Commando Berets.

I do not really know much about the Berets, and certainly bow to the greater knowledge of those who have posted on this topic. However I wondered if you had spotted this picture in our gallery of the Commando beret of the late Ronald 'Ken' Young of No.9 Cdo. It's a good picture of the inside of his beret.

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/9/ron+young/beret+of+Ronald+_ken_+Young.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Pete,
Yes, a good picture of the beret ,which clearly shows the stitching, but the inside is not quite in focus to be 100% sure but I would say no plastic diamond in this one.
Also, the white printing which shows size and, more importantly, date cannot be seen - so we are unable to determine if it was an original WWII issue or a post war replacement.

The story goes on... ;-)

Nick

Bukta are an old maker of cub scout berets I'm afraid, they do though happen to be exactly the same shade as WWII commando berets!!

http://www.buktavintage.com/buktahistory.html

Cheers
Paul

I have attached a couple of photos of a green beret believed to have belonged to Tom Churchill.

Doug

Pete,
very nice one also to see the 9 commando hackle which was longer lived than the yellow 5 commando hackle. Given the floppy look and overall impression I think this one is ww2 era.

Cheers
JB

Pete wrote:I do not really know much about the Berets, and certainly bow to the greater knowledge of those who have posted on this topic. However I wondered if you had spotted this picture in our gallery of the Commando beret of the late Ronald 'Ken' Young of No.9 Cdo. It's a good picture of the inside of his beret.

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/9/ron+young/beret+of+Ronald+_ken_+Young.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

The IWM have a section listing all British wartime beret manufacturers.
Try: iwm.org.uk/collections

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 02/01/2012 19:09:42

I've distilled everything I know about WWII berets into a quick guide attached, hopefully this summary is helpful but by no means complete, I'd welcome any comments additions or corrections

Cheers
Paul

August 8 2010 053.jpg

Very impressing and useful document Paul,

Not a lot of comments. The beige liner was made by Kangol in 45 and 46 and I have seen it only in maroon berets. I have once owned one produced 1945 but with WD inspection stamp L (1946). See attached. If a beret has been messed with and eg a ww2 tankers lining has been put in a green beret it is really tricky. In done well you only discover on close inspection when it is in your hands.

Cheers

JB

Belly wrote:I've distilled everything I know about WWII berets into a quick guide attached, hopefully this summary is helpful but by no means complete, I'd welcome any comments additions or corrections

Cheers
Paul

Thanks JB

Nice red beret! I think we drifted off topic a bit but I've really enjoyed this thread!!

Happy New Year!

Paul

Belly wrote:I think we drifted off topic a bit but I've really enjoyed this thread!!

Paul

The answer to my original question and much more. An enjoyable and educational thread!
Thanks to all.
Steve :)