The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment) is today a Primary Reserve Infantry regiment of the Canadian Army .The Lorne Scots originated in Brampton, Ontario in September 1866, as the 36th “Peel Battalion of Infantry,” and was redesignated as the 36th Peel Regiment in May 1900, as The Peel Regiment in May 1920 and The Peel and Dufferin Regiment in April 1923. In December 1936, it was amalgamated with The Lorne Rifles (Scottish) and redesignated The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment).

The first Scottish connection was made in September 1879 when the Halton Rifles were reviewed by His Excellency The Marquis of Lorne and permission was received in 1881 to redesignate the 20th Halton Rifles as the 20th Halton Battalion Lorne Rifles.

The Canadian Universal Pattern Helmet featured six panels. A variety of non-standard spike bases and spikes are seen in use with these helmets (Collection of the Author)

The white “Universal Pattern Helmet” was introduced in Canadian wear in 1886 – replacing many of earlier and more expensive styles of headdress including the Blue Home Service Pattern Helmet.

While British Army regulations generally forbid the wearing of embellishments on helmets, numerous Canadian regiments applied for permission and this was usually granted – and this included the Lorne Rifles.

The Victorian Era headdress plate to the Lorne Rifles with Queen’s Crown (Collection of the Author)

The interior of the Victorian Era Universal Pattern Helmet

Note the unique system to provide ventilation.

An early Universal Pattern Helmet chinchain that shows that a leather strip with holes rather than brass loops was used to attach it to the helmet’s chinstrap hooks.