Slouch Hats - Left or Right? - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Roy · #1 08-11-17, 10:00 PM

Hi Gents,

I think this has been discussed before as I'm sure I read it a while back but can't seem to find it.

With slouch hats can anyone explain if there is a reason for the side flap going up on the left or right ?

Cheerio,

Roy

QSAMIKE · #2 08-11-17, 11:55 PM

Hello Roy.........

I do not know if it is true but I heard that it was because the rifles were slung on the left side.....

I have seen picture of both.......

I have an idea that after a while it just became standard......

Mike

Roy · #3 09-11-17, 12:08 AM

Thanks Mike,

Never thought of that.

I have two Slouchys now, one left up and the other right up!

Cheerio,

Roy

QSAMIKE · #4 09-11-17, 12:18 AM

I think Roy at after a while for uniformity for units with slouch hats it stayed on the left side.......

Also when doing the old style drill when you did the slope arms the rifle went to the left shoulder and without the flap it could knock the hat off......

Mike

Roy · #5 09-11-17, 12:56 AM

Hi Mike,

Now you mention it that makes sense.

In the 1970's in cadets we started with the Lee-Enfield drill and I recall that now. Soon changed over the the SLR though, so had forgotten about it.

Cheerio,

Roy

JerryBB · #6 10-11-17, 07:55 AM

Some of the early slouch hats had poppers on both sides, perhaps mounted troops with lances or something needed it but with the standardisation to rifles this was no longer needed?

Certainly in old pics you see the fold up on either side.

1314 · #7 10-11-17, 04:27 PM

In Africa we wore slouch hats bearing the unit badge slid into the front of the pugarree,when on rifle drill the badge was removed to the left side and secured the flap up,thus preventing skewering the flap when 'sloping arms' with fixed bayonets or knocking the rifle off the left shoulder when giving an 'eyes right'.

Roy · #8 10-11-17, 04:51 PM

Thanks for that gents,

This is all rather interesting and a topic I had not previously given any thought to. But now I seem to have two nice slouch hat, so it's peeked my interest. Both nicely maker marked (1941 & 1943 respectfully), on with flap up left and one right. One has a plane pagri while the other is with folds and both have formation/unit flashes.

It's a great topic and I'm appreciating learning from members knowledge and experience.

Cheerio,

Roy

Mike Jackson · #9 10-11-17, 08:49 PM

Roy,
Any chance of seeing an image of the two hats? Thanks, Mike

Roy · #10 10-11-17, 08:59 PM

Hi Mike,

Yes of course, some quick pics below.

The one on the left is Robinson Bros 1941. And the one on the right is Denton Hat Co Ltd ⩚1943.

I had better be careful as any more examples come my way and it could turn into a collection..

Cheerio,

Roy

leigh kitchen · #11 10-11-17, 09:03 PM

RAOC on the left, RWAFF on the right?
What's the significance of the yellow triangle please?

Roy · #12 10-11-17, 09:17 PM

Hi Leigh,

Yes that's correct.

The yellow triangle is for the Gold Coast contingent of the RWAFF.

Cheerio,

Roy

leigh kitchen · #13 10-11-17, 10:21 PM

Thanks.
Nice hats, I have none.......

kingsley · #14 12-11-17, 06:54 AM

Pre 1901 most Australian states wore slouch hats turned up on the left, which became standard after Federation and continues to this day. I have seen pictures of Tasmanian forces wearing the hat turned up on the right. Of course these early hats (even WW1) are now incredibly rare.
I have some spare australian 1970s (Vietnam period) hats if anyone is interested, can give a choice of correct period anodised badges to attach.
$50 plus postage with the badge. Send me a PM.