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Posted: 9/11/2022 7:29:10 AM EDT
[#1]
Because they kicked Napoleon’s ass and stole the Frenchies hat style.
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Posted: 9/11/2022 7:30:13 AM EDT
[#2]
Plenty of militaries have the bearskin (ask DK Prof for a pic of his), it's not a British thing.
As to why, there are long standing traditions that certain units get the biggest, most impressive looking soldiers sent their way. Big hat makes big soldier look even bigger and expensive bearskins mark your status as an elite unit Royal Scots Bass Drummers wear a polar bearskin for extra style points. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 8:00:59 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That’s where they keep the mutton and spare pint. Aye, and don't forget some fish N' chips too... Plus that fur makes sure Your Beer is nice & warm - just like the Brits like it... Bigger_Hammer 
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Posted: 9/11/2022 8:03:39 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote Historythis just crossed over to become a Clown Shoes Thread...  Bigger_Hammer
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Posted: 9/11/2022 9:13:26 AM EDT
[#5]
The same reason the Winged Hussars wore wings - to scare the shit out of the enemy.
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Posted: 9/11/2022 9:20:27 AM EDT
[#6]
Bee Feeters
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Posted: 9/11/2022 9:22:33 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted: From a vid I watched about the coronation ceremony of...well...you know. What's up with these ginormous fur covered helmets anyway? Like, what's the deal? Was there some war, two or three hundred years ago, in which the British Army found it somehow advantageous to wear helmets that were, like, 8 feet tall? I mean, really? I don't get it. Discuss the shit. because its irish royal guard tradition.  https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/49274/BigHelmets2-2521816.jpg |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 9:44:25 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It’s traditional. It signifies when a Brit soldier gets his head stuck in his miss’s snatch. One soldier in particular was in so deep, never to be found again. He is honored with the womb of the unknown soldier. Winner! |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 9:53:05 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Umm - you might have missed a rifle there. Yep, their version of the FN-FAL which they used for a long time. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 9:57:29 AM EDT
[#10]
They made the soldiers taller and more menacing to the enemy.
In the flintlock days, the soldiers had a tendency to fire high. The bearskins could make the enemy miss more. If attacked by cavalry, the bearskin would absorb the force of a swung sword and protect the head. A retired Coldstreamer once told me they were still made from bears from Canada. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 9:59:55 AM EDT
[#11]
Early furries could not buy a full suit due to cost
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:04:30 AM EDT
[#12]
Obligatory a war was fought so I don’t have to give a fuck.
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:06:17 AM EDT
[#13]
I'm more curious about the height differences in the picture. Don't they keep them limited to certain heights to keep them looking as uniform as possible in formations? Not all units understandably, but this one is more or less for ceremonial duties.
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:10:12 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Having served in a unit with bear skin hats, those are the two prevailing theories/stories that I have heard.  Bear skin hats were part of my regiment's combat uniform in the 1800s. (Denmark, not Britain),and the uniforms worn at the Royal palaces today are essentially those uniforms. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/1715/42217.JPG Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Taller making them look more menacing, and the hats were made of bearskin. Horses don't like the smell, which makes it effective against cavalry, or at least that's the story I've read. Having served in a unit with bear skin hats, those are the two prevailing theories/stories that I have heard. Bear skin hats were part of my regiment's combat uniform in the 1800s. (Denmark, not Britain),and the uniforms worn at the Royal palaces today are essentially those uniforms. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/1715/42217.JPG Didn’t you try persuading the regiment to switch to polar bear? That would have been awesome! |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:21:58 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Didn’t you try persuading the regiment to switch to polar bear? That would have been awesome! You have a good memory.  Yes, a good friend of .mine and myself tried too convince the regiment (when we were both junior officers) that we should use polar bear pelts, and have white hats. For one thing, it would make us distinct and unique compared to our British sisters regiments. If we reallywanted tk keeo the black look, it would be possible to use polar bekt pelts and have the fur dyed black. In the 80s it was getting increasingly difficult to get black bear pelts, and I remember the sergeant in charge of the uniforms lamenting that they had a serious shortage. Apparently they needed about 100-200 pelts, and they had received 12! The difficulty in getting pelts was another reason we suggested that the regiment should use polar bear - since Denmark owns Greenland, there are TONS of polar bears around. 
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:28:17 AM EDT
[#16]
 May I present, the Drum Major for the United States Marine Corps band. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:30:45 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/18486/4F1551C7-E7DB-4FA5-B7DD-16E92C54CCB6-2522143.jpg May I present, the Drum Major for the United States Marine Corps band. I knew I've seen one or two US uniforms like that. Thanks for posting!
