British WWI Royal Scots Kilmarnock Bonnet

A very scarce example of early 20th century Scottish regimental headdress; this 1908-dated other ranks Kilmarnock bonnet was worn by Sgt Ernest Osborne Joyce of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots. The bonnet remains in generally good condition with minor moth tracking to the nap and some degradation—likely moth-related—along the lower edge of the diced red-and-white band. It retains its original silk bow, with a Royal Scots enlisted ranks badge mounted on an additional silk rosette, and is topped with its red pom-pom.

The black cotton lining bears a clear 1908 maker’s mark and is boldly stencilled in white with regimental code 21-2RS, along with the soldier’s service number 10789 and an issue date of October 1912. Sgt Joyce was killed in action on 22 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. The Kilmarnock bonnet was introduced for the Royal Scots in 1904 to replace the blue cloth helmet and remained in use through the early years of WWI. Period photographs show the bonnet being worn with both full dress and service dress. A poignant and historically significant piece of Scottish military headgear.

Ref; 92352