Royal Air Force Uniform Caps, Hats and Helmets

[kradman]

RAF uniform of Otto Walter Neumark who was a Czech volunteer in Finland in the Winter War

[Michael Ryan]

Hi Kradman, Thank you for your post. It is a nice named grouping and a bit more history of the original owner would go down well. Would you be prepared to show close ups of the two caps? Given their historical associations I am inclined to think that they deserve their own post(s)?

Thank you once again Michael R

PS Got any more caps to show????????????????????????????????? With or without uniforms!!

[kradman]

Hi Michael

I have already shown before please see link below , I will try to post some better photos of the caps

Interesting RAF Uniform Otto Walter Neumark Finnish winter War Volunteer

[gbalke]

I previously mentioned that I had a RAAF side cap on its way to me. Well, it arrived inn today's mail and to say the least I am in awe as to the cap's condition. It appears to be unissued; no front buttons have been sewed to the cap and the interior label looks to be fresh. The RAAF cap badge looks pristine as well. Give me your thoughts.

[reneblacky]

Nice cap, but I have to say that for me the hunt for the front buttons has been very, very difficult and still no success.

[gbalke]

Rene, was it common practice to not sew on the front buttons?

[reneblacky]

I think it was de mobbed I found a bunch like this and a couple that were sewn together at the front

[gbalke]

This one is stitched together, thought that might be how they were issued. Perhaps someone back in the 40's removed all front buttons from these caps and is hoarding them all hoping to corner the market? Ah, maybe not.

[Michael Ryan]

Hi All, A variety of Other Ranks caps to view.

OR 375 Not strictly an Other Ranks cap, more and all ranks private purchase item. These base ball type caps are worn by members of JACIG teams on and unofficial basis. JACIG, the Joint Arms Control Implementation Group was set up to monitor the implementation of agreements following the draw down of the Cold War with similar groups set up by other NATO and former Communist countries. Their remit is to escort foreign groups within UK military establishments and to inspect similar establishments and facilities in other countries. Their spheres of responsibility include:

1. Biological weapons
2. Conventional weapons
-1990 Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty
-1995 Dayton Agreement on Conventional Weapons
-Landmines
-1992 Open Skies Agreement
3. Chemical weapons
4. Nuclear weapons
-Arms control and disarmament.



OR 470 Duty cap worn by all personnel of the Royal Air Force Police (RAFP) up to the rank of Flight Sergeant inclusive and commonly referred to by other RAF personnel as "Snowdrops" because of the white caps.





OR 378 Number 1 HD cap of mid 1950's vintage.





OR 606 Full Dress cap of 1960 and 70's vintage. The cap has a miniature cap badge embroidered in gold wire and coloured silks and the embellishment comprises three gold braid arcs around the outer edge of the visor signifying the rank of Sergeant. An interesting note at this point, although basically the same ranks, Sergeant and Senior Technician wore their chevrons mounted in opposite directions ergo Senior Technician's were point up, US style and Sergeant's were point down in conventional style. A further distinction was a total lack of embellishment on the visors of caps worn by those musicians holding technical rather than command ranks. This is a surprisingly rare cap despite the number of musicians of the period.

[Michael Ryan]

Hi, A further two RAF caps to view.

JO 411 Sd cap with QC cap badge. This particular cap was worn by Wing Commander Banks whilst serving as Principal Director of Music (PDM) RAF Music Services.





JO 459 Full Dress cap worn by Directors of Music in all commissioned ranks up to Wing Commander inclusive. Of note and as previously mentioned, this pattern cap can be found with both blue/grey and black crown piping. In this case black giving the cap an unusual and impressive look.