One for the NZ collectors - a Kiwi "Lemon Squeezer" hat
 

One for the NZ collectors - a Kiwi "Lemon Squeezer" hat

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/n...01-resized.jpg

New Zealand Army, whose uniforms have historically followed the British pattern, has the campaign hat (known as the "lemon squeezer" hat) as the most visible national distinction. This was adopted by the Wellington Regiment about 1912 and became general issue for all New Zealand units during the latter stages of World War I. The different branches of service were distinguished by coloured puggarees or wide bands around the base of the crown (blue and red for artillery, green for mounted rifles, khaki and red for infantry etc). The "lemon squeezer" was worn to a certain extent during World War II, although often replaced by more convenient forage caps or berets. After being in abeyance since the 1950s, the "lemon squeezer" has recently been reintroduced for parade dress where it is usually worn with a version of the khaki "no 2" service dress of the British Army. Officer cadets and some bands wear this headdress with a scarlet and blue full dress uniform.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campaig...w_Zealand_Army

Hi Mick,
Something wrong here, the lemon squeezer was not worn by Mounted Rifles regiments.
The puggaree (khaki/green/khaki) is correct for the Mounted Rifles badge, in this case the 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles, but the hat should be dented lengthways (fore and aft) to be correct.
It would be a simple matter to change the hat shape, but the creases look as if they have been ironed pretty sharp.
Cheers, Tinto

Hi Mick,

I must concur with Tinto on this one, something is not quite right.
The configuration of the 6th Wellinton MR regiment badge, mounted rifle puggaree and squeezer shape is possible, but the odds are very much against it.

As for the Wellington Regiment adopting the lemon squeezer shape in 1912, this is totally incorrect, and is the product of a simple mistake made by a researcher in the 1970s and unfortunately has been repeated numerously by writers who have quoted from his book.

The official date of adoption of the lemon squeezer shape by the Wellington Infantry Regiment is the 24th of August 1914. (The Ruahine regiment was the first to adopt the lemon squeezer shape just before the outbreak of WW1)

It is well documented that the Wellington Mounted Rifle Regiment also adopted the lemon squeezer shape on the 24th of August 1914, however General Godley did not approve of the Mounted Rifles wearing the lemon squeezer shape, and within a week, the Wellington Mounted Rifles converted back to the fore and aft shape regulation style.

Normally a hands on inspection is required to determine what period squeezer you have, but if you are prepared to provide good close up photos of the sides, top, back, sweatband (including stitching) and any makers marks to the sweatband, as well as a photo of the reverse side of the puggaree, I think I can help with evaluating what period it was used.

Brent

Gents,

I bow to your superior knowledge - its just a random picture I posted :)

But it's good to get the facts straight.

Mick

Help with Patch
 

Guys,
Following this thread, can someone help identify what the patch on the side of this Otago Mounted Rifles hat mean?
Many thanks.
James

The patch is Canterbury Mounted Rifles. General Chaytors Order No 145 31 October 1917 authorised distinguishing patches 2 inches long by 3/4 inch hig worn in the centre of the slouch hat puggaree on both sides. Otago 12 Otago and 7 Southland Mounted Rifles served as NZ Division mounted troops in France and did not wear patches. See page 28 NZ Army Distinguishing Patches 1911-1991 part one by Malcolm Thomas and Cliff Lord as it shows most of the NZ patches ever worn up until the mid 1990s.
Rgds Cliff Lord

James, wrong badge on this one, everything else is spot on.
I suspect that if there are no other holes, the correct badge should be 8th South Canterbury mounted rifles.
I have to admit I am green with envy, a fantastic piece.
Regards
Brent

Many thanks Cliff and Brent for your feedback.
I have both badges, so will see which one fits the best in the existing holes.
Couple of photo's attached of my NZ badge collection as payment:). Not all displayed yet as I have recently moved to Oz and are still unpacking!!!
Regards
James.

Wonderful collection. Tks for the pix.
cliff

Lemon Squeezer in Service
 

From the Life Magazine files, a set of photographs showing NZ troops in training in the Western Desert.
http://images.google.com/hosted/life...c1c1ec9c4882b7

http://images.google.com/hosted/life...6019fbf6a4a16a

http://images.google.com/hosted/life...4a069abada3796

http://images.google.com/hosted/life...2db27f0352c577

Nice collection.

When you get unpacked let us know and I will ask for some close up scans of some badges - if that is OK.

Shaun

sorry I'm late
 

This photo and the website it comes from may be of interest


http://www.nzmr.org/archive/updates7_09.html

Welcome Spr (Sapper?) Jock,
Interestingly I have already commented on that photo, but my comments are on this thread.

http://www.nzmr.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=527

Good on ya mate