From:Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum
Name/TitleCollection of hats, beret, caps.
About this objectCollection of headwear included in the Harcombe Collection.
13. Navy beret, size 7
14. Pith Helmet, no markings.
A pith helmet is traditionally made from the soft, lightweight pith (spongy tissue) of the sola plant (Aeschynomene aspera), although later examples were often manufactured from cork, compressed fibre, or other lightweight materials. The pith or cork body is covered with fabric, usually cotton drill, khaki cloth, or white canvas, and fitted with a leather sweatband and chinstrap. Designed for use in hot climates, the pith helmet provided protection from sun and heat while remaining lightweight and well ventilated. Materials: Pith or cork core, cotton or canvas covering, leather sweatband, leather chinstrap, metal ventilation fittings.
15. Slouch hat with leather strap. N.121 Fur Felt 6 3/4 1943 with Rising Sun badge and 7-layer puggaree.
The Australian slouch hat is traditionally made from rabbit-fur felt (fur felt), although some examples have been manufactured from wool felt. The hat features a broad brim, one side of which can be turned up and secured to the crown. It is fitted with a leather sweatband and often includes a leather chinstrap, puggaree (fabric hat band), and military insignia.
The slouch hat has been a distinctive part of Australian military uniform since the late nineteenth century and remains one of the most recognisable symbols of Australian service.
Materials: Fur felt (traditionally rabbit fur), leather sweatband, leather chinstrap, fabric puggaree, metal badge or insignia.
16. Cotton Cap. 22 1944 7 1/2 D^D Made in Australia.
"Makaness, NX503391 handwritten on inside. (Information on Keith James Makaness, Service Number NX503331 - James was born 17th January 1928 in Arncliffe, N.S.W. He was a metal machinist and single, aged 18 years 4 months when he enlisted in the Australian Army on 4 June 1946 in Liverpool, N.S.W. He was on Active Service in Australia for 146 days, Total Effective Service 157 days. He was discharged 20 December 1946, having made a false answer on attestation.
17. Cotton cap, no markings.
Maurice John Harcombe was born 21 October 1924 in Marengo, N.S.W. and died 7 April 2016 in the District Hospital at Boorowa N.S.W. His parents were George Thomas Roy Harcombe and Ruby Wiggins who were married 5 October 1921 in Christ Church, Marengo near Young, N.S.W.
Lance Sergeant Maurice John Harcombe N443805 enlisted in the Australian Army 5 November 1942 in Hornsby, N.S.W. His location on enlistment was Pymble, N.S.W. His next of kin was his father, George Harcombe. Maurice was discharged 9 January 1947, Posting at Discharge 120 Australian General Hospital.
In his lifetime, Maurice was awarded Certificates in Osteopathology, Chiropractic, Osteopathy and Pianoforte.
MakerAustralian Military Forces
Maker RoleManufacturer
Period20th-century
Place MadeVarious
Medium and MaterialsFur felt, leather, cotton textile, metal (slouch hats); pith or cork, cotton fabric, leather, and metal fittings (pith helmets).
Style and IconographyUniform
Inscription and MarksNavy beret - no markings.
Pith helmet - no markings.
Slouch hat - no markings.
Cotton cap - 22 1944 71/4 D^D Made in Australia - Mackaness, NX503391.
Cotton cap - no markings.
TechniqueManufactured
MeasurementsBeret - Size 7
Pith Helmet - unknown
Slouch Hat - 6 3/4
Cotton cap - unknown
Cotton cap - unknown
Subject and Association KeywordsMaurice John Harcombe
Subject and Association KeywordsAustralian Military Forces
Subject and Association KeywordsUniform
Named CollectionHarcombe Collection
Object TypeEquipment
Object number2026.1068.13-17
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
