Following a recent discussion here I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread on the Pagri or Puggaree badges worn by British and Commonwealth forces begining from the time of the Foreign Service Helmet and continuing as far as the Slouch or "Bush" Hat.
The Pagri or Puggaree is the folded cloth band worn around the crown of these headress and is derived from the Sikh turban.
From the outset it was perceived that a unit specific badge or device was required in keeping with the very prevalent principles or regimental identity.
Over time these insignia have taken very different forms apparently originating at unit level rather than from central edict.
Some of the earliest were simply the standard helmet plate centre made with a slider rather than lugs, others were versions of the regiments collar badge or actual conversions of collar badges whilst yet others bore no resemblance to the regimental cap badge at all.
Some were either larger or smaller but of the same design as the standard badge. Others were embroidered cloth items in some cases made from the shoulder straps of obsolete red tunics and there is at least one instance of the embroidered pagri badge being worn on the much later beret (Lancashire Fusiliers).
So, I had a root through my collection and found that I have more pagri badges than I realised so I figured it would be a good idea to see what other members have hidden away.
Please add your pagri badges of all types here and let's see if it makes for a debate and some exchange of info.
Here are a few of mine and I will post others as and when.
Regards
Mark
Hemet plate centre fitted with slider
Somerset Light Infantry embroidered
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