King's African Rifles

**macwilkin** · 25th February 10, 04:53 PM

Whilst browsing google tonight for information on the old Rhodesian African Rifles, I came across this picture:

The kilt, in dark green, judging from the illustration, is said to have been introduced in the Drums and Bugles of the 4th Battalion in 1917, when a number of British officers, of Scottish heritage, were attached.

-- http://www.chakoten.dk/cgi-bin/fm.cgi?n=855

I also found this:

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/...32434474QzaNgg

Regards,

T.

**Chas** · 25th February 10, 05:08 PM

WOW - historical precedent for the wearing of a fez with the kilt.

Good find Todd.

Regards

Chas

**macwilkin** · 25th February 10, 05:10 PM

I just found the source, Military Uniforms of Britain and the Empire via our statewide library catalog. I'm ordering it right now to see what else it may say about the KAR and kilts.

T.

**Rob Wright** · 25th February 10, 09:22 PM

Now that is one smart looking outfit!

Rob

**Bigkahuna** · 28th February 10, 09:07 PM

Good article Todd. Thank you.

**NorCalPiper** · 1st March 10, 08:31 PM

Wasn't Idi AMin associated with this regiment in his youth? Thus his affinity for wearing a kilt?

**macwilkin** · 1st March 10, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by NorCalPiper

Wasn't Idi AMin associated with this regiment in his youth? Thus his affinity for wearing a kilt?

Plus ten for observation, Josh!

T.

**macwilkin** · 2nd March 10, 09:53 AM

I just received Barnes's Military Uniforms of Britain & The Empire; the plate is from this particular book, and the accompanying text doesn't have much to add, save that many officers from the 4th KAR were seconded from Highland regiments, and that the Battalion itself was said to have adopted the kilt in 1917. At the time of publication (1960), only the band wore the kilt.

T.