Show me your Glengarry bonnets - shape vs fit vs finish!

[Thomas H]

I think, Thomas, that these are Kilmarnock bonnets.

See here

or even Hummel bonnets.

Same web site

Yes your right , just going by the sign at the museam , but it has the check's on the side and it looks like a large bonnet , and I just thought with the idea of the Balmoral bent up to make a Glengarry then this would fit the bill .

[SandSailor'00]

Friends,

As a "noob", this was one of my topics of extreme interest. After perusing the forum for the "answer" (noticed that seems to be the first thing veteran posters ask), I concluded my particular question was either not already spoken to, or at least hidden in the background of other similar discussions...hence;

As a veteran now completely unaffiliated, I've been looking for subtle, non-intrusive ways to properly and respectfully integrate a bit of that martial background into my Highland attire. I was commissioned, so I wear the diced hose with evening wear, and when it came to headgear, I went with a Glengarry for "evening semi-formal" or something less "smart" like wearing in conjunction with Lovat hose and a Khaki or olive drab "aviator" shirt. I really find myself lusting after the OD or sand color bonnets, but have feared these are mostly the MOD "issue" of the Highland Regiments. Since I've been fortunate enough to make the accquaintance of some of those "lads" during my service career, the very last thing I'd want to do is breach some protocol in adopting the color to my mufti. I was wondering if any of the resident experts, particularly anyone with prior HM Forces background might have advice or comment on the subject...I know in the US military, the adoption of particular "unit" or "service" dress by someone not of that unit can be ( and should be) seriously frowned upon. Is the "bonnet" color as closely associated with a service accomplishment, such as the "cherry" or "green" beret are in the USA, or less so without the inclusion of a particular unit crest?

[Jock Scot]

I hope this helps., SandSailor. There are four traditions for you to consider, the Scots CIVILIAN traditions, American CIVILIAN traditions, British Military traditions and last but by no means least American Military traditions. These traditions are not always easy to marry together.

Now a CIVILIAN Scot with a military background will wear a regimental tie with his kilt and that is that, apart from on Remembrance Day, or a Regimental/unit gathering when he/she could well wear their medals and perhaps, unit head-wear. Decorations including ribbons are not normally worn during the day(note the exceptions) and military red/sand/green berets are usually not worn and civilian coloured bonnets are the usual choice for civilans. Decorations might be worn at formal evening events, but that is largely at the discretion of the organisers, NOT at the discretion of the guest.

As a rule it is very much frowned upon by the British in general and serving and retired military personel in particular, for people to wear unit ties and insignia that have not been earned. For example, as I did not serve in the Royal Navy, I would no more wear my father's RN tie than fly to the moon.

I really cannot speak for American traditions and will leave that to others. However as the kilt is a Scots garment and IF you are wanting to wear the kilt as a Scot would, then in my humble opinion then British traditions ought to prevail as far as CIVILIAN traditions and ones military past goes. I know many will and do disagree with me, from your side of the pond and well, who am I to argue. As I have said in the last sentence of my opening paragraph, "these traditions are not easy to marry together".

[SandSailor'00]

Sir,

Exactly the details I was looking for, and yes...it would appear that the color of the headgear has as significant a resonance for our brothers in the UK as it does here in the 'States. We have very similar regulations regarding "civil" attire; I have worn miniatures with formal black tie when prescribed, as you say...by the host, and it is generally "acceptable" in the USA for veterans no longer in active or reserve components to "do what they will" in regard to THEIR unit insignia, organizational clothing (flight jackets for example), etc...so long as it is done tastefully. We have no US military units that I am aware of, save pipe bands who wear any Highland attire as part of prescribed uniform, though I've seen it mixed at commander's order with the "Mess Dress" at unit only, "morale nights". Needless to say, I feel that you've fully answered my question on the "other than dark blue/black" bonnets...thank you for the information!

[Jock Scot]

Actually SandSailor, I think that I was tad unclear in my post above, there are other bonnet colours that we wear that will not "tread on any toes", for example I wear a "fawn" balmoral, there are other shades that are worn too. Now, there is no rule that says that a retired member of the Parachute Regiment could not wear a red bonnet if he should choose to(no Brits that I know of, but I do know of an American Para who does wear a red bonnet in the UK), the fact is though most don't, its just the way we do it in the UK ,but they do very often, proudly wear their Regimental tie. However, I do know of a member here who is a retired Royal Marine who does wear his Green Beret with the kilt. OK green is a more "normal" colour for a bonnet when kilted anyway and besides, I am certainly not going to criticise him for wearing it, he earned it!

Out of interest the glengarry is not worn that often over here by civilians, apart from pipe bands and the only colour that I have ever seen is black(very dark blue).

[myrmiddon]

Thomas,

Where is this 71st display located?

Alex

Just wanted to show you this Bonnet , as I thought it was interesting , I had not seen one like it before till I went to a museam over the weekend .

The sign said it was a 71st Regiment Scots Highlanders Light infantry

[Thomas H]

The above display is at the Savannah Ga History center museam in Savannah Ga.
this was the only Scottish Display there But Savannah has alot of Scottish landmarks