HC Deb 07 February 1884 vol 284 cc181-2
SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is intended to discontinue the feather bonnet as the head-dress of the Highland Regiments; and, if so, whether it is on account of its expense or supposed unserviceable qualities; what is its cost relatively to the head-dresses of the Household Troops, Cavalry, and other Regiments; and, whether any substitute has been decided upon for it?

LORD COLIN CAMPBELL

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is intended to abolish the feather-bonnet hitherto worn by the Highland Regiments?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

Sir, in reply to these Questions, I have to say that it has been decided to discontinue the ostrich feather bonnet as the head-dress of the Highland regiments. The decision is based on the recommendation of a Committee, composed of distinguished officers, whose Report was presented to Parliament in 1881. In the words of that Report the ostrich feather head-dress is— Costly, and is never worn on active service. As it has no national origin it should he replaced by the fine national head-dress, the bonnet. For a number of years the ostrich feather bonnet has never been worn out of the United Kingdom. In all recent wars the kilted regiments have worn the helmets. The proposal now made is, therefore, only that the Highland regiments should wear at home the same head-dress they wear abroad and on service. I am not prepared at this moment to state the exact cost of the ostrich feather bonnet; but a Return showing the cost of the different head-dresses can be given if the hon. Baronet will move for it. I can, however, say that with the exception of the Guards' bearskin, the Highland head-dress costs far more than any other supplied to the Army. As regards a substitute for the ostrich feather bonnet, a final decision has not yet been come to; but probably the helmet, or some modification of it, will be adopted.

SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

asked the noble Marquess whether, although the head-dress had no national or natural origin, it had not a historical origin; and whether it had not originated among the troops under Sir Ralph Abercromby in Egypt, who added the ostrich feathers to the bonnet as a protection from the sun?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I cannot say whether the hon. Baronet has accurately stated the origin of the bonnet; but I have no reason to question the accuracy of his statement of the origin.