19th Century Fatigue Caps:
Independence War era: 11th Line Infantry Regiment 1814 (Regimiento 11 de Infanteria General las Heras), Reproduction of the uniform and equipment.
Fatigue caps have a long history rooted in practicality, first appearing in the 18th century as comfortable, informal options for soldiers performing manual labor, as a substitute for their formal, expensive dress headwear
The British Army was among the first to issue simple, soft cloth caps to soldiers for "fatigue duties" (manual labor, cleaning camp, etc.). These caps were often made from leftover uniform material and protected the main, more elaborate dress hats (like the tricorne or shako) from wear and tear. The terms "fatigue cap" and "forage cap" were used interchangeably, the latter stemming from the use by cavalrymen when "foraging" for food for their horses.
The style evolved significantly in the 1800s. The French kepi and the U.S. Army's M1858 forage cap (which was based on Austrian designs) became standard field wear during the American Civil War. These offered a vast improvement in comfort over heavy felt or leather shakos and were easy to store.
The foldable, crownless "overseas cap" (or "side cap") was introduced as a practical alternative for troops in Europe, as it could be easily stowed in a pocket when wearing a steel combat helmet.
World War II (Garrison Cap and Patrol Cap):
The overseas cap was widely adopted as the standard "garrison cap" in the U.S. Army for everyday wear outside of combat zones.
The U.S. Army also developed the M1943 field cap (the predecessor to the modern "patrol cap"), a soft cap with a stiff brim that was more suitable for field conditions and provided better sun protection than the garrison cap.
Post-WWII to Present: Fatigue caps continued to evolve with the changing needs for utility and camouflage:
The M1951 patrol cap was a staple during the Korean War.
Later versions, such as the boonie hat for jungle environments and the modern patrol cap in various camouflage patterns (like the Army Combat Uniform's pattern), have served as practical, everyday field headwear.
In essence, fatigue caps have always been about practicality and comfort, a contrast to the often elaborate and uncomfortable formal headwear of the past.
The British Army was among the first to issue simple, soft cloth caps to soldiers for "fatigue duties" (manual labor, cleaning camp, etc.). These caps were often made from leftover uniform material and protected the main, more elaborate dress hats (like the tricorne or shako) from wear and tear. The terms "fatigue cap" and "forage cap" were used interchangeably, the latter stemming from the use by cavalrymen when "foraging" for food for their horses.
The style evolved significantly in the 1800s. The French kepi and the U.S. Army's M1858 forage cap (which was based on Austrian designs) became standard field wear during the American Civil War. These offered a vast improvement in comfort over heavy felt or leather shakos and were easy to store.
The foldable, crownless "overseas cap" (or "side cap") was introduced as a practical alternative for troops in Europe, as it could be easily stowed in a pocket when wearing a steel combat helmet.
World War II (Garrison Cap and Patrol Cap):
The overseas cap was widely adopted as the standard "garrison cap" in the U.S. Army for everyday wear outside of combat zones.
The U.S. Army also developed the M1943 field cap (the predecessor to the modern "patrol cap"), a soft cap with a stiff brim that was more suitable for field conditions and provided better sun protection than the garrison cap.
Post-WWII to Present: Fatigue caps continued to evolve with the changing needs for utility and camouflage:
The M1951 patrol cap was a staple during the Korean War.
Later versions, such as the boonie hat for jungle environments and the modern patrol cap in various camouflage patterns (like the Army Combat Uniform's pattern), have served as practical, everyday field headwear.
In essence, fatigue caps have always been about practicality and comfort, a contrast to the often elaborate and uncomfortable formal headwear of the past.
Argentine Confederation era: Type "Miter" cap, :Gorro de manga and wheel forage cap "Gorra pastel"
An interesting period description, of the sleeve hat:
"the immediate commander of the Palermo Division spread it out in line of battle, like a long red ribbon, the soldiers uniformed in jackets, chiripá and caps of the same color, whose long sleeves were gathered in the shape of a cone."
