Description
Physical description
hat
Label
The khaki felt slouch hat (sometimes referred to as the Bush Hat) had its origins in the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902, when the British Army learned from the Boers that their chosen civilian headgear had more practical advantages on campaign in both hot and wet climates over the foreign service helmet. By the conclusion of the war virtually all British and Empire troops were issued with the slouch hat as a standard headdress. Comfortable, the hat's wide brim shielded the eyes in bright sunlight and gave adequate protection in even the worst downpours and could be stowed easily, not suffering the consequences of being crushed. A cloth pugaree adorned the base of the hat, and when moistened with water this would cool the brow of the wearer in the hottest climate. The hat featured a metal press-stud to the left side, permitting the brim to be turned up and fastened and in that way wearable when carrying arms at the left shoulder on formal occasions.
Slouch hats were still worn by the Regular Army on manoeuvres in the United Kingdom as late as 1905 and by many Rifle Volunteers until much later, being re-issued again on campaign in Salonika during the First World War. The Australians maintained the hat (and still do) whereas New Zealanders later modified it during the First World War adopting their own characteristic 'Lemon Squeezer' hat.
History note
The khaki felt slouch hat (sometimes referred to as the Bush Hat) had its origins in the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902, when the British Army learned from the Boers that their chosen civilian headgear had more practical advantages on campaign in both hot and wet climates over the foreign service helmet. By the conclusion of the war virtually all British and Empire troops were issued with the slouch hat as a standard headdress. Comfortable, the hat's wide brim shielded the eyes in bright sunlight and gave adequate protection in even the worst downpours and could be stowed easily, not suffering the consequences of being crushed. A cloth pugaree adorned the base of the hat, and when moistened with water this would cool the brow of the wearer in the hottest climate. The hat featured a metal press-stud to the left side, permitting the brim to be turned up and fastened and in that way wearable when carrying arms at the left shoulder on formal occasions.
Slouch hats were still worn by the Regular Army on manoeuvres in the United Kingdom as late as 1905 and by many Rifle Volunteers until much later, being re-issued again on campaign in Salonika during the First World War. The Australians maintained the hat (and still do) whereas New Zealanders later modified it during the First World War adopting their own characteristic 'Lemon Squeezer' hat.
On loan to Australian High Commission, February to May 2001, along with UNI 70 & 2748, plus two items trench art and 4 items insignia.
On return, damage to this item was noted that may not have been present on issue. Specifically, a tear to the internal leather band, right side, and possible tearing off of the paper label bearing maker's name glued to inside front hat band. The damage to the internal hat band was referred to Conservation for possible repair.
Printed/written (on label inside)
VERO & EVERITT ATHERSTONE No. 16.5846 Color Khaki
Stamped (inside headband)
Vero + Everitt Army Contractors Atherstone