REGIMENTAL UNIFORMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21976, 10 June 1933, Page 14

REGIMENTAL UNIFORMS

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —In his letter this morning “ Glasgow” has gone somewhat astray on. one or two points. The official name of the Cameronians. ns. it appears in the Army List, is “The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).” It is because it is a rifle regiment, as distinct from an ordinary infantry regiment, that the full-dress tunic is dark green, the scarlet tunic being the full dress of Scottish units which are not rifle regiments. With the exception of the Household Cavalry, Foot Guards, and Royhl Marines, full dress is not worn by the men, officers wearing it only on special occasions. On ceremonial occasions the various Lowland regiments wear glengarries, khaki jackets rounded off to Highland pattern, and tartan trews, and the officers wear the same, with this exception, that dismounted officers wear tartan overalls, while mounted officers wear tartan riding breeches. For ordinary service dress, khaki breeches for all ranks replace the tartan. The foregoing information may be verified by

reference to “Dress Regulations for the Army,”/ issued by the War Office. I do not think any of your previous correspondents has confused the Cameronians with the Cameron Highlanders, as all suggestions have been strictly in accordance with dress regulations* for Lowland regiments. In any case, this is a side issue and is getting away from the original point, viz., the advisability of the Otago Regiment adopting the uniform of Scottish regiments.—l am, etc., St. Clair, June 8. Dress Regs.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —What is wrong with the uniform that was good enough for Gallipoli and Handers?—l am, etc., Quaero. June 8. “

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I think the suggestion made by " Thistle ” should appeal very strongly to Dunedin people. For my own part, I would be extremely pleased to see it adopted. The fact that no other New Zealand regiment wears a uniform that ia in any way different from the rest is no reason why the Otago Regiment should continue with its present dress. As an ojd soldier, I know how valuable a distinctive uniform can be in building up regimental spirit and pride of corps and in increasing the loyalty and efficiency of the men. As a Dunedin citizen* I say by all means give bur men a uniform in keeping with the character of a Scottish regiment. Dunedin often leads the way; let us do so again. I think the cost of, making such a change would be extremely moderate; Glengarries would replace the broadbrimmed hats, the present jackets could have rounded fronts, while the khald breeches would be worn for ordinary parades. For ceremonial parades, tartan trews would replace the khaki breeches. Then the appearance of the men would be similar to those of the Royal Scots and other, lowland regiments. I honestly believe that such a change would give that “ something different ” feeling to the already keen and efficient' men of the Otago Regiment, and I feel that “Thistle’s” suggestion should be seriously considered.—l am, etc., Dunedin. June 7. Ex-digger.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I would suggest to “ Thistle,” “ Scot,” and “ Scotland ” that they apply to the Imperial Government for uniforms. There must be hundreds laid aside, and if the War Office were approached in the right way I think they could get them. Why not put the Prime Minister oh the job, since h? is at Home, to see what'he can do?—I am, etc.. Ex-East Lancashire Regiment. Waitako Hydro, June 8.