Photo of a service man

I dont know if anyone will be able to help me with the below post card I picked up at a local fair. I was told he was Australian solider in the first world war but I am not sure. I had to buy him with whats written on the back really would like to find some info about it. I think his name is Joey

 

Well, the photo shouldn't have been any cause of concern, so quite why he says "Don't show it to anybody" is mysterious!
It appears to be of an officer, and there are experts who could help identify that diamond shoulder patch, plus perhaps cap and lapel badges.
I assume that there is a scratch on the cuff of the sleeve, as that seems an unusual place for and stripe, but it might be lace on his cuff, hopefully enough to guess his rank.
Does the postcard appear to have any makers name or studio?
Could be London, Egypt or Australia, that sort of background cloth seems generic
There is a partial date of 22 September but no year, but looks a well cut uniform.

Sorry, that's all I can say, wait for the experts!

 

I find it quite interesting that he could write "for Christ's sake" but couldn't bring himself to say "till hell freezes over" Perhaps having served in the trenches he had a good idea what it would be like.

 

Thank you so much had him on facebook page and some said the same thing but never showed my the patches. How do you know he is an officer if I can ask

 

His Uniform is that of an officers and the cap badge is Australian.

 

Thank you so much never knew that. Wealth of information for someone who has not a clue

 

Jacket with collar and tie, also a clue.
The gold rank "lace" on the sleeves was replaced by rank insignia on the epaulettes, as it was too easy for the enemy to shoot down those with cuff markings and thus disorganise the attackers, so your photo could be from the 1916 onwards period.

 

Thank you as well didnt notice the mark till someone had said on here.

 

My guess is a 'corps' officer. Ankle boots and puttees rather than full riding boots allude to an equestrian role but not an equestrian background (or pretentions too one). His 'look' and sentiment of the message imply a reluctant soldier - maybe a professional in civilian life transferring those skills to the military - e.g. an engineer. The floppyness of the hat and pockets bulging with contents also point to a practical role. His collar badges are indecipherable however look basically circular something like? http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL25113/

 

Also - subdued 'bronze' finish badges and buttons throughout as a result of experience. Those cuffs look unusual are they button up? If so I have not seen that on khaki Service Dress before - only on cotton drill uniforms.

Keith