Hat identification

[davidd]

"Slouch hats" such as shown in the photos were widely used by the RAF in India, Burma, etc, although they were of course an Army item. They were issued to replace the generally hated pith helemts. I personally doubt that any RNZAF personnel served in the RAF Regiment, as practically every non-flying member attached to the RAF was a tradesman, practically without exception qualified in wireless, instrument or armament trades. Any NZers who volunteered for RAF service in UK (that is, enlisted in UK) would of course have worn RAF badges, although I guess you can never rule out the odd individual managing to score an RNZAF badge, although you would have to wonder how long he could get away with that, being "improperly dressed"; not many sergeants would tolerate that, let alone a warrant, unless he WAS the warrant of course! There were such cases of New Zealanders who were serving in ground trades and later transferred officially to the RNZAF whilst still serving in British commands.
Incidentally the RNZAF also adopted the RAF "flash" (as shown attached to the pugaree) and it can often be seen displayed on Pacific headwear such as the genuine "Pith" helemet as well as USA and Canadian made sun helmets, and even on some of the American HBT fatigue hats worn on duty, but never on F/S caps.
David D

[phil]

It matches my great uncle's WW2 RNZAF hat badge.

[Max Kirk]

Thanks guys .
Yes , to me the hat seems to be a jack up.
Everything may be genuine , but one of the components doesn't fit in .
And the aggressive reaction of many of the badge collectors is at odds with their usual forensic study of every facet of a bit of brass is telling .
Had it been spotted on an internet auction site they would have been all over it ,
but one of their own is putting this one up , so they change tack quick smart .

thanks again ,
Max

[Dave Homewood]

Perhaps someone in years gone by has bought both at an Army Surplus store and simply combined them without any intention of deceiving people. We'll probably never know.