included in the display of equipment, vehicles, boats and parachutes used by the Australian SAS since 1957 is a collection of uniforms. Illustrated here are some of the field uniforms worn by SAS soldiers engaged in operations in Borneo, South Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq as well as garrison and ceremonial uniforms worn in Australia.

Although the British and New Zealand SAS, and the US Army Ranger Regiments also wear the 'Beige' or Sandy Beret, the Australian SAS Badge remains unique. The Australian SAS Badge, representing the flaming sword 'Excalibur', is of a common design to that of the British and New Zealand Regiments. However, it is a metal gold and silver badge on a black shield as opposed to the cloth or bullion badges of our British and New Zealand counterparts, and the same badge is worn by all SAS qualified members of SASR from Trooper to Colonel.

A feature of the SAS Historical Collection is that it displays actual items and equipment worn or used by SAS soldiers on operations. The personal webbing pictured here, was worn by a SAS Warrant Officer during operations in Vietnam with the Australian Army Training Team and is a mixture of US and British issue. Also shown are his US pattern jungle boots and part of the US woodland pattern uniform, often worn by Australian SAS in Vietnam in the early 1970s.

The Klepper Aerius MK13 Canoe as you see it here was used by SAS patrols for clandestine movement between a submarine or surface vessel and shore, or to provide patrol mobility in a maritime or estuarine environment, usually at night. It was a robust and stable canoe and could be disassembled and carried in three, man-portable valises to a launching site where it was assembled and used. Although it was fitted with plastic seats, these were often removed and soldiers would sit on their packs during paddling. Personal webbing equipment and weapons would be tied onto the top of the canoe for easy access. SAS Water Operations Troops also proved the worth of these canoes by undertaking long distance ocean transits and also used them as drop off and collection craft for divers as their presence was extremely difficult to detect due to their very low profile.

The SAS Historical Foundation was extremely fortunate to count renowned military artist Ian Coate amongst its volunteer members and as the Collection’s initial ‘Artist in Residence’. Through his paintings Ian provided a rare insight into aspects of life in the Regiment, at home and on operations and his experience as a former soldier, with strong family ties to the Regiment has provided him with a unique ability to capture the spirit of the Regiment through his art. Ian also generously tutored members of the Regimental Family, interested in fulfilling their artistic desires and through his contributions and efforts, remains a very valuable member of the Foundation and although he has now relinquished his position as ‘Artist in Residence’ to a serving member of the Regiment, Major S, their artwork is proudly displayed throughout the Historical Collection.