Australian Army "Digger" hat

[Naphtali]

The Australian Army and, perhaps, armed forces of other countries use a brimmed hat that incorporates the ability to secure one side against the crown. Aside from being interesting to look at, what benefits does this feature offer?

 

[lolly_loisides]

From the Australian Army website
"The intention of turning up the right side of the hat was to ensure it would not be caught during the drill movement of “shoulder arms” from “order arms”.
http://www.army.gov.au/Our-history/Traditions/The-Slouch-Hat

 

[Joao Encarnado]

From the Australian Army website
"The intention of turning up the right side of the hat was to ensure it would not be caught during the drill movement of “shoulder arms” from “order arms”.
http://www.army.gov.au/Our-history/Traditions/The-Slouch-Hat

Yes it's for that, not to aim better as most people think.

 

[MikeBravo]

I believe it was copied from the hat worn by the Capetown, South Africa police during the Boer War

 

[Tiki Tom]

Interesting bits of history, gentlemen. Thank you. That's why I come to the lounge.

 

[Naphtali]

I, too, thank you.

Interesting bits of history, gentlemen. Thank you. That's why I come to the lounge.

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

Look at the manual of arms and consider how the rifle and hat will work. I know that as far back as the American Revolution, this was a concern. The round hats were often folded up on the left side and during drill, the cocked hats were shifted on the head. Look at Colonial Williamsburg photos for the angle of those hats.
(I did RevWar reenacting for several years and getting your hat knocked off during drill is a bad thing...)

Having said that, I like the digger hat without the turn up equipment. Is there a good source for such a hat without that hardware?

Fed

 

[Lean'n'mean]

Having said that, I like the digger hat without the turn up equipment. Is there a good source for such a hat without that hardware?

The Akubra slouch hat has some pretty small hardwear which could easlily be removed & would probably leave only very small holes.

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

The Akubra slouch hat has some pretty small hardwear which could easlily be removed & would probably leave only very small holes.

True - but I might still try to get one with no holes. Shortly after I get my in-bound Adventurer...

 

[Joao Encarnado]

I think someone in TFL got one and removed the parts that holds the brim folded.

 

[lolly_loisides]

WW2 era Oz Slouch hat up for auction in the US.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/1943-WWII-Vin...wealth-MilitaryBadge-/321878046329?nav=SEARCH