July 9, 1851 by Pastor Obligado
This is a painting from 1858, which immortalized the execution of Camilla O'Gorman in 1848. The expressions of both the officer and the troops when they had to carry out the order to shoot a pregnant woman and her lover, a priest, were recreated by the Italian painter Francesco Augero. The type of sleeved cap here is infantry and artillery, as described above by Pastor Obligado.
"the immediate commander of the Palermo Division spread it out in line of battle, like a long red ribbon, the soldiers uniformed in jackets, chiripá and caps of the same color, whose long sleeves were gathered in the shape of a cone."
July 9, 1851 by Pastor Obligado
This is a painting from 1858, which immortalized the execution of Camilla O'Gorman in 1848. The expressions of both the officer and the troops when they had to carry out the order to shoot a pregnant woman and her lover, a priest, were recreated by the Italian painter Francesco Augero. The type of sleeved cap here is infantry and artillery, as described above by Pastor Obligado.
Horse Grenadier. Granaderos a Caballo. Gorro de Manga y Gorra de Cuartel tipo "Pastel"
Gorro de Manga
The Horse Grenadiers began using the Gorro de Manga (also known as the bonnet à la dragonne) immediately upon the regiment's creation in 1812. When José de San Martín founded the regiment, he designed the uniform based on the elite standards of the French Imperial Guard. The gorro de manga was the standard fatigue headgear for this era.
The cap was made of dark blue cloth with a crimson (grana) band. According to the original regulations, the tassel or pompom at the end of the "sleeve" was green.
The 1813 Combat (San Lorenzo)
During their baptism of fire at the Battle of San Lorenzo (February 3, 1813), the troops primarily wore their iconic morrión (shako) for combat, but the gorro de manga remained their daily work attire.
The 1817 Change. As the regiment prepared for the Crossover of the Andes, the uniform was updated to better reflect the national identity of the United Provinces. This is when the green pompom was replaced with the light blue (celeste).
The Horse Grenadiers began using the Gorro de Manga (also known as the bonnet à la dragonne) immediately upon the regiment's creation in 1812. When José de San Martín founded the regiment, he designed the uniform based on the elite standards of the French Imperial Guard. The gorro de manga was the standard fatigue headgear for this era.
The cap was made of dark blue cloth with a crimson (grana) band. According to the original regulations, the tassel or pompom at the end of the "sleeve" was green.
The 1813 Combat (San Lorenzo)
During their baptism of fire at the Battle of San Lorenzo (February 3, 1813), the troops primarily wore their iconic morrión (shako) for combat, but the gorro de manga remained their daily work attire.
The 1817 Change. As the regiment prepared for the Crossover of the Andes, the uniform was updated to better reflect the national identity of the United Provinces. This is when the green pompom was replaced with the light blue (celeste).
Gorra de Cuartel tipo "Pastel"
The "Pastel" type (or gorra de pastel) is a colloquial or descriptive name sometimes used for the flat-topped forage cap (gorra de plato). In military history, particularly within the Argentine context, it refers to a cap with a circular, flat crown that resembles a "cake" or "pie" shape.
1822. As the regiment operated in the mountainous and varied terrain of Peru, they modernized their fatigue dress. They adopted the flat-topped circular cap. It was more structured than the sleeve cap but lacked a visor, making it look like a small, flat "pastel" or plate sitting on the head.
The "Pastel" or plate style was heavily influenced by the Prussian and Russian "Krontstadt" caps of the Napoleonic era. These were rigid, circular caps without visors that were easier to store and cheaper to produce than the tall, leather-bound morriones (shakos) used in formal battle. The name comes from its physical resemblance to a small, round cake or pie. In English military terms, this specific visorless version is often called a "Pork Pie" cap for the same reason.
Unitarios vs Federales
During the long civil wars between Unitarios and Federales (roughly 1820–1852), both the gorro de manga and the gorra de pastel (or gorra de plato) were used by both sides. Because both factions originated from the same national army, they shared the same basic uniform patterns, using specific accessories to differentiate themselves in the field.
The gorro de manga (sleeve cap) remained extremely popular among the cavalry and provincial militias (montoneras) throughout the conflict.
