The Rising Sun badge

The Rising Sun badge

The origins of the Rising Sun dates back to 1902 when a badge was needed for Australian contingents raised after Federation for service in the Boer War. The most widely accepted theory attributes Major General Sir Edward Hutton, KCB, KCMG, the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Forces, with selecting the design.

Major General Hutton received a gift of a ‘trophy of arms’ from Major Joseph Gordon. The trophy comprised seven cut and thrust swords and triangular Martini-Henri bayonets mounted and arranged in a semicircle around a brass crown. This shield came to symbolise the coordination of the Commonwealth Naval and Military Forces. The ‘trophy of arms’ is now proudly displayed at Army Headquarters.

Since the introduction of the first pattern of the Rising Sun badge in 1902, the basic design remains largely unchanged, with the wording on the scroll and style of crown being the most modified elements.