Royal Gurkha Rifles (Light Brown 01)

More than a century ago, the Gurkha soldiers gained popularity for wearing a hat known as the Hats, Felt, Gurkha. This hat was specifically designed for field service wear and was introduced to the Gurkha Regiments. The Gurkha units in the British and Indian Armies, as well as the Nepalese Army, along with Gurkha police and security units worldwide, wear it today. While it was once used for field service, the British Army now primarily uses it for parades and ceremonial duties.

The Felt Gurkha Hat was created in the early 1900s to replace the Kilmarnock Hat, which had been the standard headwear for Gurkha Regiments since the late 1800s. The Kilmarnock Hat was not ideal for outdoor conditions because it didn’t offer adequate protection against the sun and rain. Throughout the years, the Kilmarnock Hat underwent several modifications. These included the addition of khaki covers for field service wear and a back flap to protect the neck from the sun.

In 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion in China, the 4th Gurkhas added a wired brim to the Kilmarnock Hat for better sun protection. Earlier, during the 2nd Afghan War in 1878-80, the 3rd Goorkhas had briefly worn a puggaree, a type of headband. However, this was met with ridicule by the 2nd Goorkhas, as the puggaree was seen as a symbol of men from the plains in Nepal. Nevertheless, after the Tirah campaign in 1897 on the North West Frontier, the 2nd Goorkhas also considered replacing the Kilmarnock Hat with the puggaree, even for British officers.

Today Royal Gurkha Rifles have a significant historical and cultural association with the brave Gurkha soldiers and are still worn on special occasions and ceremonies by Gurkha units across different armies and security forces.