Don’t confuse busbies with other headgear

UNLESS definitions have changed and as far as I am aware they have not, the ceremonial headdress worn by the regiments of the Brigade of Guards, ie Grenadier, Coldstream,

Scots, Irish and Welsh are bearskins, which is the skin and fur of a bear supported by a cane framework.

They should not in any way be confused with a busby which is a much shorter fur cap that originated in Hungary.

Busbies are worn primarily by Hussar regiments and, for example, members of the Royal Horse Artillery.

The latter often seen in Hyde Park firing multi-gun salutes on special days in various tributes to members of the Royal Family or in remembrance of the dead on Armistice Day. There is a distinct difference between the two types of headgear.

Alan Shepherd

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