British Army beards: A hairy history

Facial hair has a long and storied history in the British Army. From the bushy mustaches of the Victorian era to the clean-shaven faces of the First World War, the regulation of facial hair has been a source of both pride and controversy.

In the early days of the British Army, facial hair was seen as a sign of masculinity and courage. Soldiers often wore long beards and mustaches, which they believed would protect them from the elements and intimidate their enemies.

However, by the mid-19th century, the Army had begun to crack down on facial hair. This was due in part to the rise of new technologies, such as the machine gun, which made it more difficult for soldiers to see and communicate on the battlefield.

In 1860, the Army issued a new regulation that prohibited soldiers from wearing beards or mustaches. This regulation was met with fierce resistance from many soldiers, who believed that it was an infringement on their personal freedom.

The beard ban was eventually lifted in 1916, but it was not until the 1970s that soldiers were allowed to wear beards of any length.

Today, beards are once again a common sight in the British Army. They are seen as a sign of individuality and pride, and they are often worn by soldiers who are deployed on operations.

The benefits of beards

• Beards can protect the face from the sun, wind, and cold.
• Beards can help to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
• Beards can trap dirt and dust, which can help to keep the face clean.
• Beards can make soldiers look more intimidating.
• Beards can boost morale.

The drawbacks of beards

• Beards can make it difficult to see and communicate on the battlefield.
• Beards can trap bacteria, which can lead to infections.
• Beards can be uncomfortable to wear in hot weather.
• Beards can make it difficult to get a good fit on a gas mask.
• Beards can be seen as unprofessional.

The future of beards in the British Army

The future of beards in the British Army is uncertain. Some experts believe that beards will become more common as the Army becomes more relaxed about its appearance standards. Others believe that beards will become less common as the Army adopts new technologies that make it easier for soldiers to see and communicate on the battlefield.

Only time will tell what the future holds for beards in the British Army.

Call to action

If you are thinking about growing a beard, be sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons. Beards can be a great way to express your individuality and pride, but they can also be a hindrance in some situations.

If you do decide to grow a beard, be sure to keep it clean and well-groomed. A well-groomed beard can make you look and feel your best.