Australia WW2 2/48th Battalion Slouch Hat

A very well worn example exuding character. Khaki fur felt. Press button turn up brim.

The khaki cotton puggaree with heavy wear and many areas of damage. An original 2/48th Bn colour patch sewn to the side. The original fitted patch showing all the characteristics of being on the puggaree since the war. This patch is the 1st type battalion colour patch introduced in 1940 and warn in 1940-1942.

The brim reinforced edge also heavy worn.

Has oxidized rising sun hat badge fitted to the brim.

The leather liner Sydney maker marked and dated 1942. The liner also with extensive wear and tear with damage and missing some sections.

No chinstrap.

What a hat, what character, so much service wear…. The History…



The 2/48th Battalion, Raised in Adelaide in South Australia in August 1940, the battalion formed part of the 26th Brigade and was initially assigned to the 7th Division, although it was later transferred to the 9th Division in 1941 when it was deployed to the Middle East. While there, it saw action during the siege of Tobruk and the First and Second Battles of El Alamein before being returned to Australia to take part in the fighting in New Guinea following Japan's entry into the war.

During the campaign in New Guinea, the battalion took part in the advance on Lae during the Salamaua–Lae campaign and the fighting around Finschhafen and Sattelberg, during the Huon Peninsula campaign. Following this it was withdrawn to Australia, where it remained for over a year. In mid-1945, the 2/48th Battalion took part in the landing on Tarakan, which was its final involvement in the war. It was disbanded in October 1945.

Code: 982