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:38:59 AM EDT
[#18]
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:42:17 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You have a citation for that? Denmark experimented with synthetic as early as the late 50s, but concluded it wouldn't work. Currently the black bears used for the skin are sourced from Poland. I believe Britain tried some synthetics in the 2000s, but my understanding was that it similarly went nowhere, and actual bear skin is still used. I believe the British army gets their raw bear skins from Canada. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Synthetic now but those used to be real bear fur. You have a citation for that? Denmark experimented with synthetic as early as the late 50s, but concluded it wouldn't work. Currently the black bears used for the skin are sourced from Poland. I believe Britain tried some synthetics in the 2000s, but my understanding was that it similarly went nowhere, and actual bear skin is still used. I believe the British army gets their raw bear skins from Canada. That is my understanding. Black bears for enlisted, grizzly dyed black for officers. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:45:10 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If by "3rd World morons" you mean the French, then yes.  Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: It makes them tall and scary to 3rd world morons being colonized? If by "3rd World morons" you mean the French, then yes.  Bearskin hats were actually granted to the Grenadier Guards after the battle of Waterloo, so we were able to defeat the French without them. Other guards regiments got them a couple of decades later. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:45:52 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I knew I've seen one or two US uniforms like that. Thanks for posting!  And let's not forget the US Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment's Fife and Drum Corps complete with Busby, spontoon, and some dangerously British-looking unis. 
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:47:52 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You have a good memory. Yes, a good friend of .mine and myself tried too convince the regiment (when we were both junior officers) that we should use polar bear pelts, and have white hats. For one thing, it would make us distinct and unique compared to our British sisters regiments. If we reallywanted tk keeo the black look, it would be possible to use polar bekt pelts and have the fur dyed black. In the 80s it was getting increasingly difficult to get black bear pelts, and I remember the sergeant in charge of the uniforms lamenting that they had a serious shortage. Apparently they needed about 100-200 pelts, and they had received 12! The difficulty in getting pelts was another reason we suggested that the regiment should use polar bear - since Denmark owns Greenland, there are TONS of polar bears around. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Didn’t you try persuading the regiment to switch to polar bear? That would have been awesome! You have a good memory. Yes, a good friend of .mine and myself tried too convince the regiment (when we were both junior officers) that we should use polar bear pelts, and have white hats. For one thing, it would make us distinct and unique compared to our British sisters regiments. If we reallywanted tk keeo the black look, it would be possible to use polar bekt pelts and have the fur dyed black. In the 80s it was getting increasingly difficult to get black bear pelts, and I remember the sergeant in charge of the uniforms lamenting that they had a serious shortage. Apparently they needed about 100-200 pelts, and they had received 12! The difficulty in getting pelts was another reason we suggested that the regiment should use polar bear - since Denmark owns Greenland, there are TONS of polar bears around. That would be awesome! 
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:49:44 AM EDT
[#23]
Not all UK military dress like that though.
Here's my brother (60 years old with 43 years service) in his dress uniform raising the flag to half staff a couple of mornings ago. 
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:51:39 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm more curious about the height differences in the picture. Don't they keep them limited to certain heights to keep them looking as uniform as possible in formations? Not all units understandably, but this one is more or less for ceremonial duties. Normally: "If you are taller than the man in front of you, move up" pause for shuffling "Right Face" "If you are taller than the man in front of you, move up" pause for shuffling "Left Face" Seemed silly to me. Looked good, but the peewees in back could not see shit. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:51:39 AM EDT
[#25]
Why Does The British Army Have Giant Fur Helmets?
Because small to medium sized fur hats would look silly.  |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:54:36 AM EDT
[#26]
I respect the Brits for their tradition but every time I see them do that single exaggerated boot stomp when they stand post I have to laugh.
Marching up and down the square is important to them. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 10:55:55 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Normally: "If you are taller than the man in front of you, move up" pause for shuffling "Right Face" "If you are taller than the man in front of you, move up" pause for shuffling "Left Face" Seemed silly to me. The peewees in back could not see shit. Thusly, the signifier, mace, spontoon, regimental standards, eagles, and guidon made their appearance. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 11:03:07 AM EDT
[#28]
They were prior to back packs, as in storage. Ever seen how much an African woman can carry on her head? Same idea. Hands free and they could carry a change of uniform, spare boots, a tent, sleeping bag and a weeks worth of food and water in those. These hats sparked the bee hive hairdo in the early 60's BTW.
