Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Puggaree

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Overview

The term ‘puggaree’ originates from the Hindi word, ‘Pagri,’ meaning a turban or thin scarf of muslin. Intended for insulation, the puggaree was a traditional Indian head-wrap, adapted by the British for headdress worn in hot, sunny regions. The original scarf or wrap became a stylized band on various styles of military headdress.

The current Australian Army puggaree has seven pleats, one for each state and one for the Australian Territories. It is made from light khaki coloured cotton and is worn on the slouch hat with a unit colour patch sewn on the right side.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99-980

Inscriptions and markings

During World War 1 a plain khaki cloth band was worn and this practice continued until compulsory training was suspended in 1929. Following the introduction of Voluntary Training in 1930, new puggarees were issued to the Commonwealth Military Force with different coloured folds denoting the wearers’ Arm or Service.

Contextual Information

Exhibits at the Army Museum which feature uniforms, show the puggaree or hat band officially approved for the era depicted. The Heraldry and Traditions Gallery features a display of various forms of puggaree.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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