Bearded Canadian soldier in Germany

A Canadian soldier with full beard labels the name board of his battalion in Soest on the 29th of September in 1955. It is traditionally allowed to have a full beard as soldier of the pioneer platoon in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment. The custom goes back to the times of fights against Indians in the 17th century, when soldiers had a bear due to lack of time for personal hygiene and to intimidate beardless Native Americans

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

Allowed Bearded Beardless Custom Hygiene Intimidate Lack Platoon Soest Traditionally Traditions

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