Akubra First World War 3rd Division Slouch Hat

Availability: In stock

AUD$280.00

This hat is a reproduction of those worn by the 3rd Australian Division during the First World War. The 100% fur felt Akubra slouch hat is fitted with a reproduction First/Second World War Commonwealth Pattern hat badge, an adjustable leather chin strap, and reproduction wool hat band. The hat badge is attached to the hat band at the front of the hat, as worn by 3rd Division troops between 1916 and 1917.

Size Guide
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Details

At the outbreak of the First World War the Australian Imperial Force were provided slouch hats with a plain khaki wool hat band, and a Commonwealth Pattern ('rising sun') badge. The left brim of the hat was upturned and held to the crown by a brass hook and eye. The oxidised (blackened) badge was affixed to the upturned brim. The crowns of the hats were creased, although there does not appear to have been any enforcement of any direction as to how, and a staggering array of styles are encountered in period photographs. Other distinctions were worn, sometimes against standing orders, by some regiments, including the emu plume worn by some regiments of the Australian Light Horse.

In an effort to instil esprit de corps in his newly raised division, in early 1916 General Monash applied for, and was granted, approval for all 3rd Division troops to wear their hats with the brim flat and the badge attached to the front of the hat band. The 3rd Division was the only Division to receive approval to wear a hat differing to the standard pattern. In late 1917, for reasons of conformity throughout the corps, Monash instructed his division to adopt the same style of wearing the hat as the rest of the Australian Imperial Force.

These hats are an exacting reproduction of the slouch hat worn by the 3rd Australian Division between 1916 and 1917 during the First World War. The 100% fur felt hat is made by Akubra, a company that has supplied, and continues to supply, hats to the Australian Army since the early 20th century. To these hats are attached a reproduction of the Commonwealth Pattern badge, khaki wool hat band, and adjustable leather chin strap.

Specifications

100% fur felt slouch hat made in Australia by Akubra Hats.
Reproduction blackened Commonwealth Pattern badge.
Khaki wool hat band.
Adjustable leather chin strap.