Slouch Hat 4

Earlier pages have described the origins of the "Digger Hat" or Australian slouch hat or Hat khaki fur felt as it is officially described. This page is merely to show some of the different ways it has been worn.

2 brothers, 2 different styles. This clearly indicates the casual approach to uniformity that so marked the AIF. 8932 Driver Jack (John) O McKenzie and his brother Gordon. Jack McKenzie of Bathurst, NSW, enlisted on 24 March 1915 aged 26. He was with the Ammunition Reserve, 4th Light Horse Brigade and was then attached to the 3rd Section, 20th Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) until 5 April 1919. His brother was possibly Lieutenant Livingstone Gordon MacKenzie, Australian Flying Corps, who enlisted on 8 February 1915 and retired on 6 May 1919. (Donor P. Emery)

This is probably one of the most often reproduced Aussie photos of WW2. It is 1944, in the Mount Prothero area of New Guinea and the Digger is from the 2/12 Battalion AIF. Like the bloke who wears it the slouch hat has seen some rough times.

WO1 Kenny in centre of photograph, (left) 96 Sgt. Harold Joseph Barry 2nd Lighthorse. KIA 07/08/15 at Quinns Post. Other soldier is not identified. c 1914. 3 blokes, same unit, 3 different bashes in Hats KFF. Note that 1 bloke wears no chin strap.

Photo from the Kenny family collection


Here are seven blokes, all from the same unit and all with a different "bash" in their slouch hat Unknown group of soldiers. Any help welcome. Contact mdimond@iinet.net.au 04/02

2809 Driver William Treadwell, 3rd Brigade Australian Field Artillery. The hat badge is that of the Australian Field Artillery (Militia) Driver Treadwell was killed in action on 8 August 1918.	Sergeant Patrick John O'Connell MM of Nundah, Qld, and of 4 Platoon, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR).

1941-10. Western Desert. His jacket used to belong to a French pilot and the silken cord round his slouch hat was part of an enemy parachute. He is Corporal Leaver. (photo. G. Silk).


Slouch hat, post Viet Nam era. Note the Royal Australian Infantry Corps badge, leather chin strap, khaki puggaree with 5 folds and broad band to top.	A newer variation of the puggaree and the new positioning of the RAInf badge

Slouch Hat 2002. Note the Colour Patch on the puggaree has made a comeback. Corps badge is now worn to the front and the General Service badge (The Rising Sun) is worn on the turned up brim. The brim is worn flat except on ceremonial parades. Dept of Defence photos


	^^^ Shaggy Ridge area, New Guinea. 1944-01-10. QX54747 Private A. W. Spletter, No. 11 Platoon, B Company, 2/9th Bn AIF <<< Syria. 1942-01. Chaplain C R Whersatnbe, of the 2/27 Bn AIF

1942-08-06. With the allied troops in New Guinea. Rifleman Harry Helton, who knows as much about the wilds of New Guinea and of the natives as any man.

Of Irish-Scotch-Australian descent he has been a goldminer in the country for upwards of 15 years and is a member of the volunteer reserve force tough, wiry, and full of fight the acts as guide and mentor to the outpost forces.

Harry always wears the plume of a Bird of Paradise in his hat. (Negative by Parer).