Original Post World War Two Northern Rhodesia Regiment Slouch Hat.
Nicely worn example with originally applied insignia and flash. The sweatband is still fully intact although worn, maker-mark “Hall and Phillip Ltd” is still present, as well as the size 7 and date; 1951.
The cap badge of the NRR was inspired by the badge of the Northern Rhodesian Police. The regiment maintained the red and white colors inherited from the police force, but also included a green stripe to honor the previous North-Eastern Rhodesia Constabulary. Officers were equipped with Wolseley helmets, while the ranks wore field service caps, both of which featured the regiment's colors as a tactical recognition flash. In 1941, the regiment introduced a green and red ostrich feather hackle, although the method of wearing it is not documented.
During the Second World War, the NRR participated in multiple campaigns, including Somaliland, Madagascar, the Middle East, Ceylon, and Burma. In 1944, the 1st Battalion joined the 11th East African Division and played a crucial role in the Kabaw Valley offensive. This was the NRR's final campaign before their return to Africa in January 1946. The 1st Battalion continued to serve with distinction during the Malayan Emergency from 1953 to 1955. During the federation with Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, it was a part of the Federal armed forces from 1953 to 1963. After Northern Rhodesia gained independence as Zambia in 1964, the NRR was renamed the Zambia Regiment and became part of the Zambian Defence Force.
Established in 1933, the Northern Rhodesia Regiment (NRR) was created as a separate entity from the military branch of the Northern Rhodesia Police. Unlike other regiments primarily made up of African soldiers, the NRR maintained its independence from the King's African Rifles (KAR), similar to Southern Rhodesia's Rhodesian African Rifles. The regiment operated similarly to the KAR, with British Army officers being seconded until 1938, when two reserve units were established for both African and European soldiers. This was in preparation for local officers to eventually assume leadership roles.
The black soldiers in the Northern Rhodesia Regiment received extensive technical training compared to other colonial regiments in the British Empire. In 1935, they were also enlisted to assist the Northern Rhodesia Police during the Copperbelt strike, alongside members of the British South Africa Police from Southern Rhodesia. The Northern Rhodesia Police lost control during the strike as black strikers threw stones at them, resulting in the death of six individuals. Despite this, an investigation concluded that there was no misconduct on the part of the NRR.
Despite their status as "British protected persons" in Northern Rhodesia, thousands of black volunteers from the region enlisted during the Second World War. While incorporated into the 27th (N Rhodesia) Infantry Brigade, the Regiment did not engage in battle as one unit in order to avoid heavy casualties. In 1953, the Northern Rhodesia Regiment merged with other constituent forces to form the King's African Rifles, following Northern Rhodesia's inclusion in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. After the Federation dissolved in 1963, the Rhodesian Special Air Service (SAS) split from the regiment, which was then transferred to Southern Rhodesia. Soldiers were given the option to accept a golden handshake, relocate to Southern Rhodesia, or stay and become part of the Northern Rhodesia Regiment. In 1964, Zambia gained independence from Northern Rhodesia and the regiment was subsequently renamed as the Zambia Regiment.
*Hat Stand NOT included.
