Australian Vietnam Headress

[Rednek]

The turned up side of the hat has "pin" holes, potentially indicating the badge was post Vietnam, as at that time, mostly "1953-60" badges with lugs were worn. Very few "anodised" badges with pins were issued and worn then.
To date the hat, check inside, at the leather sweat band, it should have a manufacturer and date.
That is, of course, the date the hat was made, not the date issued and worn, which, obviously would be later.
The hat does not have the standard "bash".

[AATTV]

Originally Posted by Rednek

Back then, they were referred to as "giggle hats".
And, no badges (metal or cloth) were worn on them.
Maybe some person added a badge to one of these at some stage, but, certainly not on field operations, and not official.
Occasionally, a length of "fourby / forby" (slang for four x two, rifle barrel cleaning cloth) was worn woven through the loops. Seen on the cover of one unit history.
But, not a smart move, as it defeats camouflage - stands out as regular and not a nature colour (against some of the 5 "S").

Hi,

After having checked my RAR yearbooks in VN, I have found some pictures showing some badges worn in the field on the giggle hats.




On the camo rainproof version:


Kind regards,

AATTV

[leigh kitchen]

My use of such headgear was with British army, 1970's, training in Kenya.
4"x 2", leather boot laces, Para cord or similar, animal hair were worn woven around, I was surprised it was tolerated by authority but then it was easy to go "tactical" simply by turning the hat inside out.
Some squaddies made temporary pets of chameleons and would carry them around, lifting the hat to say "good morning" or whatever simply to reveal the chameleon sitting on their head.

[billy]

Here is another picture of the maker's mark from inner Leather Headband.

What badge then for 1968.

And are we certain it is fir an Australian R.E.M.E. (would that match the little man lying down?)

Finally vould some kind gent post a picture frontvand rear just to see for myself as I am thinking of the British version but ours has a slider, trying to seevif holes will match up?

All the best billy