New Zealand Infantry Lemon Squeezer

Collection of Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira, presented by LH Armstrong, 1982.127, U227.3

The lemon squeezer hat, adopted by the New Zealand Army during WW1 has become a visible national distinction for the New Zealand Army. In New Zealand this style of hat was first adopted by the Wellington Regiment circa 1912 and by 1916 became general issue for all New Zealand Army units, replacing the slouch hat issued at the beginning of WW1. Different branches of the service were distinguished by different coloured puggarees (hat bands) worn around the base of the crown. During WW1 the lemon squeezer was not unique to the New Zealanders. A similar hat was worn by the US Army [and by the Canadians].

This lemon squeezer with infantry puggaree and Auckland Regiment badge belonged to Leonard J Armstrong, 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly’s Own) Regiment . During WW1 13/5 Trooper LJ Armstrong served with the Auckland Mounted Rifles but the hat dates from his later service with the Territorials.