Original Canadian WWI Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders Khaki Glengarry Side Cap dated 1916 – Size 6 3/4 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The glengarry bonnet, or side cap, is a traditional Scots cap made of thick-milled woolen material, decorated with a toorie (small pom pom) on top, frequently a rosette cockade on the left side, and ribbons hanging behind. It is normally worn as part of Scottish military or civilian Highland dress, either formal or informal, as an alternative to the Balmoral bonnet or tam o’ shanter. For many years it was the standard headgear of all highland regiments in the British Army, except for the Black Watch, who retained a blue Balmoral Bonnet.

This example is in very good condition, and was issued to the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) during WWI. It still bears a nice “Broad Arrow C” Canadian proof mark, and has the complete manufacturers information and size on the interior:

ANSLEY-DINEEN
1916
HAT & FUR CO. LTD
TORONTO
6 3/4

When the Highland CEF reserve regiments were called up, they continued to use the same badges as previously, and some chose to use Khaki Glengarry caps, such as this example. It still has the correct toorie and ribbons behind, but all in a nice easily camouflaged color, which matched the field uniform of the time.

Attached to the left side is a very nice brass “Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders” badge, showing St. Andrew, holding a cross, surrounded by a Thistle Wreath, with CAMERON on a banner at the bottom. These are the standard heraldic symbols of Scotland. During WWI the regiment used the British style badge when joining the British forces.

Very attractive, in very good condition and ready to add to your Scottish collection!

WWI Service of the The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada

The 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada were placed on active service on 6 August 1914 for local protection duties. The 79th Cameron Highlanders of Canada contributed one company to the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish), CEF (perpetuated by the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s).

The 43rd Battalion (Cameron Highlanders of Canada), CEF, which was authorized on 7 November 1914 and embarked for Great Britain on 1 June 1915. It disembarked in France on 22 February 1916, where it fought as part of the 9th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Division in France and Flanders until the end of the war. The battalion disbanded on 15 September 1920.

The 174th Battalion (Cameron Highlanders of Canada), CEF was authorized on 15 July 1916 and embarked for Great Britain on 29 April 1917. There, on 7 May 1917, its personnel were absorbed by the 14th Reserve Battalion, CEF to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. The battalion disbanded on 1 September 1917.

The 179th Battalion (Cameron Highlanders of Canada), CEF was authorized on 15 July 1916 and embarked for Great Britain on 3 October 1916. There, on 21 October 1916, its personnel were absorbed by the 17th Reserve Battalion, CEF to provide reinforcements for the Canadian Corps in the field. The battalion disbanded on 17 July 1917.