Gurkha Felt Hat tartan question

[sapper533]

Hi folks

I've recently been sorting out some hats in my rambling collection

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...p?albumid=3315

and came across a Gurkha Felt Hat that is a bit of a mystery to me.

It has a tartan patch which I think is Douglas Tartan, it has a bit of blue in it which doesn't show in my poor photo.

The only Regiment to wear Douglas....I think were the Pipers in 7GR but 7 GR wear Cameron of Erracht tartan on felt hats, could the pipers have been different when wearing this type of headdress?

My notes show that the following was worn
2GR red/black diced
6GR nothing
7GR as above
10GR Hunting Stuart
QGE dark blue
QGS Red Grant
GTR dark blue.

Any info would be most appreciated
Cheers
Sean

[bobanodised]

Purely a thought, might it be Indian Army Gurkhas?

[gurkharifles]

Hi Sean

The first tartan worn by the 7th pipers was the Black Watch - when the Regt became affiliated to The Cameronians in March 1950 the Tartan changed to the Douglas Tartan. When the Cameronians were disbanded in 1968 a new affiliation became effective to the Queens Own Highlanders. Other ranks had only ever had a rifle green cloth badge backing until 1974 when the use of the Cameron of Erracht Tartan became established. However the Pipers continued to use the Douglas Tartan until the Regt was amalgamated in 1994. Tim

[sapper533]

Tim that's great.....that's where I was heading but couldn't find any proof. I had noted the plain green till 1974 and had also spotted pipers in Douglas Tartan accoutrements hence a possibility but could find no direct link to the Felt Hat till your confirmation....
Truly appreciated
Sean