Sunday Times flashback April 26, 1964: UK soldiers are allowed to keep portable pictures

Hundreds of soldiers stationed at camps in the North of England, are banned by Army regulations from sticking pin-up pictures on the barracks walls, have found the answer — they carry their favourite girlfriend around with them "under their hat."

The soldiers have discovered that it is easy to slip a pin-up picture — whether it be a sweetheart, Sophia Loren or Sabrina — under the transparent lining of their number one dress caps.

When Army authorities discovered the portable pin-up trick, kit inspections were  ordered, but there were broad beams when the official announcement came: "There is no objection." '

Captain Robin Morgan , Brigade Liaison Officer. Duke of "Wellingon's Regiment, said at Strensall Barracks , near York: "There were inspections here among all the regiments. We discovered that these pin-up pictures were easily slipped under the plastic lining  of the hat so no damage was done to Army property. "

As far as we at Strensall are concerned , what the soldier chooses to keep under his hat is all right with us."

No objection

At Catterick Camp, Yorkshire , where three regiments are stationed a spokesman said: "We deal mainly with young soldiers who have not reached the pin-up stage. But for those who do like the idea, we have no objection. They certainly do not deface Army hats."

One soldier who carries a pinup with him is Private Keith Harvey  20,  of the Green Howards. Keith , from Middlesbrough, said: "I am happy the Army doesn’t  object to the idea. I think it's great to be able to keep my favourite girl under my hat."