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Posted: 9/11/2022 11:16:56 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm more curious about the height differences in the picture. Don't they keep them limited to certain heights to keep them looking as uniform as possible in formations? Not all units understandably, but this one is more or less for ceremonial duties. In my regiment in Denmark, there was a minimum height requirement (175 cm) and units were formed by height. Usually we'd stand up two infantry companies at a time when we got new recruits. So there would be a "short company" - with the midgets from 175cm and up. And then there would be the "tall company" with the properly-sized humans  Same in the Guard Company, when the men had finished all of their infantry training and rotated into guard duty. The Guard Company has three guard teams, arranged by height (and designated by the color of the tassle on their swords) First guard team is the tallest and has red tassels, second guard team are the medium-tall guys, and have white tassles, and third guard team are the shrimps with blue tassels. So if you see the guards at the palace, you can always tell which team is on duty just by the color of their tassles. You can occasionally get a little bit of irregularity in the first guard team, simply because that's where the super-tall people obviously go. So the average height in the first guard team will probably be around 6'4" - but at the tall end you get the occasional people who are 7 foot tall, so that can spoil the line-up a tiny bit. Here's a picture showing most of the guard company (from back in the 1980s). It shows the very nice uniformity, as a result of arranging the units by height.  Here's a picture from the 1950s (my dad is in the picture ) showing the relative uniformity of size in his platoon. Here's a picture of my platoon from the late 80s, showing the same thing. (You might notice ONE guy, in the second row, who is shorter than the others. That's a staff sergeant was not going to rotate into the Guard Company with the others, so it was okay that he didn't "fit" with the rest of the unit)  |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 12:06:54 PM EDT
[#30]
Pakistan India border ceremonial shenanigans and impressive headdress.
 Failed To Load Title |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 12:26:56 PM EDT
[#31]
I thought it was to draw attention away from their dental issues......
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Posted: 9/11/2022 12:29:36 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Pakistan India border ceremonial shenanigans and impressive headdress.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIOVinMvVDgThe Hilton Hotel Bahn Chode unit arguing with the Pakistan Car Warranty Darren's? |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 12:31:31 PM EDT
[#33]
So when a Cavalry soldier thinks they just lopped a Brit's head right off and only this happens:
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Posted: 9/11/2022 12:38:42 PM EDT
[#34]
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Posted: 9/11/2022 12:47:23 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Boy OP, have I got something for you to ponder. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/Screenshot_20220910-224821_png-2521837.JPG Pole handlers? "Oh my!" /Zulu |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 12:51:27 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Boy OP, have I got something for you to ponder. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/69748/Screenshot_20220910-224821_png-2521837.JPG When your whole battalion is dressed up like clowns your opponent does not see you as a threat. This puts them at ease, which translates into a surprise when you finally attack, giving you the upper hand. Brilliant tactics! 
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Posted: 9/11/2022 12:54:00 PM EDT
[#37]
Because US military is FAGGOTS!
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Posted: 9/11/2022 1:09:39 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Because US military is FAGGOTS! lolwut? |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 1:12:40 PM EDT
[#39]
No pie option...
You had one job, OP. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 1:20:24 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Not all UK military dress like that though. Here's my brother (60 years old with 43 years service) in his dress uniform raising the flag to half staff a couple of mornings ago. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105044/sunrise-2519800.jpg 43 years is a long time. What does he do? |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 1:27:26 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You have a citation for that? Denmark experimented with synthetic as early as the late 50s, but concluded it wouldn't work. Currently the black bears used for the skin are sourced from Poland. I believe Britain tried some synthetics in the 2000s, but my understanding was that it similarly went nowhere, and actual bear skin is still used. I believe the British army gets their raw bear skins from Canada. Not to be overly pedantic, but all the bears in Europe are brown bears, and the brown bear range just barely (lol) enters Poland. You sure they aren’t imported from Russia or Canada or the US? |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 1:32:09 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Cool. 43 years is a long time. What does he do? Territorial Army? |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 2:08:45 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It's traditional. It signifies when a Brit soldier gets his head stuck in his miss's snatch. One soldier in particular was in so deep, never to be found again. He is honored with the womb of the unknown soldier. |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 2:12:05 PM EDT
[#44]
Storage for crumpets
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Posted: 9/11/2022 2:21:10 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I respect the Brits for their tradition but every time I see them do that single exaggerated boot stomp when they stand post I have to laugh. Marching up and down the square is important to them. You mean like the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier? Virtually all militaries have some sort.of ceremonial duty that has become exaggerated over the years. 
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Posted: 9/11/2022 2:23:52 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The hats look stupid but the worst part of them is the chinstrap that is worn above the chin. Looks ridiculous, no function. There is a Terminal Lance for this: |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 2:26:02 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ceremonial wear by elite royal Guard forces. Pomp and circumstance fanfare. This, tradition… |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 2:47:08 PM EDT
[#48]
That regiment only accepts coneheads...
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Posted: 9/11/2022 2:50:12 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: "Why Does The British Army Have Giant Fur Helmets?" Well....... because........ fur gloves and fur socks would just be retarded And fur coats would look feminine... |
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Posted: 9/11/2022 2:52:00 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You have a citation for that? Denmark experimented with synthetic as early as the late 50s, but concluded it wouldn't work. Currently the black bears used for the skin are sourced from Poland. I believe Britain tried some synthetics in the 2000s, but my understanding was that it similarly went nowhere, and actual bear skin is still used. I believe the British army gets their raw bear skins from Canada. My understanding is they're still bear skin and usually handed down. |
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