Less well-known than the Australian slouch hat, the New Zealand campaign hat – known as the “Lemon Squeezer” – has since World War I been closely linked to the Kiwi soldier. The iconic hat was introduced by William George Malone, an officer in the New Zealand Military Forces, and issued to soldiers serving under his command in the 4th Battalion of the Wellington (Taranaki) Rifle Volunteers. The hat was adopted by Malone’s unit as it was meant to mirror the outline of Mount Taranaki on New Zealand’s north island.
The hat, with its tall peak allowed “run off” in the rain, proved popular with the Wellington Regiment. It was then adopted by the rest of the New Zealand Infantry Division on January 1, 1916 – by which time it had already seen its baptism of fire half way around the world.
Side view of the author’s “Lemon Squeezer” – likely of War War II vintage. The green in the puggaree indicates that this was used by cavalry.
The interior of the author’s “lemon squeezer”
At the outbreak of the Great War Malone was appointed to command the Wellington Infantry Battalion, and while aged 56 he proved to be forceful and efficient commander, leading his forces during the Gallipoli campaign. He was strict with his men and maintained order, yet fought his superiors to provide building materials and basic comforts for those serving under him.
Just as the Australian slouch hat became iconic at Gallipoli, so too did the “lemon squeezer.” Many young men wore the hat – but ironically as an officer it appears that Malone was outfitted with the typical British style field cap instead. At any event, the Wellington Battalion was to play its part in the tragedy at Chunuk Bair during the August offensive.
New Zealand soldiers posing at home in the classic “lemon squeezer” before heading over seas to fight the “hun”
Malone tried to avoid exposing his men to a daylight attack, and delayed the attack until shortly before dawn. The unit was able to seize the Turkish position and hold it against several counter-attacks. On August 8, 1915 Malone was killed by what is believed to be “friendly fire” – and sadly his body remained on the slopes, just one of many New Zealanders who have no known grave. He was also initially made a scapegoat for the failure of the offensive, but today is recognized as an able and outstanding battalion commander.
The lemon squeezer hat would continue to be worn by other Kiwi soldiers, including those serving on the Western Front. It would see use again in limited capacity in the field in World War II a generation later.
Members of the 2nd Echelon depart for Europe in 1940. While their battledress is the 1937 Pattern, the hats are a throw back to the days of the ANZACs heading to Gallipoli and Palestine.
Kiwi soldiers in North Africa in 1942 where the “lemon squeezer” came in handy to protect from the sun
It is still worn for special ceremonial occasions by New Zealand soldiers today, and it all started more than 100 years ago.
Hello I would like to obtain a New Zealand ‘lemon squeezer’ hat for re-enactment purposes. Can anyone advise me of where to obtain a suitable hat that looks like the real thing? I can be contacted at fawkeskim7@gmail.com, cheers Kim
The idea that Malone invented the lemon squeezer is myth.
The idea that it was introduced to mirror the shape of Mt Taranaki is a myth.
It wasn’t even called a lemon squeezer by the NZ Army at the time and never has been.
The Wellington regiment were not the only unit wearing the Peaked Felt hat in August 1914.
It is just folklore and myth.
Evidence based research is available on request.
BArry
Agree. As the Lemonsqueezer or officially ‘field service hat’ was used by the natal police, and Canadian mounties, Canadian expeditionary troops to boer war, and even scouts in 1909 prior to malone in 1912. There are also a couple of photos found four indents, brim flat -of (nz) soldiers in the boer war. By 1916 they had become universal for the 1st NZEF when not wearing helmet, field service cap, -mounted rifles wore them three indents (sides and top).
Continued in use in ww2 but withdrawn back to stores for general field use by 1942. Reissued for leave and repatriation. Continued use in NZ and garrison, rear echelon units of nzef pacific troops.
There are currently two sources for reproductions of these in New Zealand: Hills Hats, who made them during WW1 and WW2, and still make them to this day, and Army & Outdoors, who stock lemon squeezers made by Hills Hats. I use one of these reproductions; the hat itself is perfect, my only negative comment is that the puggaree is made to the correct design and colours, but with an incorrect fabric. One has to look closely to pick the difference, though.