“The 1^st Wannabee Fusiliers”

&

The Gallant 49^th Fleet of Foot

ANZAC Day Parade, Toowoomba 2006

Photograph: Arev

“Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, …” and perhaps one ex-Fusilier amongst them!

Odes to the Wannabees

(1) Hat ‘n Hackle, crow ‘n cackle, “We are British”, their proud song. If that’s the case pick up the pace And double Home where you belong. We’re Aussies here, no matter where We hailed from all those years ago. If you don’t like, then take a hike To Pakistan’s great overflow. The hackle white was dipped in blood Spilled in battle by the French. A battle honour bravely won Should not be worn by lesser Mensch. Titus Aduxas 2004

(2) There is no true pride, When you put on "side"! And falsely claim a hackle. Fusiliers have fought and died, Their deeds all truly glorified. They're Lions, not a "Jackal". Peckus 2004

A Brief History of the Red & White Hackle

worn originally by

The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers

Kindly researched and submitted by Ted Fus BLOWERS (former Fusilier)

The distinctive red and white Hackle, worn by all ranks in the Regiment, was handed down from the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. The Hackle was awarded in recognition for the defeat of the French at the Battle of St Lucia in 1778. The white hackles were removed from the French dead by the Fusilier battalions and dipped in the blood of the fallen enemy. At the time, all Guards Regiments also wore a white Hackle, so King George ordered a red tip to be added to the white hackle to distinguish the Fusiliers from the Guards.

The Hackle is worn by all members of the Regiment in all forms of dress.

“A Real One”

Royal Fusiliers, City of London Regiment

1953 - Ted Fus Blowers, Regimental Staff, AAS Arborfield

Published: 1^st June 2006

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