King's slouch hat
 

I woke up this morning still grumpy as I had been outbid on a King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment tropical shoulder title, undoubtedly owned by a Chindit. I hadn't realised that on Robin McGregor's auction site that you couldn't increase your bid until you had been outbid, by which time it was too late.

But I digress, this morning I toddled off to a well known Flea market and at about 7.45 on the third stall that I went to I found this. I have never seen one for sale before and I never thought that I would ever own one. It needs a gentle brushing, some slight reshaping and perhaps something on the chin strap to preserve the leather.

The seller said that he has owned it for about 20 years and that it came from a house clearance in Altrincham in Cheshire.

The original owner, being a King's-man, would almost certainly taken part in either the first or the second Chindit Expedition.

Where is the "well known" flea market please, I think I need to visit.

Very nice Simon,

Here is a link to a picture of mine :

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ctureid=101692

Peter

Simon excellent find well done.
Tony.

This is the first Chindit related item that I have found at this particular flea market since moving N.N.W. of Surrey about five years ago. I am saying no more other than that it is held on a regular basis. :)

The sobering thing is that if I had gone to other stalls first, it would have been snapped up and I would never have known that it had ever been there. There is much luck involved in being at the right place at the right time.. Needless to say that I am as happy as a dog with two tails.

Thanks Peter, I have stumbled across a few nice King's Chindit related items over the last few years more by luck than judgement.

Very nice ! The original 'patch' of c 1914? was thinner but the Indian Dress Regs of ?1930s (in Brian Davis' excellent book) notes the larger type. The similar one worn on the 'jungle hat' in Korea did not have an apostrophe.

Researching 142 Commando Company I find the volunteers from 50 Regiments (so the source says - but in reality looking to be fewer than that) were being administered through 13th King's for simplicity. Any references to 142 in records held by King's Liverpool Collectors would be much appreciated. 142 - were in First Chindit Operation.
Regards - and great find. The third such complete headdress I have now seen, if I include Peter's.
All the best
Mike

Mike,

the best advice that I can give you is to look at Steve Fogden's excellent website, Chindit Chasing - Operation Longcloth for all matters 13th King's related. However, I am sure that you will already be aware of it.

Simon

Hi Simon
Yes indeed - a great website and one I have been using. It is very comprehensive but I was trying to delve into original sources if possible, and wondering about any specific mentions in 13th Bn King's Liverpool War Diary etc. Many thanks for your response though - I absolutely agree, it is a site highly recommended to anyone with an interest in Chindits etc.
Mike

I don't blame you, I think that I'd certainly be very happy too!