Historical information

A puggaree, usually of pleated cloth, has been worn on the Australian slouch hat since it was adopted in 1903. During WWI (1914-1918) it was frequently a plain woollen band often made from puttee material. Different coloured bands denoting Corps were incorporated into the puggaree worn by militia units shortly before WWI and again in the period between the wars. The word puggaree comes from Hindi meaning turban and is thought to have referred to a piece of cloth worn on the British officer’s sun helmet to protect his neck from the sun.

Significance

Good example of distinctive headwear worn by light horse or veterinary corps soldiers.

Physical description

Seven fold puggaree with deep maroon band denoting Light Horse or Veterinary Corps in the period between the wars.