| Place | Oceania: Australia, Western Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/17546 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Headdress |
| Physical description | Fur felt; Cotton; Brass; Oxidised brass; Leather |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | c 1942-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Khaki fur felt tropical hat : Corporal E P Reilly, Australian Women's Army Service
Description
Broad brimmed khaki fur felt tropical hat adopted for wear by the Australian Women's Army Service in hot climates. The hat is a version of the standard Australian army slouch hat but has a flattened turned in crown. The seven fold khaki cotton puggaree bears an oxidised brass Rising Sun hat badge at the front. The hat has a narrow brown leather chinstrap but is missing its leather sweatband. It is marked inside the crown in black ink 'WF45414 REILLY E P'. There is a brass press stud to allow the left brim to be turned up, and four eyelet holes for ventilation inside the turn-in of the crown.
History / Summary
This hat as worn by WF45414 Corporal Eileen Patricia Reilly. Born in Western Australia in 1920, she enlisted for service in April 1942, serving as an arym signaller. Her final posting was with 21 Australian High Speed Section. She was discharged in May 1946.