WWII Aussie slouch hat.

[Anzac15]

This is a slouch hat that has been in the family for as long as I can remember. It belonged to a family friend who, as the story goes, was stationed in the Phillipines during the war, and supposedly traded this for a pack of smokes! I remember always wanting to wear this when I was a little kid, and it was agreed that I would have it one day. Well, now I do, and it's one of my most prized possesions. I have always wondered what the insignia was, however. Have looked it up, and found many that strongly resemble it, but not the one that I have. Any thoughts as to what it is would be greatly appreciated. Hope you enjoy seeing it.

[Harlan]

Outstanding artifact! They're referred to as colour patches and I also searched all over for patches for sale, etc and didn't find one exactly like it either. I thought someone would have a full list of them on-line but I didn't find one. I had no idea there were so many different patches they used.

While searching I found a book that might have it, but this would be an expensive means just to check. Here's a link to the book anyway -

http://www.booksforever.com.au/catal...ll_Philip.html

[Anzac15]

Thanks for the link, Harlan. Think I just may invest in that book, as Australian Lee Enfields and militaria seem to keep finding their way towards me. Not that I'm complaining! I can see it's going to be a bit of a search regarding this particular colour patch, I'm finding every one except mine..but that's the fun involved in all this, isn't it? Hopefully one of our friends down under might have an answer!

[Harlan]

I'm the same way regarding reference books. I have them for weapons, equipment, and even several that specialize on M1 helmets and I don't regret buying any of them. Research and learning is a great deal of the fun for me, and it's especially rewarding when you find an exact example of something you have in your collection. Keep us posted!

[conec]

Great hat. Too bad about the damn moths. They sure found that colour patch tasty...

[Hatch]

Hi Guys,

I am from the Australian bookshop the link was provided for above.

If you send me a closer picture of the patch, I will look through the books we have here, and try to send you a unit name to match. Saves you buying a book for a one patch reference. Our main specialty is Australian Military history, so I should be able to do so very soon with the books we have on Australian Units.

James.

Booksforever
Australian History Books

[Hatch]

I thought it may have been the The 2/7th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment, but that is red/blue. That looks more green, but may have faded?

[Anzac15]

Hatch, really appreciate the response. The green is definitely green, and the other diamond looks orangish, but may have been red. Like you said, may have faded. Will get a closer photo on here when I get back. Thanks!

[Harlan]

Your photo was pretty large when fully expanded Anzac15. I cropped it and ran it through photoshop to auto adjust the balance.

Does this look about how it is up close?

[Anzac15]

Thats it on the money, Harlan! Thanks!