Name/Title
A very rare example of an original 87th Bn / CGG / 1st Brigade HQ named “Souvenir Belt” aka “Hate Belt” named to 177721 Gdsm John William Hollins, a Boer War Veteran.Description
For Museum records only - Part of the Lieutenant Michael A. Hayes-Rivet (MHR) Trust Collection
*** FOR ARCHIVE PURPOSES ONLY - ARTIFACT NOT PART OF MUSEUM COLLECTION ***
A very rare example of an original 87th Bn / CGG / 1st Brigade HQ named “Souvenir Belt” aka “Hate Belt” named to 177721 Gdsm John William Hollins, a Boer War Veteran.
Originally from Liverpool, England and born March 13th, 1876, Pte Williams originally served with the 13th Scottish Dragoons during the Boer War and enlisted with CGG in November 1915. He transferred to 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade Headquarters and served as a Batman to some of Canada’s most famous FWW Generals including MGen Garnet Hughes (Son of Sir Sam Hughes), MGen G.E. McCuaig (Youngest Canadian General of CEF 33yrs old), and MGen Greisbach.
Gdsm Hollins survived the war and returned to Canada in 1919 where he eventually returned and settled down with his family in Mansonville, Quebec. (Near Sutton)
“Soldiers were known for their love of souvenirs in the Great War; So, a lot of material history of the war came across the Atlantic with returning soldiers. Among collectors of military memorabilia from World War One "Hate Belts" are items of interest.”
The difference between Belts:
Hate Belts were born of the idea of collecting a button or badge from the newly captured enemy soldier and have it attached to his belt as a kind of notch of conquest.
Souvenir Belts are the best descriptive for many of the belts seen in circulation today. The Souvenir Belt would involve a German infantryman's belt being decorated with buttons and tabs from troops both Allied and CENTRAL Powers and kept as a remembrance of The War.Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
February 7, 2022Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
June 4, 2025