ORDER OF THE DAY ADOPTION OF THE BONNET BALMORAL BLUE 7 AUGUST 2012

I am pleased to announce that the 41st Battalion has adopted unofficial headdress for ceremonial, special and other relevant occasions when in civilian attire. On Sunday 10 April 2011 I had the opportunity to address members of the 41st Infantry Battalion Association at Canungra during their visit to those preparing to deploy to East Timor. I asked the Association to consider adopting formal headdress. To be clear my motivation was to engage the Association so that its members would support 41 RNSWR and Army capability. This would principally be by fostering unit esprit de corps, maintaining our traditions, caring for our heritage and contributing to a strong sense of belonging. Subsequently Mr Norm Clapham MBE, President of the 41st Infantry Battalion Association wrote to me to advise that our Association had adopted the Battalions traditional Bonnet Balmoral Blue as its formal headdress. Association members will proudly wear the bonnet with the Byron Scottish badge on appropriate occasions. Thus on Anzac Day we will clearly be able to identify our men and engage with them. The Association graciously advised that serving and former members of the Battalion should also wear the Bonnet Balmoral Blue, whether or not they are members of the Association. Whilst Scottish Dress as an order of dress may only be worn by members of Charlie Company and selected officers in accordance with Army Standing Orders for Dress (ASODs), the 41 RNSWR Bonnet Balmoral Blue may be worn with neat civilian attire at ceremonial, special and other relevant occasions. Current and former Battalion members may wear the RNSWR hat badge with the bonnet. The 41 RNSWR Bonnet Balmoral Blue has a red and white chequered headband, red toorie and ribbon bow stitched to the band at the back. There is no hackle. The RNSWR hat badge is positioned centrally on a black rosette, 9 cm square. The rosette, with badge, is placed with the centre of the badge 9.5 cm to the left of the centre front point of the bonnet. The bonnet is worn with the headband straight across the forehead and with the lower edge 2.5 cm above the eyebrow, the slack being pulled to the right front. The 41 RNSWR Regimental Trust Fund (RTF) has purchased 100 bonnets. They will be available for sale at $25 each. Profits on sales will go to the RTF Scottish Fund which is used to support Scottish Dress for Charlie Company. Have no doubt our Bonnet Balmoral Blue will be a treasured item long after you cease serving the Nation. Wearing it will mark you as belonging to the 41st Battalion.

G.J. RUHLE Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Officer August 2012