Federales: Often wore the manga cap in red (punzó) or blue with prominent red bands to show loyalty to Juan Manuel de Rosas.
Unitarios: While they moved toward more European-style caps earlier, many units still used the blue manga cap.
The sleeve was almost always worn hanging to the left to provide a layer of protection against sword or knife strikes coming from that side.
The gorra de pastel (flat-topped forage cap) became the standard "modern" undress headgear for regular troops and officers.
Since the caps were identical in shape, soldiers used colored ribbons or divisas to mark their faction.
Federales: Used the Divisa Punzó (a red ribbon) on the cap or hat.
Unitarios: Often used light blue (celeste) bands or ribbons, especially those operating from Montevideo or under generals like Lavalle.
In major battles like Arroyo Grande (1842), Unitarian officers are documented wearing white "pastel" or visor caps with light blue bands.
The "Pastel" type (or gorra de pastel) is a colloquial or descriptive name sometimes used for the flat-topped forage cap (gorra de plato). In military history, particularly within the Argentine context, it refers to a cap with a circular, flat crown that resembles a "cake" or "pie" shape.
1822. As the regiment operated in the mountainous and varied terrain of Peru, they modernized their fatigue dress. They adopted the flat-topped circular cap. It was more structured than the sleeve cap but lacked a visor, making it look like a small, flat "pastel" or plate sitting on the head.
The "Pastel" or plate style was heavily influenced by the Prussian and Russian "Krontstadt" caps of the Napoleonic era. These were rigid, circular caps without visors that were easier to store and cheaper to produce than the tall, leather-bound morriones (shakos) used in formal battle. The name comes from its physical resemblance to a small, round cake or pie. In English military terms, this specific visorless version is often called a "Pork Pie" cap for the same reason.
Unitarios vs Federales
During the long civil wars between Unitarios and Federales (roughly 1820–1852), both the gorro de manga and the gorra de pastel (or gorra de plato) were used by both sides. Because both factions originated from the same national army, they shared the same basic uniform patterns, using specific accessories to differentiate themselves in the field.
The gorro de manga (sleeve cap) remained extremely popular among the cavalry and provincial militias (montoneras) throughout the conflict.
Federales: Often wore the manga cap in red (punzó) or blue with prominent red bands to show loyalty to Juan Manuel de Rosas.
Unitarios: While they moved toward more European-style caps earlier, many units still used the blue manga cap.
The sleeve was almost always worn hanging to the left to provide a layer of protection against sword or knife strikes coming from that side.
The gorra de pastel (flat-topped forage cap) became the standard "modern" undress headgear for regular troops and officers.
Since the caps were identical in shape, soldiers used colored ribbons or divisas to mark their faction.
Federales: Used the Divisa Punzó (a red ribbon) on the cap or hat.
Unitarios: Often used light blue (celeste) bands or ribbons, especially those operating from Montevideo or under generals like Lavalle.
In major battles like Arroyo Grande (1842), Unitarian officers are documented wearing white "pastel" or visor caps with light blue bands.
Fatigue Caps, Further caps and winter caps
|
|
Happy tank crew in a comical pose in the early 1950s. Observe the fatigue cap which came in a light brown. The shirts are sand colored and the pants are brown.
Mountain cap.
Argentine version of the feldmutze M43 in earthy color. The cap has Argentine ski glasses and an unknown condor badge. The Argentine Andinian soldiers also used glass snow goggles in blue and orange. For those interested in Argentine mountain troop reenactments from the 1940s, it is easy to get replicas of the feldmutze M43.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mountain caps closed with hooks and buttons.
 |
 |
Left:This is the olive green winter fur hat made in Argentina in the 1970s. It is a sort of baseball cap with ear covers which became famous during the Malvinas War. The design allowed it to be used with the steel helmet in cold areas.
Right: Argentine version of the hot weather cap in olive green. This cap was called a "casquete" from the French word "casquette". The hat to the left was called the "casquete cerrado (closed)".
Clothing in Antarctica
Antarctic Polar Gloves.
Winter Antarctic Further Cap.
Berets
Armoured self-propelled artillery.
Green beret with a shield from the Special Forces
