Winston Churchill wearing his boiler suit and Bombay Bowler.

The Bombay Bowler (BB) is often confused with the Cawnpore Tent Club and Khaki Solar Pith Hat, in fact the latter two are often confused with each other. However, the Bombay Bowler is considerably smaller than the other two.

A Bombay Bowler, possibly to Skinner’s Horse. (Author’s collection)

The relatively sumptuous interior to Skinner’s Horse, 1932. (Author’s collection)

The maker’s label to Skinner’s Horse. (Author’s collection)

The BB probably originated as a smaller version of the Cawnpore Tent Club, which was made so popular, in the British Raj and by extension elsewhere in hot climates, by the visit of the Prince of Wales to India in 1875/76. It was never a British Army issue helmet but was privately purchased. The deviation from the authorized dress regulations in the British Army whilst on Foreign Service is astounding, and for the historian rather frustrating.

This BB is badged to the Hampshire Regiment. (Author’s collection)

The 1^st Battalion the Hampshire Regiment was deployed in the appropriate period as follows –

The 2^nd Battalion the Hampshire Regiment was deployed in the appropriate period as follows –

The interior of the Hampshire Regiment BB showing a lesser quality because of the poor ventilation between the headband and the helmet shell. The sola pith is clearly visible. (Author’s collection)

The badge on the Hampshire Regiment BB. (Author’s collection)

In 1946 the Regiment was awarded the distinguished title of ‘Royal’.

As the BB was essentially a civilian helmet it appeared in many guises including aviation both civil and military.

Jean Gardner Batten a famous New Zealand Aviatrix. (Photo Roland Gruschka)

A sideview of the No. 80 Squadron used Type A helmet. Note this example is based on the “Bombay Bowler” (Collection of Peter Suciu)

View of the liner of the Type A helmet (Collection of Peter Suciu)

The diminutive and somewhat ubiquitous Bombay Bowler remained “in service” probably into the late 1950s/early 1960s, a testimonial to its utility and probably its relative cheapness.

Stuart Bates