Polish or Prussian insignia

[StefanM]

The Mercian Regiment is an infantry regiment of the British Army, formed by the amalgamation of three existing regiments on 1 September 2007.

So the beret badge can only be seven years old at most...unless it was the brigade which was formed in 1948?

[Steelhead10]

the Brigade that was formed in 1948 didn't use a standardized cap badge until 1958 and every single cap badge I see is metal for the Mercian Brigade and Regiment but I did see some cloth ones but they were in a triangle/diamond shape and not a square?

[Jerry B]

Is there a Cadet unit associated with the Mercians, as it reminds me of such?

[Steelhead10]

yes there is but most pictures don't show them with cap badges