ANZAC DAY - The slouch hat: Trademark of the Australian Army

Perhaps no other object has been so widely associated with Australian identities as the "slouch" or "digger" hat. Available at Dahlinks or on XstreeSL. Full sculptie and resizable even down to Tiny.  250L

Introduced into Australian military service in the second half of the 19th century, the hat was suited to the local climate and the rigours of military use. In later years it was hoisted on mastheads by victorious troops in place of a flag. More recently it has graced women’s fashions and adorned the heads of athletes and marching squads.

The slouch hat’s mark in history is rooted in Australia’s introduction to modern warfare at Gallipoli and the reputation established by the AIF on the Western Front. From that time the simple felt hat, with its side turned up, was an emblem of the courage of the Australian digger, and it became a national symbol.

“The Anzac spirit was born at Gallipoli in 1915. Since then it has been demonstrated not only by Australians in war but also by those whose contribution has been in other fields.”

The Anzac legend, which was the result of a devastating loss, rather than a great victory, has had, and continues to have, a significant impact on Australia’s identity. The Australian and New Zealand soldiers demonstrated the spirit of mateship, courage, loyalty, bravery, sacrifice, heroism, dedication, honour, integrity, initiative and determination throughout the 8 month Gallipoli campaign as they battled against daunting odds. These traits have come to represent the Anzac legend, which is evident in Australia today be it in war, conflict or peacetime.

On 25 April every year, Australians commemorate ANZAC Day. It commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Commemorative services are held at dawn on 25 April, the time of the original landing, across the nation, usually at war memorials.


ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. In 1917, the word ANZAC meant someone who fought at Gallipoli and later it came to mean any Australian or New Zealander who fought or served in the First World War. During the Second World War, ANZAC Day became a day on which the lives of all Australians lost in war time were remembered. The spirit of ANZAC recognises the qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice which were demonstrated at the Gallipoli landing.

Australians do not glory in conflict and ANZAC Day is not one of celebration but of rememberance. I invite everyone to take a moment to think of those men and women that fight to protect their homeland, where ever that might be. Even if you do not support the actions of a government, there is a saying "Support the Man if not the Mission".


For The Fallen

They went with songs to the Battle They were young, Straight of limb, True of eyes,
steady and aglow, they were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
WE WILL REMEMBER - LEST WE FORGET