Slouch Hat : Staff Sergeant T J Langford, 1 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

Place Asia: Vietnam, South Vietnam
Accession Number REL36096
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Headdress
Physical description Brass, Fur felt, Leather
Maker Fayrefield
Place made Australia: Victoria, Melbourne
Date made c 1965
Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975
Description

Khaki fur felt slouch hat with five fold olive green puggaree. The brim of the hat is bound in khaki grosgrain ribbon. A brass hat badge for the Royal Australian Regiment is attached to the turned-up left hand side. Most of the detail on the badge has been worn away by polishing. The hat has a leather chinstrap and internal headband, the latter being impressed on the right hand side with the words 'MADE BY 'FAYREFIELD' MELBOURNE 6 1/ 2'. The name 'TJ LANGFORD' has been written in black ink on the opposite side of the headband and on the inside crown.

History / Summary

Associated with the service of 43655 Staff Sergeant Trevor James Langford. Langford served in Vietnam with 1 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (RAR), attached to 173 US Airborne Regiment in South Vietnam from 1965 to 1966. He was a forward scout and at the relatively 'old' age of 26, was called ‘Pop’ by his mates. On return to Australia he served with 3 RAR for a year, before returning for a second tour of duty in Vietnam, this time with 9 RAR, from 1968 to 1969. Langford was a career soldier and remained army until his discharge on 13 September 1987. After his Vietnam service he had postings at 27 Royal South Australian Regiment; the Jungle Training Centre (JTC)/Land Warfare Centre (LWC) Canungra; District Support Unit (DSU) Perth and DSU Karrakatta; and to the Army apprentice school, Bandiana. On retirement he joined the Army Reserve and was Quarter Master for army cadets in South Australia. This American issue boonie jungle hat was worn on combat operations whilst serving with 1 RAR.