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East Circular Quay The contingent was the first expeditionary force to travel from Australia and a public holiday was declared in NSW on the day they sailed. This was seen as a defining moment in the growth of the state, and huge crowds (reported as near 200,000) were on hand in Sydney to wish them well. The Sydney Light Horse (or NSW Cavalry), whose uniform included blue tunics, caps and saddle cloths, accompanied the Governor to east Circular Quay to farewell the Sudan contingent. Once in the Sudan, the NSW arm of the British force wore blue-black jackets, blue trousers and white helmets to distinguish themselves. [Ref: K. I. Inglis, The rehearsal: Australians in the Sudan, 1885, Kevin Weldon and Associates, Sydney, 1985]. |
