RAF Cap, Unsure of Date

[Spitace41]

Hi all. Just after opinions on the date of this RAF cap. I am unsure of whether this style was used during the WW2 or not? I have tried to capture the markings on the inside as best I can but they are rather faint. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

[Jerry B]

pre 53 if the badge is correct and pre 1970's from the sizing, but WWII or early post war seems correct.

[douglas2496]

This is a 1950's cap. I have one exactly the same dated 1952. During the war, enlisted men wore the RAF field service cap only (the officers wore peaked caps or field service caps) but the other ranks changed to this peaked type around 1950, and as Jerry says the badge type changed to staybright aluminium with Queens crown in 1953.

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

Hi, my local surplus used to have these exact same cap types still in their original boxes 20 years ago and as Douglas says, they were all early 1950's examples. Even the "greased" lining was in the same condition! Leon.

[Michael Ryan]

Hi Douglas, I agree with all you say except!!!!!! In 53 the crown was changed but the construction remained of brass. Anodised insignia for all other ranks was introduced in the T72 Uniform Clothing Package along with the dark blue badge field. However, anodised buttons were "allowed" as a private purchase item and can be found with both post and pre 53 crowns.

Cheers Michael

[douglas2496]

Thanks Michael, I always learn something new from you!

[Jerry B]

Any badges of AA/staybright with the kings crown are quite uncommonly seem and therefore attract a higher price. Mind you the prices that some AA badges attract was quite shock to me.

[Ocad]

Just casting my opinion. I would say it is 1950s from the vinyl chinstrap and peak, which also looks vinyl? The lining is oilskin which was mostly used on Officers.


Regarding the wearing of this cap, some sources state that the SD was withdrawn during the war, and only used by certain specialist units of the RAF, such as drivers etc. Furthermore a 1941 pamplet state that the OR badge was worn on the ORs peak cap.

However period imagery serves to show that the FS cap was more predominant.

[Spitace41]

Thanks for the replys all. I had guessed post war but was not 100% sure. Still its quite a nice cap so will hang onto it for a bit. Cheers.