Giggle hat : Private R J Keppel

Soft brimmed khaki cotton drill hat, popularly known as a 'giggle' hat. The crown is constructed with a single panel extending from front to back, and two semi-circular side panels. Each side panel has three black painted metal eyelet vents. The entire hat, with the exception of the self fabric external band, is reinforced with multiple rows of top-stitching. The raw edges of the three internal seams are covered with white cotton tape.

This hat was issued to V35347 Private (later Corporal) Richard John Keppel to wear during his initial recruit training, before he was issued with a complete uniform. Keppel, who was born in Melbourne 1919 and enlisted in the army on 5 January 1940. He served throughout the Second World War and was discharged on 13 May 1947. 'Giggle' hats and their accompanying 'giggle' suits, a loose fitting pyjama-style khaki drill jacket and trousers, were so-called because the wearers thought they gave them the appearance of clowns.