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The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

Article about: Well, that is what some troops called it! The correct title was "Cap, General Service". It was first introduced under "Army Council Instruction 1407" of September 1943. T

  1. #1

    Default The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

    Well, that is what some troops called it!

    The correct title was "Cap, General Service". It was first introduced under "Army Council Instruction 1407" of September 1943. This cap was designed to replace the "Field Service cap" or "FS Cap" that had been worn since the outbreak of war. (Familar to all as the cap worn in TV's "Dad's Army") I have coverd the FS cap here:

    https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/ussr-...rvice-cap.html

    These caps were issued in priority to units serving overseas. UK based units got theirs later on. It was at first unpopular due to it's over large appearance. The cap was not a beret. It was made from several peices of drab cloth material, whereas a beret was a one piece item. It was based on the Scottish balmoral bonnet in design. First issues were made from the same gaberdine cloth as the old "FS" cap.

    Badges worn on it were the conventional Officers bronze, and OR's badges in both plastic and metal. Units which had special distinctions could still wear these on the "GS" cap.

    The cap was worn by regulation one inch above the eyebrows, with badge over the left eye and the cap pulled down to the right. But many wartime photos will show it worn pushed back on the head, which seemed to be a fashion with many squaddies late in the War.

    Officers could only obtain the cap upon repayment to the RAOC. They were not allowed to purchase the cap until their unit had been issued with it wholesale. Higher rankng Officers often got away with wearing a Khaki beret, which was, of course, against regulations Fashion conscious OR's would also risk wrath from upon high by buying one of these for "walking out".

    Interior pic shows the Glasgow makers mark and 1945 date
    Click to enlarge the picture Click to enlarge the picture The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"  
    Attached Images Attached Images The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous" 

  2. #2

    Default Re: The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

    These caps used to be common and not very sought after, but now they are reproduced for re-enactors and originals have gone up in price.

    This particular example was issued to a member of the Royal Engineers as can be seen from his stenciled service number to the caps lining.

    Photographed again this time with an RE cap badge in place.

    Note the multi peice construction and double air vent grommets at the back of the cap
    Click to enlarge the picture Click to enlarge the picture The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"   The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"  

    The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"   The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"  


  3. #3

    Default Re: The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

    Super post Ade! Inteersting and valuable info.

    Here's a pic of a corporal in the Polish Armed Forces in the West wearing the arguably venerable GS cap.

    Cheers,
    Tony
    Attached Images Attached Images The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous" 

  4. #4

    Default Re: The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

    Hi Tony, that is a nice photo of the cap in wear. Worn in typical Polish fashion on the back of the head

    As I mentioned earlier, British troops, when off duty, would often wear the cap like that too, which was strictly against regulations!

    Cheers, Ade.

  5. #5
    ?

    Default Re: British GS cap or Cap, ridiculous!

    Not the most fashionable bit of headwear we ever produced Ade !! the jaunty back of the head look was certainly popular.

    Haven't really seen that many for sale , maybe the lads just binned them as soon as they could !!

    regards

    Paul
    The gates of hell were opened and we accepted the invitation to enter" 26/880 Lance Sgt, Edward Dyke. 26th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers , ( 3rd Tyneside Irish )

    1st July 1916

    Thought shall be the harder , heart the keener,
    Courage the greater as our strength faileth.
    Here lies our leader ,in the dust of his greatness.
    Who leaves him now , be damned forever.
    We who are old now shall not leave this Battle,
    But lie at his feet , in the dust with our leader

    House Carles at the Battle of Hastings

  6. #6

    Default Re: The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

    Useful thread. Do these always have the two vents/gromments in them?
    Regards,

    Jerry

    Whatever its just an opinion.

  7. #7

    Default Re: The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

    Hi Jerry, if my memory serves me correctly, yes they usually have the air vents.

    Cheers, Ade.
    Had good advice? Saved money? Why not become a Gold Club Member, just hit the green "Join WRF Club" tab at the top of the page and help support the forum!

  8. #8

    Default Re: The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

    Thanks Ade. I assumed they did but assumption is the mother of all F#ck ups.
    Regards,

    Jerry

    Whatever its just an opinion.

  9. #9

    Default Re: The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

    My two cents added to this interesting thread. A GS cap badged to a member of the South African Army Technical Services Corps, most likely WWII or immediately post war period. Please take notice of the piece of perspex that had been used in order to prevent the split pin damaging the liner and to give the GS cap, in fact a sort of beret, its right tilted slant.
    Click to enlarge the picture Click to enlarge the picture The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"   The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"  

    The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"   The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"  

    The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"  

  10. #10

    Default Re: The General Service cap or "Cap, Ridiculous"

    A fine example and good to see SA used one. Here is my example.https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/USA-b...istory-233210/
    Regards,

    Jerry

    Whatever its just an opinion.

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