Pith Helmets

[Biathlonman]

As most of us in N. America contemplate the vast expanses of snow (Quelque arpents du neige, said Voltaire, wrongly summing up this continent) that hit almost all of us his week, I can only faintly imagine being somewhere hot and sunny enough to wear one of these (my choice would be to opt for the Boer War style) at a hot weather kilted occasion. Wouldn't some heat go great now?

Far better than a glen or Balmoral in the heat, that's for sure. But I'd favour the military look, rather than the pukka sahib colonial administrator or VC Charlie look.

One can find photos of Highland soldiers wearing kilts and pith helmets with the pyramids in the background - if one wants a current affairs/Egyptian tie in.

Quite comfortable in the desert sun I'd bet.

[Downunder Kilt]

Far better than a glen or Balmoral in the heat, that's for sure. But I'd favour the military look, rather than the pukka sahib colonial administrator or VC Charlie look.

Just a point on the reference to the "VC charlie look". The pith helmet was never part of the viet cong uniform. it was though, part of the North Vietnamese Army uniform. The V.C. were a form a militia and commonly wore what has been refered to a the "black pyjamas" with a floppy hat.

[Biathlonman]

Of course, of course. The NVA wore pith helmets. And Aussies fought 'em too, with considerable success and valour. Don't suppose anyone brought their kilts with them though. Had Uncle Ho's boys heard a kilted unit was facing them, they'd have thrown in the towel sure enough. Foreign Legion - no problem. US Rangers - nothing. Australian SAS - eat 'em for breakfast. Highlanders? Now we're in trouble... [with no disrespect to those fine special forces units]

What I wouldn't give for some blistering sun though... We have six months of winter here, then two months of rain, two and a half months of insufferable insects, and about six weeks of what-its-supposed-to-be-like but usually isn't weather. Despite floods and cyclones, they don't call Australia "the lucky country" for nothing.
Cheers, friend.

[BoldHighlander]

Foreign Legion - no problem. US Rangers - nothing. Australian SAS - eat 'em for breakfast. Highlanders? Now we're in trouble... [with no disrespect to those fine special forces units]

I'm not even going to comment, other than to say I personally know more than a few Ranger/LRRP who served their time in hell ('Nam), who I know would find offense at your comment.....rather offense was meant or not!

Okay, 'nough said....as OP I don't wish this thread to spiral off-topic.

[BoldHighlander]

One can find photos of Highland soldiers wearing kilts and pith helmets with the pyramids in the background - if one wants a current affairs/Egyptian tie in.

It doesn't have pyramids or pith helmets, but here's one of the Black Watch at the sphinx:



Here are some with pith helmets (Boer War) that I've posted previously in the Vintage Kilt photo thread:

[BoldHighlander]

[BoldHighlander]

What Price Glory

UK Pith Helmets, Wolseley Pattern
"This is the type used from 1900-1943, with the long neck flap."

[Biathlonman]

I'm not even going to comment, other than to say I personally know more than a few Ranger/LRRP who served their time in hell ('Nam), who I know would find offense at your comment.....rather offense was meant or not!

Okay, 'nough said....as OP I don't wish this thread to spiral off-topic.

[BoldHighlander]

No highlanders in 'Nam

Yeah, I know....and that wasn't the point.

Best let it go, don't need to go on & on....like a another time recently (Herman Goering comes to mind)

[Biathlonman]

This is a JOKE - as should have been obvious, but I guess I must spell it out.

It's Ho and General Giap speculating on what would happen had highlanders faced them in Vietnam. Of course the Legion, Rangers, LRRPs, SAS, Seals and other special forces caused them no end of grief.
I just want some weather that woull call for a pith helmet in the first place. Thanks to all those who dug up those great desert photos by the way.