WWII Aussie slouch hat.

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.

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

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!

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!

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

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

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?

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!

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?

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...07Medium-1.jpg

Thats it on the money, Harlan! Thanks!

Hi Anzac15, still looking, but no exact matches so far!

Hatch, you're awesome! I've been looking myself, and damned if I can find anything close, color wise. Shape yes, color, no. Anyway, really appreciate it!

I've been looking too! I love that hat and colors. I hoped I'd stumble across it with my usual dumb luck but haven't so far.

I had no idea there was so many different outfits and designs but it's bound to turn up somewhere.

Harlan, it's insane! I have gone through all my books that cover this subject, no go..internet, no go...libraries, book stores, NO GO! I've never had a search like this. Can find NOTHING resembling this color patch, but it's sitting right here, in all it's moth eaten glory! So I'm pretty sure I'm not hallucinating. Although some more late night research just may make me start..

That's what I was going to say above - "We know it exists, because it's right in front of us!" -

Something's bound to turn up if we keep looking.

Hi Guys,

I think I have found it. Here is a link to a book, that has the colour patch on the cover for verification. They were called Curtin's Cowboys (The North Australia Observer Unit) AKA "Nackeroos".
http://www.booksforever.com.au/catal...s_Cowboys.html

If you want any other info just let me know.

Hatch my friend, I think you did it! If you're ever in the states, I'm buying you a pint! You too, Harlan!

Your Welcome, at least you can now do further research of needed.

I doubt many of these slouch hats with that original unit patch would be around today, considering the size of that unit! It is an excellent item, keep hold of it!

I'll never sell it. It's too unique an item, plus I know some of the 'how I came to own it' history. Again, many thanks!

Nice work Hatch! You beat me at my own game. That was good searching and it wasn't even obvious when you found it.

I wondered when it wasn't coming up on the lists I looked at if it might be a smaller elite group.
(I bet I know someone who'll be ordering a book!) ;)

You bet I'll be ordering a book! And yes, it didn't dawn on me til later, no wonder it took so long to find. As I understand it, the 2/1 was only in existence for 3 years, and at it's peak rostered 550 men. Small unit tactics for sure!

It stumped me also. After looking through so many books, it turned out to be on the cover of a book, right near the computer all along.

Also ( I maybe incorrect, so you may want to confirm this elsewhere ), but I 'think' this unit started with a patch that was yellow/green then later went to orange/green as we see here. So you may have seen the other patch in your searches, and of course not connected the two.

All part of the enjoyment though, when you have to search for information on something like this, it makes it even more special to you.