Commander Geoffrey Haggard's sword belt

Maker Gillott & Hasell

Datec 1910

Object number00015778

NameBelt

MediumLeather, brass

DimensionsOverall: 965 mm, 0.35 kg

ClassificationsArmament

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Jennifer Smyth

Terms

DescriptionSword belt belonging to Commander Geoffrey Haggard, who was second-in-command of the Australian submarine AE2, which was sunk after penetrating the Dardanelles in 1915. Haggard and his colleagues were held as POWs by the Turkish until the end of the war. This sword belt was produced by Gillot and Hassell, a well-known uniform maker with branches in Portsmouth and London.HistoryLaunched in February 1914, the AE2 was involved in naval operations in the Dardanelles campaign during the First World War. In April 1915, the AE2 became the first Allied vessel to penetrate the straits. After 'running amok' for several days, the AE2 was torpedoed. All hands survived and were held as POWs by the Turkish. Geoffrey Arthur Gordon Haggard was born in London on the 4th May 1888. He was transferred from the Royal Navy to the RAN in 1913 with the rank of Lieutenant. He was awarded 'Submarine Pay' from this date. He was initially based at the PENGUIN before being posted to the AE2. Haggard was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery during the action and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1918 and discharged in 1919. In 1928 he was promoted to Commander on the Emergency List. Haggard was said to have planned to re-enlist when the Second World War broke out in 1939, but was killed in an accident before he could assume his post.SignificanceThis belt represents the ceremonial traditions of naval service, and has strong associations with the submarine AE2 during the First World War Gallipoli campaign.